Job Openings

Paratransit Dispatcher Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY
This position directly supervises a team of bus operators in the performance of their daily duties to maintain an efficient and reliable transit system. Monitors bus service and investigates and analyzes situations which impact or may impact bus service. Make some independent operations decisions and communicates with radio dispatcher and/or management persons on more complex issues. Interacts with management, bus operators, other employees, passengers and the public to coordinate problem resolution, provide information, carry out assignments and maintain high quality and timely transit service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervises a team of 14 to 16 bus operator’s performance and behavior: monitors passenger interaction skills, and coaches’ operators in use of time.
  • Checks and instructs periodically on proper revenue, transfers, and fare box data collections, and recommends training or retraining, as appropriate to ensure compliance with safety policies.
  • Responds to the constant changing needs of the BJCTA in relation to coverage of operations, sometimes on minimal notice.
  • Investigates accidents, incidents, disputes, and disturbances as assigned, in accordance with policy, and in conjunction with involved parties.
  • Participates in emergency preparedness planning and coordination.
  • Conducts time point and passenger load checks to ensure schedule and route efficiency.
  • Reschedules buses due to disruptions in service, in conjunction with dispatch and as appropriate.
  • Coordinates routing and scheduling of personnel for special events.
  • Audits service, routes and road conditions and recommends alternate routes to dispatch or suggests service improvements.
  • Recommends adjustments to running time or additions/deletions to schedules and routes to ensure quality service.
  • Write reports regarding service disruptions, security incidents and operator performance/behavior in accordance with policies and procedures. May assist operators in filing reports.
  • Monitors and records service delays and service loss.
  • Tracks and coordinates temporary route detours with police, city, state and county agencies.
  • Assists in the processing and follow-up of customer service complaints and requests.
  • Assesses ability of operators to continue in service when investigating accidents, incidents, and potential substance abuse problems.
  • Evaluates the security of an accident scene and determines if the Safety Department needs to be called out.
  • Coordinates with police agencies regarding assaults, disturbances, and undercover operations.
  • Organizes and prioritizes activities ensuring details are accurate.
  • Monitors buses for general appearance, safety compliance and maintenance condition.
  • Assists in interviews and screening new hires as operators.
  • Assists in coordinating the BJCTA’s response to emergencies, severe weather conditions, evacuations, etc.
  • Coordinates with Human Resources and managers and supervisors regarding incidents, accidents, policies, and procedures.
  • Conducts fare inspection audits, policy adherence campaigns, and assists in drug and alcohol program.
  • Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of the BJCTA, working effectively in a diverse work environment.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
  • Ability to complete an assigned task in a safe manner and in a constant state of alertness.
  • Must read chemical labels and follow safe handling procedures.
  • Must understand and follow all safety rules.
  • Take the proper corrective action when an infraction is observed.
  • Must be able to work in a cooperative manner with co-workers and supervisors.
  • Must participate in Supervisory Management Training within twelve (12) months of newly hired, promoted, or transferred.
  • BJCTA is a Drug Free Workplace. Participation in BJCTA’s Drug & Alcohol Program is a condition of employment. Failure to adhere to BJCTA’s Drug & Alcohol Program will result in termination. Every BJCTA employee is responsible for reading and observing the requirements of the Drug & Alcohol Policy. This has been identified as SAFETY SENSITIVE
  • Performs any other duties similar in nature and level as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise bus operators, and the overall transit service an assigned section. 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
Follow the work practices and standard operating procedures for this position. Use and/or wear the appropriate equipment, protective devices or clothing that BJCTA requires. Report health and safety concerns related to performing the duties of your job to supervisors and report any on-going/unresolved health and safety concerns to the Administration Department or safety representatives. 

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum age – 21 years. 

EDUCATION
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from a two-year college is preferred, but not required. Management or supervisory training desirable, but not required. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience is required as a full-time bus operator. (This minimum requirement may be met if actual driving experience is supplemented by other directly related______ driving experience). 
Certifications: Current and valid Class “B” or Class A” commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement, including DOT medical card. No more than one (1) moving violation within the last 36 months. 

QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to read a map.
  • Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the BJCTA service area, including, routes, schedules, and equipment.
  • Thorough knowledge of the operating rules, regulations, and procedures for proper and safe operations of transit vehicles.
  • Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of labor contract and related policies and procedures.
  • Working knowledge of computers.
  • Ability to manage time effectively.
  • Ability to track and document facts in a timely manner.
  • Ability to make quick decisions using good judgment and common sense.
  • Ability to adapt to constantly changing situations.
  • Ability to operate a bus and related equipment.
  • Ability to provide wheelchair passengers assistance on or off buses, etc., if required.
  • Ability to manage time, deals with multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Willingness to help in a variety of situations.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity, empathy, and patience.
  • Ability to direct and supervise the work of subordinates.
  • Availability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to communicate; both verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers; including public officials, the riding public, employees, etc.
  • Ability to handle difficult and contentious situations to ensure the safety of the BJCTA’s personnel and customers.
  • Perform other duties similar in nature and level as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Technical Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of building systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and general maintenance practices.
  • Leadership Skills: Ability to effectively manage and motivate a team, delegate tasks, and handle conflict resolution.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills to identify problems and develop solutions for repair and maintenance issues.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with employees, contractors, and management.
  • Safety Awareness: Familiarity with OSHA standards, safety regulations, and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Organizational Skills: Strong planning and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads.
  • Computer Proficiency: Ability to use maintenance management software and other relevant programs to track work orders and maintenance schedules.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Willingness to accept any shift assignment
  • Willingness to substitute for another manager on any shift with proper advance notice

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, ability to compute rates and precents and the ability to draw and interpret bar graphs from data.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  1. Must maintain the physical ability to perform tasks in an office setting, including operating computers, keyboards, and other peripheral equipment.
  2. To assist occasionally in field operations, must maintain the physical ability to:
    • Safely drive a BJCTA automobile
    • Sit in a vehicle intermittently or continually
    • Enter and exit the vehicle quickly and frequently
    • Stand, walk, and climb bus stairs
    • Grasp, lift, hold, and manipulate light items under twenty (20) pounds, such as laptop computers, cell phones, clipboards, and writing implements
    • Occasionally lift heavier items and materials up to fifty (50) pounds
    • Occasionally stoop, kneel, or bend

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Position required working in seasonal weather both indoors and outdoors. Road Supervisor/Dispatchers Job Description October 8, 2024. Revised: 10/08/2024

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have a right to request that the BJCTA make reasonable accommodations to help you accomplish your work, which must still be performed in all its essential functions.

EEO - EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran’s status, disability status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

TESTING
Applicants for this position may be administered a skills and knowledge test.

BJCTA is a Drug-Free/Smoke-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Receipt by BJCTA of a verified negative drug test result and/or negative breath alcohol test result (<0.02 BAC) is required prior to employment. A verified positive drug and/or alcohol test will disqualify an applicant from employment.

Department: Operations 
Reports to: Mobility Manager
FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt