Tampa Historic Streetcar Dispatcher en Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART)

DIVISION: Operations

CLOSING DATE/TIME: Until Filled

LOCATION: 1201 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL. 33605

PAY RATE: $30.39/hr. per Union Contract

POSITION PURPOSE:

Responsible for daily oversight, management and support of THS Streetcar transit operations on the THS Streetcar alignment as well as in the yard and maintenance facility at Ybor. The essential duties and responsibilities listed below describe the position of the Streetcar Dispatcher. This position is a full-time dispatcher position that will report to THS Streetcar management.  These functions are performed seven days a week, 24 hours a day year-round.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Implement and oversee operating rules, schedule adherence, headway management, and compliance with THS standard operating procedures (SOPS), policies and procedures while dispatching THS Streetcar operations.
• Responsible for safety in train movement on the alignment and entering and departing the THS Streetcar barn and lead tracks.
• Manage emergency situations and disabled streetcars on the alignment and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders and first responders as appropriate.
• Interface with Amtrak and CSX dispatching centers as required.
• Make immediate decisions and maintain information in Streetcar Consolidated Report.
• Monitor CSX interlocking via close-circuit video and respond to any abnormal conditions or malfunction according to established policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and communicate in a timely manner the current operating conditions to THS Streetcar management, Streetcar Supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Make prompt notifications within established timeframes to internal HART departments such as HART Safety as well as notifications to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as well as through the HART Everbridge notification system.T
• Contacts proper authorities and/or emergency services in case of accidents or interruptions of service.
• Work closely with THS Streetcar maintenance personnel.
• Utilize Trapeze Ops Module (daily work assignments, extra board assignments, employee status, personnel records and updates, yard management) and Orbital Computer Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location System to monitor performance and headway adherence on the alignment.
• Maintains the extra board for THS Streetcar operations.
• Makes periodic announcements to all THS personnel informing them of current conditions, disruptions in service, personnel on the right-of-way, disabled streetcars or any abnormal condition affecting operations.
• Coordinates mechanical repairs of vehicles with maintenance personnel, and initiates work orders into the EAM system.
• Maintains records for vehicle failures in service and coordinates with THS Streetcar maintenance to ensure all information is captured correctly before entering into the EAM system.
• Control right-of-way access for HART employees and contractors and administer the HART Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program.
• Will coordinate with THS Streetcar management and HART Human Resources to implement the FTA Drug and Alcohol program as required.
• Supports, trains, and counsels THS Streetcar employees as appropriate to achieve the best results for the operation.
• The THS Streetcar Dispatcher will receive and record all absentee calls for THS Streetcar employees.
• May be required to work extended hours in cases of emergency or a staffing shortage affecting operations.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of the riding public on a 24/7 basis

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Substitutes for Transit Supervisors if needed during emergency situations or lack of adequate staffing.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned by THS Streetcar management.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High School graduate or G.E.D certificate required.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Logistics, Communication, Business Management or other related field preferred.
• Two years of progressive supervisory experience in transit with experience in rail preferred.
• Dispatch/Transit Controller experience in transportation, emergency response, and/or military with a focus on rail is preferred.
• One year of transit operator’s experience required. Experience working in a rail or streetcar environment as either an operator or manager is preferred.

Machines, Tools, & Equipment Used:

• Transit Vehicles, two-way radio and telephone, computers.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Florida Driver's License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Completed courses from Transit Safety Institute (TSI), National Transit Institute (NTI) and/or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to react safely, quickly, calmly, and proficiently in emergency situations.
• Ability to use a HART two-way radio communication system.
• Ability to operate HART’s Trapeze Ops Module (daily assignments, extra board assignments, employee status, personnel records and updates, yard management) and Orbital Computer Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location System.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under stress and interruption while providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to interact positively with a variety of personalities internally and externally.
• Ability to comprehend local geography.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain daily dispatch log.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, and to meet deadlines.
• Analytical/problem solver ability.
• Ability to work in a timely fashion on multiple concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to perform calculations with accuracy.
• Ability to withstand criticism and hostility under pressure and perform in a courteous manner.
• Ability to dress appropriately and maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to conduct oneself so that they are not a threat to themselves or others.
• Ability to meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
• Ability to be a flexible, effective team player.
• Knowledge of extra board procedures.
• Knowledge defensive driving techniques.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures and policies of the Authority.
• Knowledge of geographical area of county and city.
• Knowledge of HART schedules and routes.
• Knowledge of two-way radio communication system.
• Knowledge of ATU bargaining unit contract.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Constant periods of sitting, oral and written communication and listening.
• Frequent periods of telephone and radio usage.
• Occasional periods of hearing, near and far visual acuity, and depth perception.
• Frequent periods of computer usage.
• Occasional periods of walking, bending and stretching.
• Work nights and weekends.
• Work in a high pace environment.