Lead Dispatcher

Lead Dispatcher (Full-Time)

Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority/Palmetto Breeze

25 Benton Field Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 has an immediate opening for a Lead Dispatcher.  

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• 13 paid holidays 

Position Summary:

The Palmetto Breeze Lead Dispatcher supervises and coordinates the daily activities of transit dispatch operations. This position ensures the efficient scheduling and dispatching of drivers and vehicles, monitors service delivery in real-time, and acts as the primary communication link between field staff and operations management. The Lead Dispatcher plays a key role in maintaining service reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor real-time transit operations via dispatch software, GPS systems, and radio communication.
• Assign, coordinate, and adjust vehicle and operator assignments to maintain service schedules and minimize service interruptions.
• Lead and mentor a team of dispatchers, providing training and support as needed.
• Serve as the point of contact for escalated service issues or incidents.
• Coordinate response to accidents, emergencies, vehicle breakdowns, or service disruptions.
• Ensure accurate completion of daily dispatch logs, incident reports, and documentation.
• Communicate with supervisors, drivers, maintenance, and customer service staff to relay information and resolve operational issues.
• Monitor driver hours and compliance with DOT and labor regulations.
• Support the Director of Operations and Mobility Manager with reporting, data collection, and performance tracking.
• Participate in service planning and optimization initiatives.
• Maintain a strong understanding of routes, schedules, and service areas.
• Assists the Director of Operations in the formulation of the system’s policies and procedures. Ensures that these are understood and followed by the operators to guarantee high-quality and professional transit service. 
• Documents all no-shows, delays in service, driver no-shows, and contacts the driver to verify the routes are covered and have left the base. 
• Assists the drivers and makes sure they have necessary paperwork available.
• Keypunches information from trip sheets to computer within 48 hours of receipt; making all corrections before payroll is completed. 
• Coordinates payroll process with Payroll Clerk.  
• During emergency situations provides dispatch duties to facilitate the safe evacuation of passengers and/or residents.  
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations or Designee.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT DRUG & ALCOHOL:

Must successfully pass pre-employment drug test, as well as random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol tests. 

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 in small group situations to vehicle operators, customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate basic math. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and numerical numbers; the ability to judge distance and apply geographical concepts using mathematical skills.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in a sometimes-hectic environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

A valid SC Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement is preferred. Must obtain certificates in Defensive Driving, Customer Service, Fire Extinguisher, CPR, Blood Pathogens, First Aid, Safety Training, and Passenger Sensitivity within one year of employment with Palmetto Breeze. Must keep all certificates listed in the first sentence of this paragraph current. A certificate in computer technology and customer service is a plus. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Has supervisory responsibility for all dispatchers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable procedures. Responsibilities include directing work and addressing complaints.

Indirectly supervises vehicle operators. Is responsible for the overall direction and coordination of vehicle operators and client transportation. 

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 Palmetto Breeze requires.  Report health and safety concerns related to performing the duties of your job to supervisors and report any ongoing/unresolved health and safety concerns to the Executive Director.  

MANDATORY AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Must have at the time of employment and maintain throughout the period of employment, an operational telephone in the employee’s private residence, or an operational mobile phone.

All employees are requested to work during a disaster event or evacuation when requested.  

Please refer to Palmetto Breeze’s personnel policies for additional guidance regarding Palmetto Breeze policies.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in transportation dispatch operations, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of transit dispatch systems and software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Provides good customer service, possess positive attitude and excellent team working skills.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations and make sound decisions quickly.
• Leadership ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Knowledge of applicable safety, labor, and transportation regulations (e.g., FTA, SCDOT, ADA).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other operations software.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with frequent computer and radio usage.
• May require working nights, weekends, holidays, or split shifts.
• On-call responsibilities may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for long periods.
• Manual dexterity for typing and using radio/computer equipment.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 lbs.

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Pay is $21.00 - $25.00 per hour. Full-time employees are eligible for great state health plan benefits/retirement. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and drug screen. Apply online at: https://www.palmettobreezetransit.com/apply-online or call us at (843)757-7139.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

The LRTA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and will consider all applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

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