Commuter Rail Train Dispatcher at Utah Transit Authority – Salt Lake City, Utah

Description

Supervises continuous daily operation of UTA’s Commuter Rail System, integrating system support services of Rail Service with other UTA departments into a unified transportation product. Directs and coordinates safe and efficient movement of railroad traffic within a specified territory from a central and/or regional location, being particularly sensitive to arriving at work on time, in position, and responsive on the radio while on duty. Facilitates maximum utilization of maintenance resources by optimizing time available for inspection, repair, and capital improvement of railroad track infrastructure and signals. Works with Vehicle Maintenance and Maintenance of Way Supervisors to rectify vehicle, track, and signaling issues.

Supports Rail Service Operations to meet the goal of a safe, reliable, and friendly system. Aids Commuter Rail Operations Supervisors with training as needed to ensure that a good transportation value is received. Fosters a climate of communication, cooperation, and respect. Maintains detailed and accurate records of train movements, logs, and schedules. Uses radios, telephones, and sophisticated computer systems to monitor assigned trains. Assists in Train Operator Efficiency tests in accordance with department 217 testing plan. Manages resources in a safe and efficient manner. Ensures safety of crews while meeting operational and financial targets outlined by the business unity. Represents department in meetings with outside agencies, being self-motivated, reliable, and proactive. Does not have any direct report employees but oversees employees on duty during the shift.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Associate’s degree in Business Management or a related field, or equivalent experience. (Equivalency: may substitute two years of business-related work experience for one year of required college education. For example, if the applicant has no college education, he or she may substitute four years of business-related work experience for the two years of college education.) Must pass a pre-qualification exam.

EXPERIENCE:

Four years leadership experience which may include supervision, operating instructor, union position, or other relevant supervisory experience. Good previous job performance. (In evaluating previous job performance, the following will be considered: miss-outs, non-FMLA protected unscheduled absences, and formal disciplinary actions.) Three years customer service experience solving problems and giving direction. Two years of work experience in the Transit industry preferred. One year of work experience in a dispatch/control position preferred. Familiarity with rail transit preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Must have strong knowledge of all commuter rail required training, procedures, methods and core competencies including FRA and GCOR requirements.

• Knowledge of radio system with GCOR procedures and protocols.
• Typing 35 wpm net
• Leadership
• Conflict Resolution
• Organization, Time Management, and Self-Management
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Multi-tasking with a high degree of detail orientation

Abilities:

• Pass basic level skills test in Word and Excel
• Pass basic grammar skills test.
• Perform physical requirements of the job including floor to waist lifting up to 25 lbs., reaching/lifting overhead up to 10 lbs., infrequent climbing into and out of Rail Service vehicles, and prolonged periods of sitting and standing.
• Pass FRA required Audiometric and Colorblind tests
• Qualify as a UTA Commuter Rail Train Dispatcher through the UTA Front-Runner Training Team, in accordance with the Dispatcher Certification Program, including Annual Rules Exams, Territory exams, and random Dispatcher Efficiency Tests while maintaining minimum qualifications.
• Read and understand training materials, operating manuals & operating and safety rules directives
• Pass a rules test every year
• Recertify Dispatcher Certificate every 3 years
• Prioritize competing demands.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret and accurately communicate UTA’s Policies and Procedures.
• Train others in specialized area.
• Work any scheduled shift within a 24/7/365 rotation to ensure continuous operation of the Front Runner Control Center.
• Communicate with personnel using sensitivity, diplomacy, and tactfulness – particularly under stressful conditions, both internally and externally.
• Problem solve and demonstrate emotional control in crisis situations, using tact and diplomacy.
• Maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Work in a fast-paced, team environment.

UTA Competencies:

• Communicates Effectively – Creating an open environment in which thoughts are expressed freely and information flows easily.
• Decision Making – Making sound decisions that consider multiple options, seeking input from others; reaching good decisions in a timely manner.
• Drives Results – Fostering a strong bottom-line orientation; accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks; exceeding goals successfully; pushing self and others to achieve results.
• Embraces Outward Mindset – Exhibiting strong E.I. skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management). Relating comfortably with people across levels, functions, culture, and geography. Partnering with others to get work done. Managing conflict. Seeking feedback without being defensive.
• Develops Self & Others – Taking action to continuously improve. Accepting assignments that broaden capabilities. Placing a high priority on developing others. Developing others through coaching, feedback, exposure, and stretch assignments.
• Ensures Fairness – Concerned with the welfare of others and expressing that concern on a personal level. Distributing resources fairly. Giving others a voice prior to reaching decisions that affect them. Reaching decisions through a fair process. Explaining to others why and how decisions were made that impact them.

- OR -

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

[UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.]

UTA’s benefits package for full-time administrative employees includes:

• Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance (eligible after 30 days of employment), with Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts. Choice between Traditional Co-Pay or High Deductible Health Plans for medical coverage. HSA with company match available to employees enrolled in the HDHP. Benefit plans include coverage for domestic partners (eligibility affidavit required for coverage).
• Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children
• 22 days of accrued paid time off (13 vacation days and 9 sick days), which increases with tenure at UTA
• 10 paid holidays and two paid (2) floating holidays per year
• Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan, available for immediate contributions and company matching
• Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree (bachelor, master, or PHD). Course of study must be approved prior to enrollment.
• Training, development, and career advancement opportunities
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).
• Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children
• Employee assistance program – includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.
• UTA Well – a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.
• Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness.

For more information on UTA’s Total Rewards benefits package, please visit: https://jobs.jobvite.com/rideuta/#benefits

Utah Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer of all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, covered veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact UTA Human Resources at 801-287-2324. A minimum of two work days' notice prior to the need for the accommodation is required.

Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40, 655, and 219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test. If a pre-employment test returns a non-negative result, an application for employment may be rejected. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing for drug and alcohol use. All safety sensitive employees are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use.