Surface Line Dispatcher
TCAT - Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc.
Ithaca, NYFull-time$27–32.5/hrPosted 7mo agoSeen in employer's feed 5 days ago
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Job overview
TCAT - Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. is hiring a Surface Line Dispatcher. The Dispatcher coordinates bus routes and schedules, manages radio communications, and supports operators to keep public transportation running safely and efficiently in Tompkins County.
Key focus areas include Coordinate weekly operator schedules in compliance with labor agreement, Assign buses and drivers to ensure smooth service, and Handle time‑off requests, schedule changes, and open work boards.
Successful candidates bring High School Diploma Or Equivalent, Willingness To Work Variable Hours, and Willingness To Obtain CDL With Passenger & Air Brake Endorsements Within 3 Months. Important skills include Communication Skills, Clear Speaking Voice, Computer Skills, Email, Excel, and Operations Software. Preferred (not required): Problem-Solving and Collaboration.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Salary Range $27.00 - $32.50 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Education Level High School
Category Transportation
Now Hiring - Dispatcher at TCAT!
Be a logistics hero! Support our operators and keep the system moving.
Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every minute counts? Love being at the center of activity, solving problems on the fly, and keeping people moving? If you have experience in transit, logistics, dispatching, or any role where you’ve juggled schedules, communication, and “lots of moving parts,” TCAT wants to meet you.
We’re looking for a Dispatcher who enjoys dynamic work, can stay cool under pressure, and is ready to make an immediate impact on public transportation in Tompkins County.
As a TCAT Dispatcher, you are the heartbeat of daily operations. You’ll coordinate bus routes, help Operators get what they need, monitor radio communications, and keep our system running safely, efficiently, and on time. When something unexpected happens (and let’s be honest—transit is full of surprises!), you’re the one who brings order to the chaos.
If you like the idea of being the person everyone counts on, this is your kind of job.
What You’ll Do:
Coordinate Routes & Schedules
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Build and manage weekly Operator schedules in compliance with the labor agreement
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Assign buses and drivers to ensure smooth service
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Handle time-off requests, daily schedule changes, and open work boards
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Monitor operator check-ins and departures to keep service on-time
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Support drug and alcohol testing coordination
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Maintain accurate data in operations software and daily documentation
Own the Radio
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Initiate and receive all two-way radio communications
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Act as the go-to contact for Operators, mechanics, Transit Supervisors, emergency responders, and other agencies
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Manage communications during inclement weather and service disruptions
Support & Guide Operators
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Provide coaching, direction, and assistance throughout the day
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Enforce attendance and operational policies
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Help resolve day-to-day issues
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Maintain attendance tracking and timekeeping for payroll
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Administer MOD service requests
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Keep the Operations Area stocked and organized
And Sometimes…
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Drive a transit vehicle in emergencies
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Provide backup street supervision when needed
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Step in for special events, field work, or other duties as they arise
Work Environment
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Primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork
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Exposure to weather and diesel fumes when supporting operations
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Requires attentive listening, frequent computer use, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs)
Who We’re Looking For
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High school diploma or equivalent
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CDL with passenger & air brake endorsements, or willingness to obtain within 3 months
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Experience in dispatching, transit operations, logistics, or fleet management preferred
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Strong communication skills and a clear speaking voice
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Confidence working independently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
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Solid computer skills (email, spreadsheets, operations software)
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Excellent organization, multitasking, and judgment
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Ability to apply policies and stay calm under pressure
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Willingness to work variable hours—including nights, weekends, holidays
Why Join TCAT?
You’ll be part of a mission-driven team that keeps our community moving. The work is meaningful, the pace is lively, and no two days are exactly alike. If you enjoy problem-solving, collaboration, and being at the center of operations, you’ll feel right at home.
Benefits:
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Health Insurance (Excellus BCBS, significant employer contribution)
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Vision & Dental (employer-paid)
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Life/AD&D, Short & Long Term Disability (employer-paid)
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Voluntary employee, spouse, and child life insurance
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401(k) with voluntary employee contributions & 10% employer contribution after 2 years
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Paid Time Off including 15 vacation days, 7 paid holidays, 5 floating holidays (paid out annually if unused), 7 sick days, and 3 personal days
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Employee & Childcare Assistance Programs
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Medical FSA & HSA options
Our Mission: To contribute to the overall social, environmental, and economic health in our service area by delivering safe, reliable and affordable transportation and, at the same time, being a responsive, responsible employer.
Apply today and help keep our transit system moving safely and smoothly!
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