Dispatcher (Safety Sensitive) - Starting at $27.00/hr
TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT INC
Ithaca
Straight from the company’s own careers site.
The job in short
Safety-sensitive dispatcher.
PayrollLogistics
Details
- Found
- 28 d ago · posted 2026-03-01
- Location
- Ithaca, NY, USA
- Pay (as listed)
- $27–$32.50 an hour
Full description
Job Details: Job Location: Headquarters - Ithaca, NY, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $27.00 - $32.50Hourly, Job Category: Transportation, Some people are at their best when everything is happening at once...
They can see the big picture while managing the details. They stay calm when plans change. They earn trust because they're fair, dependable, and make sound decisions under pressure.
If that sounds like you, TCAT may be the place for your next career move!
We're looking for a Dispatcher to help coordinate daily transit operations throughout Tompkins County. This role sits at the center of service delivery, connecting Operators, maintenance staff, supervisors, and emergency resources to keep service running safely, reliably, and efficiently.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in fast-paced, safety-sensitive operations such as transportation, logistics, public transit, emergency services, utilities, manufacturing, aviation, or other environments where communication, coordination, and judgment are critical.
Every day presents new challenges.
An Operator calls in sick before a pullout. A vehicle needs attention from maintenance. A special event causes route delays.
As a Dispatcher, you'll help make the decisions that keep service moving and support the Operators who serve our community. You'll balance priorities, solve problems in real time, and provide a steady presence throughout the service day.
Success in this position comes from strong communication, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain situational awareness across multiple moving parts.
What You'll Do:
Coordinate Daily Operations
Build and manage Operator schedules in accordance with the labor agreement
Assign Operators and vehicles to ensure service coverage
Manage open work assignments and daily schedule adjustments
Monitor Operator check-ins and vehicle departures
Coordinate schedule coverage for absences and operational disruptions
Process time-off requests and attendance documentation
Maintain accurate information in scheduling and operations software
Produce reports and daily operational records
Support coordination of required drug and alcohol testing
Serve as the Communication Hub
Monitor and manage two-way radio communications
Maintain communication with Operators, mechanics, supervisors, mobility-on-demand (MOD) personnel, and emergency responders
Coordinate responses to service disruptions and operational issues
Support operations during weather events and emergency situations
Relay information clearly, accurately, and efficiently
Support Operators and Service Quality
Assist Operators with day-to-day problems and operational questions
Provide guidance and support to help employees succeed
Help ensure policies and procedures are consistently applied
Monitor attendance and maintain related records
Assist with payroll-related scheduling and timekeeping processes
Administer MOD service requests
Help create a professional, organized Operations environment
Additional Responsibilities
Drive a transit vehicle during emergencies when necessary
Provide backup support for street supervision activities
Assist with special events and other operational needs
Who Will Be Successful Here?: Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes, safety-sensitive, or unionized environment is especially valuable!
We're looking for someone who:
Maintains composure and makes good decisions under pressure
Communicates effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
Builds credibility through fairness, consistency, and follow-through
Enjoys solving operational problems and coordinating moving pieces
Can balance immediate issues without losing sight of the bigger picture
Is organized, dependable, and adaptable
Understands the importance of safety, service reliability, and teamwork
Can work productively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required
CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements required, or ability to obtain within three months of hire
Previous dispatching experience preferred
Strong computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and operational software
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
Ability to work variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing
Why Join TCAT?
TCAT provides essential public transportation throughout Tompkins County. Our employees make a direct impact on the daily lives of thousands of riders by helping them reach work, school, healthcare, and community destinations safely and reliably.
As a Dispatcher, you'll play a key role in supporting Operators, coordinating service, and helping ensure our community stays connected.
Benefits
Health Insurance (Excellus BCBS, significant employer contribution)
Vision & Dental Insurance (Employer Paid)
Life/AD&D Insurance (Employer Paid)
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
401(k) with direct 10% employer contribution after two years
Paid Time Off:
15 vacation days
6 paid holidays
5 floating holidays
7 sick days
3 personal days
Employee Assistance Program
Childcare Assistance Program
Medical FSA & HSA Options
Apply Today!
1. Apply In Person: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850.
2. Apply Online or visit tcatbus.com/careers to learn more.
3. Apply by Mail or Fax – Click link for printable application and mail to 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or fax to 607-277-9551.
Please be sure to complete all fields unless otherwise indicated and print clearly so that all information is legible and/or free of typos. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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