At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Operations Control Center Dispatcher– Rapid Transit Lines( RTL) will oversee the movement of trains on Subway Operations Rapid Transit Lines (Red,Orange,Blue) to ensure that consistent headways and schedules are maintained.

Duties & Responsibilities

Act as a liaison between Subway Operations and all other departments involved in the expeditious movement of trains and the security and safety of the Authority’s passengers and employees.
Monitor and process incoming radio and telephone calls and notify the proper departments of all vehicle or infrastructure defects and/or emergencies.
Make immediate decisions during off-peak hours and/or in the absence of supervisory personnel, maintaining an accurate, chronological log of all reported incidents involving the Authority.
Oversee and assign work within the Tower Operator’s area and control and monitor the activities of Motorpersons, Train Attendants, Yard Personnel, Tower Persons, Inspectors, and Chief Inspectors.
Use all available tools, including all necessary electronic and digital systems, and procedures involved in the expeditious movement of trains to improve service and to notify customers of delays, diversions, or other information of interest to the MBTA’s ridership.
Demonstrate proficiency with all available tools and procedures involved in the expeditious movement of trains and the improvement service, including the intake of radio and telephone calls and the notification of customers of delays, diversions, or other information of interest to them.
Notify the Customer Call Center and supervisory personnel when delays in service occur. Monitor the Control Center Office and the use of all related equipment.
Monitor the security of the building containing the Operations Control Center during night and weekend shifts.
Notify Senior Managers, appropriate Police and/or Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services of serious accidents and/or incidents.
Assume the duties of the Supervisor and make immediate decisions, often involving emergency situations, when necessary.
Ensure the safety of passengers and employees through the enforcement of Authority standards and policies and knowledge of system safety principles set forth in the current MBTA Safety Plan.
Work all shifts, including overnights and weekends, and/or locations as assigned or directed.
Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or coworker, in a courteous and professional manner.
Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with other MBTA employees.
Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
Provide professional and courteous customer service through all interactions with internal and external customers via telephone or written communication.
Respond or report to work as directed by Supervisory Personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair the safety or service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the Authority, including the Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”), Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation laws and policies.
Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
- Compensation: Candidates hired through this requisition shall be paid at a rate of 80% of the RTL Dispatcher rate during their time in RTL Dispatcher training. Once graduated from training, they shall be paid at the full RTL Dispatcher rate.
- Probationary Period: Candidates hired through this requisition shall serve a probationary period during their time in RTL Dispatcher training and continuing through 90 days actually worked as an RTL dispatcher from the date on which they completed training.
- Completion of Training: Candidates hired through this requisition must successfully complete all aspects of RTL Dispatcher training, including passing all required examinations, within the time period required by the Authority. Should a candidate hired through this requisition fail to successfully complete all aspects of RTL Dispatcher training, they shall be disqualified from the RTL Dispatcher position and discharged from employment. Such candidates hired through this requisition will remain eligible for other employment within the Authority, subject to any applicable minimum entrance requirements.

Supervision
NONE

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) from an accredited institution.
Seven (7) years of professional experience.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Excellent multitasking ability and situational awareness.
Effective organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge and mastery of basic computer skills, and the ability to quickly learn enterprise database applications.
Ability to satisfactorily complete a twenty-four (24) week training period. Training may be extended for up to, but no more than, two (2) weeks (for a total of twenty-six (26) weeks) if the trainee needs additional time to master the training concepts.

Trainees who do not complete the training program within twenty-six (26) weeks will be disqualified from the training program, and employment will be terminated. Such trainees may reapply for the position one year from their exit from the training program.

Trainees must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 80%. The trainee will be given two (2) opportunities to take the exam; if the Trainee is unable to achieve a minimum score of 80% Trainee will be disqualified, and employment will be terminated. Such trainees may reapply for the position one year from their exit from the training program.

Have a satisfactory work record, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records. At least three references will be required, and the reference check must be satisfactorily completed to qualify for an offer.
Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
Ability to work all shifts and/or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstance that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Applicants are required to pass both a Writing Assessment and an Attention to Detail Assessment as part of the interview process.
Successful applicant must have the English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Preferred Experience and Skills

At least three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Transit experience, particularly transit dispatch.
Experience in any of the following fields/industries: Passenger Railroad, Freight Railroad, Emergency Dispatch, Air Traffic Control, Airlines, or other modes of transportation and/or dispatch.

Substitutions Include

None

Job Conditions:

Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment:The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff:During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

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