PUBLIC WORKS DISPATCHER (#MU1 )

$30.60-$38.67 hourly / $5,304.00-$6,703.00 monthly / $63,648.00-$80,433.60 yearly

Under general supervision, to dispatch Public Work's crews and equipment in a coordinated manner; to operate a radio receiver and voice transmitter to handle routine and emergency calls and transmit messages; and to do other work as required.

This single position class works with the public to obtain information on road damage or public works related problems and to dispatch road crews and equipment, to answer questions or to refer calls. The work requires the ability to keep accurate records. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to handle emergency situations with independent judgment, where an error may have adverse consequences, and where the incumbent must possess the ability to function accurately and efficiently under stress. The incumbent must learn and use a wide variety of details, codes and Public Works operating procedures, and become familiar with street locations, boundaries of the various jurisdictions, and county geography. This class differs from the class of Communications Dispatcher who dispatch police, fire and other public safety personnel and equipment in emergency situations on a 24 hour, 7 day-a-week basis.

Answers phone inquiries on Public Works inquiries and problems concerning road maintenance and construction; requests basic information to determine nature of call, location of the problem, type of action and equipment required; gives out information or refers callers as appropriate; evaluates extent of emergencies and amounts and types of personnel and equipment needed; dispatches Public Work's crews and equipment; advises various agencies when roads are closed; refers to specialized manuals and formats to access data and obtain desired information; reads road and street atlas, wall maps, business and residential directories and manuals to pinpoint inquiry or emergency areas and give precise directions to Public Works personnel; maintains detailed log records of calls; maintains fuel supply for the equipment yard by monitoring use and ordering fuel as required; maintains records, and schedules required physicals for Public Works personnel; orders supplies and forms; maintains an inventory for supplies; may maintain and updates computerized equipment inventory; routes correspondence; may prepare correspondence and reports; maintains records and files.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the equipment and material used in road and sanitation construction, maintenance and repair;
• Working knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

Ability to:

• Take messages accurately; determine nature of the problem or request and determine appropriate action;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, co-workers and others contacted in the course of work;
• Hear and comprehend normal radio and telephone communications;
• Read maps to locate areas;
• Understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Speak clearly and distinctly and use correct English;
• Quickly learn applicable rules, regulations and procedures;
• Maintain accurate and legible records;
• Operate calculators and make arithmetic calculations;
• Learn the locations of roads and streets, and geography of Santa Cruz County;
• Remain seated for long periods of time;
• Learn to operate a computer terminal to input and retrieve data.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

One year of office or field experience in a Public Works department or related agency which has included public contact.