CLASS SPECIFICATION

TRANSIT COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is non-supervisory work involving centralized command and control of a public transit bus system. Personal contacts of incumbents are diverse, the majority of which are with Bus Operators, to provide and receive information, and to give instructions and directions. Contacts are also regularly maintained with transit system supervisors and traffic monitoring incumbents, representatives of other public and private transportation systems in the Washington, D.C. and surrounding area, such as MARC and WMATA (Metro rail and bus), various public safety agency representatives working in operation centers, and members of the public. The purposes of these contacts are significant, including but not limited to receiving instructions and guidelines, providing information and recommendations, coordinating and implementing individualized and whole system transit service adjustment plans, receiving and passing on traffic conditions and traffic signal malfunction information, reporting and responding to emergencies, receiving and responding to citizen inquiries and complaints and requests for special service, and exchanging information about schedules and routes. The provision of limited direct service/assistance to the public occurs, such as telephone interactions with customers complaining about service or inquiring about articles left on a bus, but such occurrences are incidental to the primary focus of this work and do not require a substantial amount of time.
An incumbent in this class is responsible for continuously monitoring public transit and traffic conditions throughout Montgomery County, and devising individualized and whole system plans, instructions and directions to Bus Operators in order to maintain on-time and safe delivery of transit services. Much of an incumbent's work is performed without direct supervision, requiring the incumbent to quickly craft/select and decisively initiate action plans. Work normally is reviewed upon completion for conformity to policy and established procedures. Guidelines which affect this class of work, such as standard operating procedures, instructions, policies, generally accepted practices, and union agreements, are numerous and detailed, but do not always fit the often unique traffic and related situations/conditions which occur and directly affect the provision of public transit services. These situations/conditions require incumbents to assess the presenting issue and to devise and implement plans for the deployment of equipment and personnel, and which often vary from scheduled service plans and standard operating procedures. Emergency situations may necessitate significant departure from standard operating procedures, and often require the exercise of independent judgment and resourcefulness to ensure the public's safety and provision of timely transit services. The complexity of this class of work is characterized by incumbents who continuously monitor a variety of different traffic/transit conditions, assess the impact of the presenting issue/condition upon Bus Operators, passengers, and equipment involved, and quickly devises solutions which are based on judgment and reflect the best possible whole system plan. Such plans often require coordination with other affected public and private agencies. Work complexity is further evidenced by the utilization of various computer software programs to enter, track and report a variety of transit information. The impact of properly performed work is daily and directly realized by individual Bus Operators and passengers through the corrective actions taken by incumbents to maintain safe and timely public transit service. A larger impact of their work is realized by the actions of the incumbents which incorporate maximum use of Bus Operators and transit equipment, and provide for system wide timely and safe service. Work is performed in a command-like center that is temperature controlled and appropriately lighted and ventilated. The incumbents multi-task at a command console for extended periods by monitoring a range of factors and conditions (including weather, traffic, construction, accidents, Ride On breakdowns and service disruptions in other transit systems), responding to multiple visual and audio inputs (from Bus Operators, Transit Coordinators, operators of other systems, etc.), considering several variables (on deployment of buses and Bus Operators), and using various communications equipment to exchange information and direct the work of Bus Operators. Incumbents use video displays, keyboards, radios and other equipment on a regular, recurring basis. No unusual hazards accrue to this class of work. Incumbents are also required to perform special project work related to transit services including but not limited to: ensuring cameras installed on buses are operating properly; updating the website with new transit system information; procuring transfers and one day passes; providing new incumbent training; recommending, assessing and implementing safety and security measures; participating on assigned committees; and researching and writing specifications for procurement of services and equipment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (illustrative only):
Monitors and assesses system wide transit operations, traffic, road, weather and other conditions and situations which may impact the safe and on time delivery of transit services.
Devises and implements individualized and system wide plans and actions, and issues instructions and directions to Bus Operators and other affected individuals which provide temporary solutions to transit disrupting situations and conditions.
Coordinates planned actions with representatives of other public and private agencies to restore transit service to normal level, and to address the safety and well being of passengers.
Directs Bus Operators to work overtime, determines need for transit route detours, and redeploys vehicles as necessary.
Advises representatives of other transportation systems of situations and conditions that may impact their operations.
Receives and responds to calls from the public and representatives of other public and private agencies.
Receives, enters, tracks and reports a variety of information using computer software applications.
Drives a transit bus or other vehicle, as required, but usually during emergencies and for training and demonstrations.
Performs other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: One (1) year of experience as a Transit Coordinator with Montgomery County.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of the geography and street locations of the transit module from which an incumbent is promoted.
Thorough knowledge of transit system incumbent sign in and relief procedures.
Thorough knowledge of locations and assignments of 'strategic' buses and bus interlining procedures, deadhead routes, alternate routes and detours, and accident/onboard injury procedures of the transit module from which an incumbent is promoted.
Knowledge of the services provided by other local public and private transportation systems.
Knowledge of FCC and state motor vehicle laws and regulations which govern the operation of public transportation communications equipment and transit buses.
Knowledge of union contract provisions which impact the employment rights and regulations of the Bus Operator class of work.
Skill in oral communication to exchange factual information and provide directives to others effectively, efficiently and courteously. This includes ability to make presentations
Skill and ability to effectively and efficiently use various transit tools including but not limited to headway information, block information, run information, maps and schedule information.
Skill in solving problems with several variables and ability to quickly make sound, logical decisions and implement individualized and system wide plans which provide temporary solutions to service disruptions. This includes skill in paying attention to detail and ability to perform effectively in critical situations.
Skill in using video displays and keyboards and ability to learn to effectively use a variety of computer software, including computer-aided dispatch software.
Skill and ability to safely and efficiently operate a transit bus and other vehicles as an incumbent may be assigned to drive.
Skill in written communication to exchange factual information and prepare brief notes, memos, technical specifications, etc.
Skill in safety operating a passenger bus (during emergencies and for training and demonstrations).
Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.

LICENSE:
Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (class B with passenger and air brakes endorsements) from incumbent's state of residence.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of twelve months and, if promoted to a position in this class, will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCAL: Core Exam with Drug Screen

Class Established: 1999
Revised: November 2004 (M)
April 2010