Transportation Operations Specialist – Dispatcher (ODOT17-0424oc)

ODOT17-0424oc – Salem

Oregon Department of Transportation, Highway Division – Region 2

ODOT has four Transportation Operation Centers (TOC) that work together to provide coordination of highway operations activities. Each TOC is responsible for maintaining safe traffic flow on state highways within a large geographic area encompassing multiple counties, cities and towns, especially during severe weather conditions and declared emergencies by communicating between field units, local and county law enforcement, emergency services, state agencies and the public.

As a dispatcher, you will monitor the operation of the transportation system, respond to incidents impacting the system, and coordinate transportation related communications and services among internal and external customers. You will also protect the safety of ODOT field crews by providing a check-in and monitoring location for staff involved in remote or dangerous tasks, reduce the duration of incidents by assisting field crews with detection, verification, and implementation of incident response activities, provide information management and communication functions including dispatch to support maintenance and incident response, improve safety and mobility for travelers by providing accurate and up-to-date traveler information about incidents, events and weather hazards impacting the transportation system, and maintain readiness by participating in regular training exercises and emergency operations drills.

We invite members of all diverse communities to join our workforce as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from every background. ODOT values diversity and inclusion because they are good for Oregon. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, and providing opportunities for professional enrichment we are better able to serve those around us. We thank you for considering this employment opportunity.

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU/OPEU).

Effective November 1, 2016, SEIU represented employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95%. Upon becoming a PERS participating member, SEIU employees pay the employee 6% contribution to PERS.

Duties & Responsibilities

Incident and Emergency Management

Monitor transportation system conditions using software and technical equipment including closed circuit television (CCTV) and traffic detectors to detect and verify incidents and provide information on operational impacts to the transportation system including damage to highway features, facilities and employee safety.

Monitor radio communications; implement pre-planned or ad hoc incident response plans including activation of signs and highway advisory radio (HAR), paging and notification, and updating traveler information; perform coordination and communications activities; track resources and assist with call outs; perform license plate checks; arrange for towing as needed; coordinate with other agency dispatch centers and other ODOT Transportation Operation Centers; notify Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) of hazardous materials incidents and assist with response.

Winter Operations

Monitor roadway and weather conditions utilizing CCTV, road weather information systems (RWIS), weather alerts through the National Weather Service and OERS, and phone/radio reports. Implement weather related response plans in a timely manner including notifications, updating signs and highway advisory radio (HAR), updating remotely operated chain condition signs, update traveler information systems, and assist with employee call out; contact ODOT crews for road and weather reports; notify law enforcement of conditions and changes to chain requirements; arrange for tows for hazard vehicles and complete hazard tow letters.

Maintenance & Construction Operations

Input damage reports and notify maintenance crews about needed repairs; receive signal malfunction reports and notify electrical crews about repairs; track crew availability and location information; input information about maintenance activities impacting travel into ODOT’s traveler information systems; input information about herbicide applications into TOCS; set timers and perform safety checks as requested; assist maintenance managers with notifications and call outs; assist with tag and tow operations; arrange for hazard tows and complete hazard tow letters; arrange for abandoned non-hazard tows; provide notifications for bridge lift requests.

Input or review construction project updates in traveler information systems; notify construction crews of incidents within work zones.

Device Monitoring

Periodically monitor and test device status to ensure availability for use when needed; periodically test the operation of back-up systems to ensure availability and familiarity in the event of an emergency; input any identified device or system problems into MicroMain for notification/resolution by ITS maintenance staff. Troubleshoot identified problems and work with ITS Maintenance staff to resolve.

Traffic Management

Implementation of detour routes including dispatching of staff and equipment: post messages to portable and permanent signs, update traveler information systems, and notify of other agencies.

Monitor the operation of ramp metering and notify traffic staff about malfunctions; turn off malfunctioning ramp meters as directed by traffic staff.

Change speed limits on variable speed limit signs as directed by others per the speed zone order and notify law enforcement. Operate remotely controlled ramp gates.

Training and Other

Regularly review and maintain familiarity with statewide and regional standard operating guidelines, emergency operations plans, and TOC systems.

Participate in emergency operations drills and simulations. Other duties, including possible shift lead work, as assigned.

Participate as a member of the TOC team

Communicate, cooperate and enhance group effectiveness by developing specialized areas of expertise, participate in decision-making, prepare for meetings, present and sponsor action items and proposals, implement approved team proposals, and give honest and open feedback during discussions.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an area with moderate noise levels caused by equipment and radio transmissions.

The person in this position is restricted to workstations (consoles) for long periods, sometimes in a close working area.

This position requires continual and consistent alertness and attention to monitoring a variety of technical equipment including multi-line phone system and multi-channel radio system.

Must be prompt in responding to multiple phone and radio inquiries, frequently occurring simultaneously.

Must be able to prioritize.

Requires handling multiple conflicting priorities that may involve life-threatening decisions and communicating with the public, often under confusing, emotional or crisis conditions.

May be required to work extended hours, including all hours of the day and night and holidays, due to emergency situations or increased temporary workload.

May be required to work day shift, swing shift, flexible shifts, alternating shifts, nights and weekends.

Qualifications, Required & Requested Skills

Minimum Qualifications :
Two (2) years of public contact experience, which included gathering, relaying and providing information to others and evaluating activities or incidents and determining an appropriate course of action. One (1) year of this experience must have included receiving and dispatching emergency requests using radio equipment, telephone and/or computer.

Successful completion of a Certified Emergency Communications Course may substitute for the one year of specialized experience.

Special Qualifications :
Must be able to type 35 words per minute; a typing test will be given at or prior to the interview.

Must be able to complete “CritiCall” test which will be given at or prior to the interview.

Must be able to obtain and maintain LEDS (Law Enforcement Data Systems) certification.

Preferred Attributes :
Applications will be graded based on the following preferred attributes. Applicants whose

knowledge, experience, and skills most closely meet these attributes below will be invited to interview.

A background in emergency telecommunications (e.g., police, fire, 911)

Additional Information

Instructions:
We appreciate your interest in this position. To apply, please follow these steps.

Complete the application. We will not accept a resume or position description in place of a completed application. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we do not review any attachments that we do not ask for.

The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all of the minimum and special qualifications listed above. If it does not, we are required to disqualify it.

Complete the supplemental questions. Caution: If you fail to follow these instructions, we will have to disqualify your application. We cannot consider incomplete or late applications.

Criminal background checks will be conducted on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees . All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS, Oregon State Police Background Investigation check, and/or education verification as required for the position.

Veteran’s Points :
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans’ preference. To receive preference you MUST attach appropriate documentation as outlined by the Department of Administrative Services at the following website: Veterans Resources . You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.

Questions :
For questions about the job announcement or online application, call 503-378-5799.

For technical help accessing your account, call 1-855-524-5627 (May take up to 24 hours to receive a response.) or email support@governmentjobs.com .

Electronic Application Checklist :
Application

Supplemental Questions

Veteran’s Documents – If Applicable

Oregon Department of Transportation

Human Resources/Recruitment, MS12

355 Capitol St NE

Salem OR 97301-3871

Fax 1-503-986-3895 ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700 or through Oregon Relay Service at 7-1-1.

ODOT does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Questions: 1-877-336-6368 (EEO-ODOT) or through Oregon Relay Service at 7-1-1.

ODOT is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is our policy not to discriminate against any qualified employment applicant because of a disability. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process by contacting the Employee Civil Rights & Diversity Manager at 1-877-336-6368 (EEO-ODOT).

ODOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by State or Federal laws. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, contact the Employee Civil Rights & Diversity Manager at 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT).

#LI-DNP

Core benefits

Medical, vision and dental insurance

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members

$5,000 in employee basic life insurance Retirement benefits

Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)

Employer paid defined benefit and defined contribution programs **Effective November 1, 2016, SEIU represented employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95%. Upon becoming a PERS participating member, SEIU employees pay the employee 6% contribution to PERS.

Paid leaves and other benefits

Sick leave earned at the rate of 8 hours per a month with no maximum accumulation

Vacation leave earned at a minimum rate of 8 hours per month with accrual rate increases at 5-year increments

24 hours personal leave earned each fiscal year

Ten paid holidays a year The state also provides access to an innovative Employee Assistance Program that offers work-life counseling, along with homeowner, legal and family resources.

Optional benefits

Term life (employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents

Long-term and short-term disability

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Long-term care (self and eligible family members)

Flexible spending accounts

Option to enroll in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a deferred compensation program offering a wide variety of investment options.

The following information describes typical benefits available for employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position or branch of government or be prorated for other than full time work.