OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Coordinates the management of daily transit operations in the SEPTA Operations Control Center.  Provides Management oversight of equipment movement and vehicle operating personnel to ensure the safe and efficient performance of all duties. Directs Transportation Service Managers and other operations Division personnel to perform specific functions in response to and in support of service and disruption incidents. Maintains clear and accurate records of safety-related train movement and all other duty activities. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Controls, manages and directs the safe movement of trains and safe operating and working practices for all railroad crafts over assigned territory using various control systems using knowledge of signal/switch systems, and mode specific Book of Rules and/or operating manuals.
2. Interfaces with employees of connecting railroads and/or interchange carriers to coordinate the movement of transit equipment, and the safe performance of duty on SEPTA dispatched territory.
3. Makes real-time changes to active transit vehicle schedules in applicable system in response to real-time service changes and operational needs. Adjusts and make alterations to schedules to ensure proper spacing and efficient utilization of equipment and personnel.
4. Manage operational emergencies via the implementation of the Incident Command System and coordinating SEPTA’s response with external Emergency Response Agencies.
5. Notify and coordinate with Power, Signals and Mechanical Desks for all situations involving traction power, signals, equipment and facilities.
6. Notify and coordinate with SEPTA Police for all safety and security incidents throughout subway operations.
7. Notify and coordinate with Control Center Information Managers to provide timely and accurate information to the public on service delays or incidents with service impacts.
8. Assist with the collection and analysis of train operational data to improve on-time performance and other service measurements. Provides insight, analysis and suggestions on how to improve train schedules and on-time performance (OTP).
9. Control and direct all communications with field personnel utilizing radios, telephones, electronic data processing equipment, and other systems as required. 
10. Operates and utilizes computer and manual reference files, procedures, and schedules.
11. Maintains strong and on-going line of communication with other Railroad Control Center Managers, Assistant Directors (ADs) and Director through MS Outlook email.
12. Manage the reporting system to document occurrences involving service delays, passenger incidents, equipment failures and defects. Records and reports all reasons for reportable train delays on assigned dispatching territory and provides clear and cooperative information to Delay Clerk staff as required.
13. Maintaining a positive attitude/demeanor and representing the Authority.
14. Comply with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
15. Performs other duties as assigned/required.
     

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of five (3) years proven transportation, emergency management, Air Traffic Control, Transportation Control Center experience, Municipal Emergency Management Dispatcher Center or 4 years of Police, Fire, EMS or Military service(with Honorable Discharge)
• In lieu of the above qualifications, an Assistant Conductor, Conductor or Engineer with NORAC and physical characteristic qualifications will be considered as an acceptable background. 
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
  • Must become NORAC Dispatcher Book of Rules Qualified within 60 days and a Qualified Railroad Dispatcher within 1 year 
• Periodic recertifications are required. 
• Must possess a proficient level of analytical, written, verbal and people skills.
• Must possess an acceptable attendance, performance and safety record. A review of employee’s work record will be part of the interview selection process.
  • ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:
    •  I. Allowable Attendance Deviations (total for a two-year period preceding the job posting closing date):
    • Personal Illnesses – 5
    • SAH or EAH - 6
    • Lateness/Misses – 3 
    • II. Safety Record (total for a two-year period preceding the job posting closing date):
    • Chargeable Accidents - 2
    • Preventable Accidents - 2
    • Signal Violations (If applicable) – 0
    • Warnings for Injured On-Duty Patterns - 0
    • III. Job Performance (assessed in each year for the two years preceding the job posting closing date):
    • Must be Satisfactory*
    • Discipline Record - Nothing above a written warning (SAM  and Hourly Employees)
    • Performance Appraisal - Overall Meets Expectations (SAM Employees Only)
    • * Hourly personnel are not subject to formal performance evaluation

      SAM employees are eligible to apply for open positions (transfer/promotion) after six (6) months from the date of assignment for their current position. A review of the previous one (1) year performance appraisal ( to ensure minimum standard of “Meets Expectations” for overall rating) will be conducted. A review of Discipline record, to ensure no discipline actions occurred during previous 1 year of employment will also be conducted.*

• Subject to be called outside of normal duty hours. Must be able to work various shifts in support of a 24/7 operation.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft word and computer knowledge for reports is required.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience in service supervision, dispatcher/controller or transit instruction preferred.  
• Additional college course work and/or technical training preferred.
• NORAC Book of Rules Qualifications preferred.