Dispatcher Transit - Bradenton - Manatee County, FL

Description

Salary: $ $35.50 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Transit
Opening Date: 02/02/2026
Closing Date: 2/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location: 2411 Tallevast Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 1:30 pm with rotating Saturdays
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $ $29.59
This classification performs responsible work in coordinating daily scheduling and operation of buses and routes. Work involves maintaining contact with transit and para-transit drivers through a radio dispatch system and changing routes upon demand.
Working Conditions
Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.
Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Answers incoming calls and provides information on public transportation and paratransit services, offering routing assistance to seniors, ADA eligible individuals, persons with disabilities, and the general public.
Conducts follow-up with Bus Operators and takes necessary actions to ensure passengers are picked up on time and reach their destinations as scheduled; ensures operator compliance with established rules and procedures.
Creates, updates, and monitors computerized daily manifests and schedules for phone-based and routed transit services.
Performs a range of clerical duties, including answering multi-line phones, sorting, and distributing schedules, keys, etc., completing data entry and typing tasks, and maintaining accurate records, logs, for transportation and paratransit operations; prepares daily schedules and general office tasks as needed.
Applies working knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations and the geography of the County, including all applicable bus routes; quickly learns and applies new operational rules and procedures.
Utilizes the radio-dispatch system to coordinate updates between drivers and the operations center, including route or schedule changes, accidents, service interruptions, and delays.
Communicates clearly, tactfully, and effectively both orally and in writing using a well-modulated voice and proper diction.
Maintains concentration while working at a computer workstation for extended periods, operating communication equipment accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner, inputs data into computer systems.
Understands and follows oral and written instructions.
Responds quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency or high-pressure situations.
Maintains required logs, records, and reports.
Adjusts paratransit schedules and accurately dispatches all necessary information.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, transit operators, supervisors, and clients.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduate/equivalent.
Must successfully pass a DOT physical and pass a Level 2 background check.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the operation of radio dispatch equipment.
Class "B" Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and air brakes endorsement, or Class "B" CDL permit with passenger and air brake endorsements required by effective date of employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
More
Prior transit/para-transit experience highly desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Skill in the operation of radio dispatch equipment and personal computers.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Full Time Positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regulary sceduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
days
days
days

• Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.

• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation

• Training/Seminars

• Fitness Center Access for employee only

• FRS options

• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders

• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions

• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

• Three (3) Personal Holidays

• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01
VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.
Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.
Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02
If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03
Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04
I acknowledge that I must successfully pass a DOT physical and pass a Level 2 background check.

• Yes, I acknowledge.
• No, I do not acknowledge.

05
How many years of experience in the operation of radio dispatch equipment do you have?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

06
I acknowledge that I have or must obtain a Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) permit prior to receiving a Conditional Offer of Employment from Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.

• I acknowledge
• I do not acknowledge

07
You must either possess and maintain a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement, OR possess a CDL Permit prior to employment and subsequently obtain a Florida CDL Class B with Air Brake endorsement. Please select one from the following:

• I HAVE a valid Florida Commercial Drivers License, Class B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement.
• I HAVE a CDL Permit and I CAN obtain a FL CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement.
• I DO NOT have a CDL Permit but can obtain one PRIOR to hire and subsequently obtain a FL CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement.
• I DO NOT have a CDL Permit or a FL CDL Class B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement, NOR can I obtain one.

08
What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?