Electric Dispatcher

Salary : $31,403.52 - $37,684.22 Annually

Location : VA 24541, VA

Job Type: Full Time Non Exempt Salary

Job Number: 1002226

Department: Utilities

Division: Power & Light

Opening Date: 02/13/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Monitors, evaluates and relays information related to dispatching. Receives and relays information gathered through phone calls, employees and walk-in customers. Receives and processes service requests and work orders. Receives and logs all inspection approvals from local authorities and coordinates underground utility requests from field crews. Dispatches radio transmissions that involve routine service calls as well as emergency situations. Performs responsible skilled clerical assistance to all personnel.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

When Assigned to Public Works:

Receives and dispatches calls by performing excellent customer service relations; having a general knowledge of the departmental functions; communicating efficiently with customers; taking complaints and relaying messages; greeting and assisting walk-in customers; receiving 90% of all incoming calls, emergency or non-emergency; relaying calls via two-way radio, multi-line switchboard phone, pager or text to the proper personnel; communicating information, tasks, directions effectively. Prepares service requests and work orders.

Performs general clerical duties by printing weekly and monthly reports for supervisors and/or directors; assisting coworkers when needed; maintaining various logs for statistical data record keeping for departmental activities; and preparing, typing, creating and filing various forms, letters, and reports.

Handles money from customers by writing receipts; and giving money to proper personnel for processing.

Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, and storms).

When Assigned to Utilities:

Receives and dispatches calls by performing excellent customer service relations; having a general knowledge of the departmental functions; communicating efficiently with customers to diagnose and assist in the resolution of problems; taking complaints and relaying messages; greeting and assisting walk-in customers; receiving 90% of all incoming calls, emergency or non-emergency; relaying calls via radio, phone, pager or text to the proper personnel; communicating information, tasks, directions effectively; and dispatching support during emergency response.

Manages departments work order system. Tasks include work order initiation, tracking status, closeout and maintaining archives.

Performs general clerical duties by printing weekly and monthly reports for supervisors and/or directors; assisting coworkers when needed; maintaining various logs for statistical data record keeping for departmental activities; and preparing, typing, updating, posting and filing various forms, notices, letters, change orders and reference materials.

Operates office equipment by being familiar with the operation of pagers, fax machines, text, dispatch radio, copier, scanner, printer and switchboard; using Danville Map and Miss Utility (VA811) software for emergency and non-emergency marking of property; registering and participating in training courses assist with trouble shooting and maintenance of work order system software.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED supplemented by six months to one year of post-secondary study or training: e.g. vocational, business, technical school; and one to two years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria

NIMS Certification (When Assigned to Public Works)

Job Knowledge

Basic familiarity with the work to know common principles and terminology and to understand and solve simple problems

Reading

Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, and thesauruses.

Writing

Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

Intermediate: Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills

Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills

Work requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary/fiscal responsibility

Supervisory Responsibilities

No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is sedentary in nature, requiring exertion up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Adequate vision, hearing and talking is needed to drive, use computer, and communicate with others.

Frequent handling of paperwork, fine dexterity to operate computer keyboard and telephone keypad, and twisting from computer to telephone.

Occasional standing, walking, carrying supplies; pushing/pulling file drawers, tables and chairs; reaching for supplies and files; and kneeling, crouching, and bending to file in lower drawers and to retrieve items from lower shelves or the ground.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.

Regular and predictable attendance is expected.

May frequently experience time pressure, change of tasks, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and tedious or exacting work. May occasionally experience emergency situations, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, noisy/distracting environment, and difficult customers.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of two-way radio; standard office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office environment where there is little exposure to environmental hazards. The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task; and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.

Accident Insurance

The City provides optional off the job accident insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides reimbursement for treatments associated with a wide array of accidents and injuries, and is available for immediate family members. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.

Annual Leave

Employees accrue annual leave hours based on the length of time they work for the City and their duty cycle. Hours are accrued on a semi monthly pay cycle. Employees are not eligible to use annual leave hours during their first six months of employment.

Critical Illness

The City provides optional critical illness insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides a lump sum benefit payment if an employee is diagnosed with a covered illness. Examples include heart attack, stroke, coronary atery by-pass surgery, and so on. Premiums are based on age and tobacco use. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.

Cancer Benefit

The City provides optional cancer insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides a benefit payment if an employee is diagnosed with cancer and provides a benefit during cancer treatments. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.

Deferred Compensation

The City of Danville offers a 457 plan to employees, which provides an opportunity to set aside a portion of your salary for retirement. Income taxes are not paid on the money your defer until you retire and start using it or leave the City. Enrollment in this plan is optional.

Dental Insurance

Employees have the opportunity to enroll in dental insurance through Delta Dental.There is an option of a Low PPO plan or a High PPO plan, and coverage is available for immediate family members. Employees pay the entire premium for this insurance through payroll deduction.

Direct Deposit

Employees have the option of having their paycheck directly deposited into your financial checking and/or savings account each pay period. Employees may select up to three accounts at the same or different financial institutions for direct deposit.

Disability Insurance

Employees are given the option of selecting Short-term and/or Long-term disability insurance programs through The Standard for protection in the event that they become disabled through a non-work related injury. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employees and their dependent family members are eligible to use the City of Danville's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Sentara Health. The EAP offers free and confidential counseling services to help employees and their dependants deal with serious problems in their lives such as family or marital disputes, problems with alcohol and/or drug abuse, emotional illness, financial or legal worries, or difficulties with stress on the job. In addition to counseling services, the EAP also provides free legal, financial, and Identity Theft guidance.

Employee Health and Wellness Center

Employees and eligible dependents have access to the CareTeam Health and Wellness Center, which offers high-quality convenient medical care for an extremely low cost- sometimes it is free! City employees have dedicated nurse practitioners that provides primary care, lab services, chronic disease management, health and wellness coaching, and a variety of other things.

Flexible Spending Account

Employees have the option of participating in the flexible spending account (FSA). The FSA allows employees to select a set amount of money to be withheld from their paychecks each pay period for a year to cover certain medical and child care expenses. This money is deducted before taxes are calculated. Money put into the FSA is accessible to the employee through a debit card or through reimbursement.

Health Insurance

The City of Danville is self-insured and offers medical and prescription drug coverage through Gateway Health. This coverage is offered to employees and their dependents. The City pays a portion of the health insurance premiums and the employee pays a portion. Employees have the choice between a traditional PPO plan and two high deductible plans (HDHP). HDHP have an option to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Holidays

The City of Danville offers the following paid holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, 1/2 day Day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Easter Monday, George Washington Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, and Your Birthday

Retirement System

After five years of employment with the City of Danville, employees are vested in the City's Employees' Retirement System (ERS). ERS is a defined benefit retirement plan with the purpose of providing retirement, disability, and death-in-service benefits. Contributions by employee are mandatory.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is a privilege granted to all full-time employees. Sick leave is accrued on a semi monthly basis.

Term Life Insurance

The City of Danville offers optional group term life insurance benefits to employees through The Standard. The amount of death benefit is the employee's annual salary doubled and rounded to the next highest $1,000 up to a maximum of $200,000. Double indemnity (twice the death benefit) is provided for death by accident. The cost of this benefit is divided equally between the City and the employee, which means that the City pays one-half of the premium and the employee pays one-half of the premium.

Tuition Reimbursement

The City of Danville recognizes the value of educational training, and therefore, provides limited financial reimbursement to employees taking eligible course on their own time. Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement after their first six months of employment.

Vision Insurance

Employees have the option of enrolling in vision insurance through UniCare. Coverage is available for immediate family members. Employees pay the entire premium for this insurance through payroll deduction.

Universal Life Insurance

The City offers optional universal life insurance benefits to employees through Allstate. Employees can select a benefit amount. Premiums are based on an employee's age and tobacco use. Coverage can be selected for an employee's spouse and children.