Associate Communications Specialist - Transit Control Center

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Associate Communications Specialist works in the Transit Control Center and is responsible for monitoring, answering, and coordinating response to public safety texts from the public through Metro Transit's Text for Safety. The position communicates service disruption information to passengers in real time and other service disruptions via SMS messaging, social media sources, and Metro Transit's app. The position also reviews real-time detours including bus stop closures, special events, construction projects, travel time delays, etc., and communicates to the customer in easily understood terminology. In addition, the position has access to real-time transit information, Metro Transit CCTV Cameras, and other resources to monitor transit services.

NOTE: This position is rated essential and works onsite at the Transit Control Center. The Transit Control Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Shifts will cover varying hours working nights, weekends and holidays. Training hours for the first four weeks will vary based on business needs and may include daytime and afternoon hours.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $31.54/hr. or $65,603/yr. to $37.63/hr. or $78,270/yr.Full Salary Range: $31.54/hr. or $65,603/yr. to $51.20/hr. or $106,496/yr.** The salary displayed is the full salary range. The hiring salary will be determined based on the final candidate's qualifications, the Council's internal pay structures, and our total compensation package for the position. **

This position will create a six-month eligible list for current and future positions.

What you would do in this job:1. Receive, interpret, and answer public safety related text messages from the public for resolution:Gather pertinent information from the customer in order determine appropriate response for Metro Transit Police or other resources.Enter data into Metro Transit's computer aided dispatch.Coordinate with Transit Police Dispatch to ensure appropriate and timely response is achieved for public safety text messages.2. Post real-time service disruptions, running time issues, event impacts, etc., to various social media sites:Review and track all real-time system disruptions and detours to maintain accurate information posting on various social media sites, metrotransit.org, and other media sources as determined.Use Metro Transit's computer aided dispatch to monitor service disruptions and detours and future postings via detour application.Assist in monitoring social media sites for customer posts related to complaints, concerns, commendations, and questions. Respond or post in response to customers as determined by agency policy. 3. Communicate with customers using various digital channels:Translate transit jargon into a format that is easily understood by customers.Determine how to best serve the customer based on information received by understanding the agency structure and department responsibilities.Monitor real-time information and make decisions regarding communications with the public following Metro Transit policy and procedure.Enter and disseminate real time rider alerts to passengers. 4. Complete administrative tasks for TCC Operations as needed.

Minimum qualifications:Any of the following combinations of experience navigating, posting, editing, and responding to social media sites and completed education in Business Administration, Mass Communication, Journalism, or closely related field:High school diploma/GED with four (4) years of experience navigating, posting, editing, and responding to social media sites.Associate's degree with two (2) years of experience navigating, posting, editing, and responding to social media sites. Bachelor’s degree or higher navigating, posting, editing, and responding to social media sites.

Complete job posting and apply:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metrocouncil