Water Dispatch Representative

As a Water Dispatch Representative at the City of Fort Worth, you'll be responsible for checking calls from customer service, validating locations, dispatching crews using two-way radios, and creating work orders in our management system. You'll also communicate with crews, maintain daily logs of calls, and perform clerical duties. This role is crucial to ensuring that our water and wastewater systems operate efficiently, so your attention to detail and communication skills will be key to your success!

To apply for the Water Dispatch Representative position with the City of Fort Worth, you need a high school diploma or GED, along with at least one year of relevant customer service or dispatch experience. Preferred qualifications include experience with two-way radio communications, being bilingual in English and Spanish, and familiarity with busy 24/7 dispatch operations, particularly in a utility setting. If you have these skills, we’d love to see your application!

The City of Fort Worth provides a comprehensive benefits package for Water Dispatch Representatives, including 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision coverage, and paid time off. Additionally, you’ll participate in a pension plan and get access to professional development opportunities that support your growth and advancement in the role. This commitment to employee well-being makes Fort Worth a great place to work.

In the Water Dispatch Representative role at the City of Fort Worth, emergency dispatch processes are crucial. You'll provide emergency dispatch support after hours, ensuring that any issues relating to water and wastewater systems are addressed promptly. You will participate in an on-call rotation, which requires being available during nights, weekends, and holidays to manage emergencies as they arise and communicate effectively with the necessary personnel.

The work environment for Water Dispatch Representatives in Fort Worth is dynamic and fast-paced, as they operate within a 24/7 division that requires quick thinking and effective communication. As a team-oriented role, you'll interact with various departments and external customers while ensuring that the city's water infrastructure operates smoothly. Flexibility is essential as you may work evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during emergencies.

In your response, highlight specific experiences where you've handled customer queries in a fast-paced environment, managed multiple tasks simultaneously, and utilized dispatch systems. Use examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and capacity to communicate effectively under pressure.

When answering this question, explain your approach to prioritizing incoming requests. Discuss how you assess the urgency of each situation, your experience in using protocols, and how you communicate efficiently with team members to ensure rapid response times.

Select a situation that demonstrates your resilience and ability to think critically. Include specifics about the challenges, your thought process, and the ultimate resolution, emphasizing teamwork and communication as key strategies.

Effective communication is vital in this role. Explain that it ensures crews are well-informed about their tasks and happening situations. Mention that clear communication helps coordinate effectively during emergencies and contributes to overall operational efficiency.

Describe your protocol for addressing such situations. Mention contacting the crew through various channels, trying to gather information from teammates, and considering safety implications while being calm and composed.

Talk about tools you've worked with in the past, such as work management systems, data entry software, and two-way radios. Highlight your adaptability to learn new technologies or software systems quickly.

Explain your understanding of the importance of adherence to policies and procedures and share your strategies for staying informed about updates. Mention how you prioritize compliance in your daily tasks to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Discuss any previous experience using two-way radios or similar systems. Explain the importance of clear communication in dispatching roles and any protocols you’ve followed to ensure effective teamwork.

Outline a step-by-step strategy for training a new hire, emphasizing the importance of a clear introduction to processes, hands-on practice, and shadowing opportunities. Highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and support to new employees.

Craft your answer focusing on your passion for public service, connection to the Fort Worth community, and interest in the water industry. Highlight how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role and your enthusiasm for contributing to the city's infrastructure success.