Job Details

City of Portland - Public Works Dispatcher

Public Works Department

About the City of Portland Public Works Department:

The Department of Public Works helps keep the city of Portland moving each day with many areas of responsibility. We collect your garbage and recycling, clear your streets of ice and snow in the winter, help maintain the city's sewer system, build your sidewalks, manage the city's traffic lights and street signage.

Job Summary:

The Public Works Dispatcher performs critical operational work, serving as the central communications hub for city field operations. This role is responsible for the strategic dispatching of crews and equipment to handle daily work assignments, resident complaints, and sudden public works emergencies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receives telephone calls, determines the nature of the complaint or request and operates radio equipment in dispatching vehicles and crews and transmissions and initiates the appropriate work order(s) as needed.
  
• Assists Streets & Sidewalks Coordinator with winter vacation calendar and related paperwork.
  
• Serves as emergency coordinator to notify crews to report to work, documents response and completes proper paperwork related to this for payroll purposes.
  
• Completes daily work forms detailing work performed, time expended, equipment used and other items of information; keeps records and creates periodic reports.
  
• Responsible for contacting personnel assigned to various standby situations for varying Departmental functions, i.e. flooding, sewer backups, traffic issues, street issues, dead animal, etc.
  
• Works with outside Vendors for sand/salt and orders supplies when needed.
  
• Participates in winter operations as required.
  
• Performs related work as required.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Working knowledge of Public Works field operations.
  
• Working knowledge of radio operations and regulations pertaining thereto.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, private sector contractors, City departments, supervisors and employees.
  
• Must have ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations in the performance of all assigned duties.
  
• Must be able to provide professional customer service and remain courteous and represent the City in a favorable light despite irate customers that may be encountered personally or on the phone.
  
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
  
• Must possess valid State of Maine Class C Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  
• Must have and maintain a good driving record.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in Public Works operations, maintenance and repair, including some working knowledge of communications equipment; and graduation from a standard high school; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Applications accepted until August 7, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, Supervisor Grade 27, with a starting pay range of $27.16 - $32.04/hour, based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about compensation with the City of Portland, please refer to the union specific pay plans and agreements.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
  
• Thirteen paid holidays
  
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
  
• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
  
• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
  
• Use of City recreation facilities
  
• Fitness Reimbursement
  
• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=302&sreq=5&form=1000&desc=PUBLIC%20WORKS%20DISPATCHER