Transportation Dispatcher

Job Title: Transportation Dispatcher

Classification: IIIC

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO
:
Transportation Coordinator

POSITION

PURPOSE:

Provide for the safe and reliable dispatch of all school bus routes on a daily basis. Resolve routing issues and coordinate coverage of route changes, field trips, and special programs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This position does not supervise, but may provide guidance to and participate in the training of new and current employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure that all District buses and drivers are assigned and follow established routes and time schedules.
• Respond to concerns from parents and District staff. Field and respond to route and service-related inquiries coming into the transportation department.
• Provide bus and route related information to bus drivers.
• Quantify and verify time schedules and route maps; running directions.
• Track and verify drivers reporting to work on time, buses leaving on time and maintaining set time schedules.
• Monitor compliance of CDL drug and alcohol requirements.
• Schedule and assign cover drivers and spare buses as required. Assign drivers to cover scheduled and routine routes.
• Schedule drivers and buses for activity and field trips; maintains equity in assignment of drivers and minimizes overtime.
• Advise drivers concerning problems they encounter on bus routes.
• Ensure route books are maintained with current up-to-date information and checked in and out of the office.
• Assist bus drivers and city employees with fueling issues.
• Instruct new drivers on operational procedures concerning check-in times, call-in, route books, field trips, and covering routes.
• Operate communication equipment for staff, drivers, and customers such as phones and two-way radios. Provide information on routing situations; review and evaluate situations and recommend solutions.
• Use and manage communication devices in normal work setting, emergencies, and road closures.
• Use specialized routing computer system to assist with dispatch activities and to follow-up on questions.
• Prepare and update attendance and field trip reports on a computer.
• Qualify to drive a school bus to provide backup support.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate excellent public relations skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

• Knowledge of appropriate dispatching policies and practices, or ability to learn within a reasonable amount of time.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, guidelines, and District standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation processes, or ability to learn within a reasonable amount of time.
• Knowledge of the geographic region, school locations, District bus routes, and student transporting equipment, or ability to learn within a reasonable amount of time. Ability to become familiar with District streets and roads, read maps, and learn about transportation equipment and student needs.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and computer equipment and programs. Ability to learn to use routing computer system to obtain student transportation information as needed.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of office technology and office software, which includes mapping and routing systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheets, docs and forms.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; ability to work accurately under pressure with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to follow emergency dispatch procedures and ability to notify appropriate personnel and emergency services in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals in a courteous and tactful manner, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to handle problems and stressful situations tactfully and apply pro-active problem solving skills.
• Analytical ability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is appropriate. A representative way to obtain the…