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:
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Ensure that all District buses and drivers are assigned and follow established routes and time schedules.
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Respond to concerns from parents and District staff. Field and respond to route and service-related inquiries coming into the transportation department.
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Provide bus and route related information to bus drivers.
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Quantify and verify time schedules and route maps; running directions.
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Track and verify drivers reporting to work on time, buses leaving on time and maintaining set time schedules.
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Monitor compliance of CDL drug and alcohol requirements.
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Schedule and assign cover drivers and spare buses as required. Assign drivers to cover scheduled and routine routes.
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Schedule drivers and buses for activity and field trips; maintains equity in assignment of drivers and minimizes overtime.
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Advise drivers concerning problems they encounter on bus routes.
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Ensure route books are maintained with current up-to-date information and checked in and out of the office.
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Assist bus drivers and city employees with fueling issues.
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Instruct new drivers on operational procedures concerning check-in times, call-in, route books, field trips, and covering routes.
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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.
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Use and manage communication devices in normal work setting, emergencies, and road closures.
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Use specialized routing computer system to assist with dispatch activities and to follow-up on questions.
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Prepare and update attendance and field trip reports on a computer.
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Qualify to drive a school bus to provide backup support.
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Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
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Demonstrate excellent public relations skills.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:
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Knowledge of appropriate dispatching policies and practices, or ability to learn within a reasonable amount of time.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Ability to prioritize and multi-task; ability to work accurately under pressure with frequent interruptions.
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Ability to follow emergency dispatch procedures and ability to notify appropriate personnel and emergency services in a timely manner.
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Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
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Ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals in a courteous and tactful manner, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
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Ability to handle problems and stressful situations tactfully and apply pro-active problem solving skills.
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Analytical ability.
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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 required knowledge and abilities would be:
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Two or more years of experience in the operation of a school bus, desirable.
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One year of transportation dispatching experience is desirable.
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Experience in organizing and assigning resources such as data, equipment and people, desirable.
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Experience using transportation specific software desired.
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Bilingual/Bicultural Preferred
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon State school bus driver’s certificate, including the requirement to pass all applicable bus driver physical and drug testing requirements.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Administrative office environment with exposure to moderate to high noise intensity levels from two-way radios and telephones. May include driving school buses or other district vehicles in various road and weather conditions.
High level of contact with District personnel and outside agencies/community.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Constant talking, hearing, and sitting for prolonged periods in a confined area. Frequent reaching, handling and fingering. Mobility to work in typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Vision: Frequent near and far acuity. vision to read printed materials and computer screen or other monitoring devices.
Strength: Generally sedentary/light. Exerting up to 15 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
Meet all physical requirements of a school bus driver.
Schedule:
260-day calendar
Hours per day: 8
