With direction from the Terminal Manager, a Dispatcher is a full-time, hourly position responsible for ensuring the daily coverage for school bus routes and field trips, answer telephone calls from our customers and the public, communicating changes and instructions to drivers.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Medical Benefits
- Vision
- Dental
- 401k
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Exceptional working environment
Job Summary:
A Dispatcher, under the supervision of a manager, is responsible for communicating with drivers, school district personnel and parents for daily routes, trips and extra-curricular activities of students for our clients. The Dispatcher has significant, daily contact with all levels of Company personnel and as necessary. This position requires considerable judgment, diplomacy and discretion and the ability to communicate clearly. The Dispatcher deals regularly with sensitive and/or confidential information and therefore must exercise extreme care in maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Communicating with schools, parents, drivers and aides;
- Answer telephone inquiries and communicate on two-way radio
- Assist manager with ensuring employees report to work as scheduled and all vehicles are staffed for the day; assigns substitute drivers, as needed; plans, schedules and assigns drivers for special transportation, including field trips, athletic events, public charters etc. using software and maps;
- Observe and track route timing; Assist in developing routes, busloads, bus stops and schedules when necessary
- Read and follow established School District contracts
- Report concerns, violations or issues to the Operations Manager or Supervisor
- Keep records and submit reports, including all documentation for complaints, accidents, routing changes, etc., maintenance records of mileage, gas consumption, and other related data;
- Ensure employees perform the required daily vehicle inspection and buses are cleaned daily as required by law.
- Assist the shop in scheduling maintenance and repair of vehicles, coding invoices and record keeping
- May handle back up driver duties or perform miscellaneous clerical/office duties while buses are in route.
- Be on call for emergencies and weekends as needed;
- Work closely with Operations, Safety, Training and Fleet Maintenance departments
- Follow company policies regarding pupil/client management and relations with parents, teachers, guardians, and the public in general
- Assist manager with monthly billing, payroll, account receivables, account payables and month end requirements
- May assist manager in implementing driver recruitment programs to ensure coverage of daily home to school routes and sufficient substitute personnel
- May assist manager in disciplinary matters and overseeing yearly road test evaluations
- May assist manager in ensuring all drivers complete all necessary job-related training and planning driver safety meetings
- Responsible for carrying out all STA policies and State & Federal applicable regulations.
- Knowledge and implementation of contents of School District contracts
- Communicating with schools regarding calendars, complaints, bus incidents
- Assist manager in development of charter business during non-school days and summer months
- All other duties as assigned by Management
Required Skills/Abilities-Essential Functions:
- Excellent Customer Service Skills and Interpersonal Skills
- Intermediate Computer skills including entire Microsoft office suite
- Ability to learn new skills, systems and software
- Ability to prioritize tasks
- Thrive in a fast-past environment
- Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workers
- Ability to deal with problems and find solutions
- Must have knowledge of Federal and State regulations
- Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills
- State-Required Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements
State specific requirements:
- State of Iowa fully endorsed school bus license.
- Required state specific training per Iowa Department of Education and/or school district required training.
- Current report of Driver Physical Examination
- Demonstrated proficiency in the operation of assigned vehicles. May include extra equipment such as wheelchair lifts, and air brakes under all road and weather conditions
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as evidenced by a good driving record
- Ability to physically perform the essential functions of the job
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to heat, cold, wet and/or humid weather conditions
- The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud
- Attend work on a regular and dependable basis
- Ability to successfully pass state and/or federal required Background Checks
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
- Six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 1 year experience in Customer Service position
- Valid CDL or ability and willingness to obtain one within 90 days of employment
- Must be at least 21 years of age with 3 years of driving experience
- Certificate of training in first aid and CPR, if required by local contract
- A first aid endorsement on the special driver’s certificate or a certificate of training in first aid and a certificate of training for CPR, if required by local contract
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
STA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants; Returning military are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without restrictions.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Dispatching: 2 years (Preferred)
- School bus driving: 2 years (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred)
- Routing software: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
