Dispatcher

Primary Purpose:

Coordinates the daily operations (driver, routing, and vehicle activities) necessary to assure safe, on-time service. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Maintains the highest level of ethical behavior with Campus Administrators, fellow employees and our community.

Education / Certification:

• 1. High School Diploma or GED.
• CDL License w / P&S endorsements.
• TEA Certification
• Must be certified or willing to obtain certification by the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation (TAPT) as a Pupil Transportation Official, Supervisor, Specialist or Trainer.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

• Possess thorough knowledge of the streets and highways in Comal and surrounding County.
• Possess operational / functional knowledge of computerized routing system (Transfinder preferred).
• Ability to read maps such as Mapsco, electronic maps in routing system, GPS data and give drivers accurate directions to specific locations/routes.
• Ability to work effectively with campus principals, staff, students, and parents.
• Strong organization skills and group presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and well developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate, preferably in word processing, Access, and spreadsheets.
• Basic math skills, detail orientation, mapping and routing skills.

Experience / Other Requirements:

• Six months of experience in a driver position preferred.
• Previous routing and dispatching experience is preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Presents a positive role model for drivers; co-workers and works effectively with others.
• Reports to work on time, is reliable and demonstrates leadership with proper attendance and punctuality.
• Exhibits good judgment in decision making, problem solving and excels under pressure.
• Recognizes needs of job and suggests ways to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Covers routes when no one else is available.
• Responds to radio calls to ensure the smooth operation of transportation services.
• Manages and coordinates the use of equipment as directed by the Area Supervisor.
• Responsible for distribution of keys, radios, VCR's and other forms to collect data as needed.
• Coordinates and verifies field trip times on evenings and weekend with the Field Trip Specialist.
• Collects, completes and distributes departmental paperwork.
• Assists Routing Specialist in writing/auditing route descriptions and verifies mileage.
• Assembles and maintains a master list of all routes and trips.
• Maintains current list of all available pool & sub drivers and spare vehicles.
• Maintains a current file or set of files on each route; files include all information needed to describe the route and its component parts (program, school, map, assigned vehicle, list of passengers with addresses and telephone numbers, assigned buses, assigned drivers).
• Provides assistance to drivers and exercises discretionary judgment as necessary, to ensure that routes and trips are performed safely and on-time.
• Coordinates emergency response network when there is a problem on a route.
• Assist drivers with routing directions and communicates special service requirements.
• Maintain filing systems and paperwork in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Submits required reports and paperwork to Area Supervisor or Director of Transportation in a timely fashion.
• Cooperates with other members of the Transportation Department and operations staff to insure the continuation of a safe and smooth operation.
• Participate/advise administration about inclement weather conditions that may result in the closing of schools or road hazards.
• Reports all major problems and /or irregularities to the Area Supervisor or Director of Transportation.
• Encourages compliance with Comal ISD policies and processes. Discusses any breach of policy and procedure noted with Area Supervisor or Director of Transportation.
• Participates in the assigning of routes, buses, and special trips to drivers pursuant to established policies and procedures.
• Notifies the drivers of all emergency situations, accidents, breakdowns or any other event that will cause delays.
• Monitors radio etiquette and proper radio use between drivers and self.
• Maintains daily activity board, tracks absenteeism as well as a log of communications as directed.
• Coordinates vehicle service schedules with Lead Mechanic or Shop Supervisor to assure uninterrupted services due to PM's.
• Recommends any operational changes to maximize route efficiency.
• Maintains TEA headcounts and files.
• Data input on student conduct reports as directed by Area Supervisor.
• Attend professional development activities/programs to keep abreast of developments and innovations in area of transportation.
• Responsible to keep current Class B CDL license w/ P&S endorsements, TEA certifications and any other requirements.
• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance ad learning the records retention schedule for department records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.