Now Hiring: Dispatcher

First Student | Pawtucket, RI

Pay: $28.00 per hour, set by the union contract
Schedule: Monday–Friday, starting at 5:00 a.m., with an anticipated end time of 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. The schedule may include a two-hour midday break. Final hours and break arrangements will be discussed during the in-person interview.
Serving: Pawtucket, Central Falls, and statewide transportation services

First Student is seeking a Dispatcher to help keep our Pawtucket operation running safely and on time. You’ll support drivers and monitors, manage daily communications, handle payroll, and coordinate with the maintenance team and service employee.

This position does not include routing responsibilities.

What We Offer

• $28.00 per hour under the union contract
• Union health insurance anticipated as an option in January, subject to ratification of the new contract
• Access to earned wages before payday through Chime® MyPay at Work*
• Salt® Rewards Program for employee savings and rewards
• Career advancement opportunities across North America
• Training and support to help you succeed
• A positive, team-focused work environment

What You’ll Do

• Open the office at 5:00 a.m. Monday–Friday and support daily transportation operations.
• Dispatch buses and communicate with drivers and monitors to support on-time service.
• Handle high volumes of phone and radio communication.
• Prepare and process driver payroll accurately and on time.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to schedule buses for service and repairs while supporting operational coverage.
• Work closely with the lotman/service employee on daily vehicle and lot needs.
• Coach drivers and monitors and communicate scheduling concerns or complaints to the Operations Supervisor or Contract Manager.
• Communicate with school customers and help resolve pickup, drop-off, and service concerns.
• Assist with charter reservations, billing, clerical work, and special projects as assigned.
• Provide backup driving support when properly licensed and qualified.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three to five years of relevant experience in dispatch, terminal operations, or professional driving
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Computer proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate records
• Strong attention to detail for payroll and administrative responsibilities
• Ability to prioritize competing requests and meet deadlines in a busy environment
• Ability to coordinate effectively with drivers, monitors, maintenance staff, and location leadership
• Dependability and availability to open the office at 5:00 a.m.

Additional Requirements

This position is subject to DOT drug testing and a physical. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Apply Today

Join First Student and help deliver safe, dependable transportation for the communities we serve.

First Student strives to attract and retain a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. First Student is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a drug-free workplace.

Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.