Dispatcher

Primary Purpose:

Coordinate the daily scheduling and routing of the school buses to ensure safe, efficient, and economical transportation services

Qualifications:

Minimum Education/Certification

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possess and maintains a Texas CDL - B or A with P & S endorsements with acceptable driving record as measured by the School Bus Driver's Record Evaluation criteria
• Reasonable Suspicion training Preferred

Minimum Experience

• Three years' experience in the field of school bus transportation
• Computer literacy in Microsoft, Google, and Windows applications and other transportation related software
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Skilled in operating multi-line phone system and efficiently answer questions and route calls as necessary
• Skilled in assisting telephone/radio and walk in customers simultaneously, using proper telephone etiquette and customer service techniques in a fast, friendly, and flexible manner
• Skilled in navigating online mapping applications to provide accurate directions to specific locations and routes
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and independently to meet deadlines, exercise good judgment, and perform duties with attention to detail
• Skilled in communicating effectively and clearly, both verbally and written, utilizing tact and diplomacy and remaining calm in emergency situations
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, troubleshoot, and adopt an effective course of action
• Skilled in student management techniques, including special needs students
• Ability to drive a school bus route as the needs of the business dictates
• Ability to work under pressure situations and prioritize effectively
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information
• Ability to maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to always represent the school district in a positive manner
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with district staff, outside organizations, elected officials, and the general public

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Answer phone and direct calls accordingly
• Dispatch all routes and set the dispatch board
• Receive driver absentee calls and assign substitute drivers to fill all vacancies
• Review daily activities with AM and PM dispatcher
• Monitor radio, keep accurate log, and dispatch AM and PM road calls
• Assist Field Trip Coordinator with assigning and distributing buses and drivers to field trips
• Assist schools in placing new students on regular education buses and inform drivers of new or dismissed students
• Drive as needed
• Maintain positive customer service support through communication with parents and campus personnel and provide recommendations for and implementation of improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction
• Provide a positive organizational image to the general public by providing assistance and information regarding Transportation
• Participate in professional development
• Observes all safety rules according to DOT regulations, including passing random alcohol and drug tests
• Perform disaster duty as needed (hurricane, storms, and earthquakes, etc.)
• Maintain confidentiality of information

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Frequent prolonged or irregular hours: ability to operate and ride on motor vehicles used by the district.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control: maintain effective communication with staff and supervisors, complete work within time schedules and meet deadlines.