Transportation Dispatcher

TITLE: Transportation Dispatcher

DEPARTMENT : Transportation

REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Director of Transportation

EVALUATES: n/a

POSITION INVENTORY: B23

POSTION TYPE: Full Time

FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

DAYS: 230 days HOURS: 8 hour day

BASIC FUNCTION:


Maintain communication within the Transportation Department via two-way radio, telephone, and electronic messaging to ensure that all bus routes are covered when regular drivers and associates are absent and rerouting other drivers when accidents, breakdowns or emergencies occur. Assist with assigning and coordinating field trips as needed while utilizing computer programs. This position requires continuous use of independent judgement. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the transportation department.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:


1. Ensure coverage of bus routes using drivers and associates.


2. Maintain a daily log of all drivers and associates work assignments.


3. Maintain and monitor two-way radio systems for the purposes of dispatching to drivers and communicating with office staff; follow all guidelines required by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).


4. Maintain current list of drivers and associates; coordinate replacement buses and drivers with Fleet Specialist as needed.


5. Inform schools of all changes in bus assignments on a daily basis.


6. Inform all drivers of special requirements, road conditions, routing, and all extraordinary conditions.


7. Assist drivers with routing directions and communicate special service requirements.


8. Respond to all incoming calls and emails in a timely manner; log incidents involving calls from administrators and schools, customers, police calls, parents, late buses, breakdowns, accidents, and problem areas of bus operations; report all serious incidents to supervisor to prevent interruption of service; follow up as necessary.


9. Monitor drivers' and associates' on-time performance.


10. Locate responsible parties to receive special needs students when parents or guardians are not available.


11. Make general announcements to drivers and associates.


12. Check and review a variety of data for accuracy, completeness and to established standards and procedures.


13. Interact daily with drivers, associates and mechanics, and school staff to ensure transportation service requirements and obligations are met.


14. Coordinate with school official to ensure safe, efficient and timely pupil transportation services.


15. Maintain a master list of all routes and trips, including: a current file or set of files on each route; information needed to describe the route and its component parts (contract, program, school, map, assigned vehicle, list of passengers with addresses and telephone numbers, assigned buses, assigned drivers).


16. Coordinate emergency response network when there is a problem on a route.


17. Report any breach of policy and procedure to supervisor.


18. This position provides additional support to Routing and may require driving routes and field trips on an as needed basis.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required:


1. High School Diploma, HiSET or GED.


2. Ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within a 60-day period.


3. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.


4. Ability to demonstrate effective leadership and organizational skills.


5. Works under deadlines in a fast-paced environment, effectively communicating timely and accurate information and decisions.

Desired:


1. Minimum of three (3) years' experience in a call center environment or comparable.


2. Minimum of three (3) years' supervisory experience.


3. Minimum of three (3) years' experience working with computerized databases/applications and keyboarding.


4. Post High School education or training.


5. Bilingual


6. Routing software experience.


7. Knowledge of the City of Des Moines and school locations.


8. Experience in leadership and evaluation of employees.


9. Experience with Ten Code communication guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMAND:

FREQUENCY:

Standing


Frequent 33% - 66%


Walking


Frequent 33% - 66%


Sitting


Frequent 33% - 66%


Bending/Stooping


Occasional 1% - 32%


Reaching/Pushing/Pulling


Occasional 1% - 32%


Climbing/Stairs


Constant 67%+


Driving


Occasional 1% - 32%


Lifting (20 lbs.)


Occasional 1% - 32%


Carrying (25 feet)


Occasional 1% - 32%


Manual Dexterity Tasks

Telephone


Constant 67%+


Computer


Constant 67%+


Other


Frequent 33% - 66%


Working Conditions

Inside


Constant 67%+


Outside


Occasional 1% - 32%


Extremes of Temperature/Humidity


Occasional 1% - 32%

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Employee Benefits - Des Moines Public Schools

Approved By: MLK


Date: 5/28/2026