School Bus Dispatcher

Bus Dispatcher

Assists the associate director of transportation & warehouse operations by instructing and directing the activities of bus drivers, bus driver assistants, and substitutes in the safe, timely, reliable, efficient, and economical coverage of daily bus runs, communicating directly with bus drivers, bus driver assistants, and substitutes.

Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent, be 21 years of age or older and have a working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Windows & Office software.

Necessary and Special Qualifications: A valid Virginia operator's and CDL license with school bus, passenger, and air brake endorsements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Maintains various daily transportation logs/reports such as absentee record, substitute assignments, etc. Communicates with the associate director of transportation & warehouse operations and his/her staff regarding bus routes, scheduling, doubling of runs, off-campus trip assignments, and other critical operational issues. Ability and willingness to learn to operate two-way radio and dispatch all radio calls in a courteous and professional manner. Secures substitutes for absent bus drivers and bus driver assistants when necessary. Directs doubling of runs and returns to school to assure efficient and economical use of resources. Informs school personnel of changes to route numbers, drivers and daily bus routes, etc. Maintains familiarity with directions for all bus routes. Provides route sheets and insures that directions are given to all bus drivers and substitutes. Communicates as necessary with bus drivers, school personnel, school board office and parents by phone, radio, email, etc. as appropriate. Assigns drivers and assistants to off-campus trips and contracted bus services as necessary. Provides necessary data for the billing of off-campus trips and contracted bus services. Assists area supervisors and the associate director of transportation & warehouse operations in auditing time for all bus employees and provides necessary documentation for payroll purposes. Performs computer data entry. Apprises drivers of road conditions during inclement weather. Assists with preparation for department events such as in-service training, school bus road-e-o, etc. Drives routes as necessary in the absence of regular and substitute drivers and as assigned by the associate director of transportation & warehouse operations. Acts in a professional manner exhibiting a positive image in dealing with students, parents, and school division personnel. Must be extremely flexible and willing to work flexible hours. Attends workshops and safety meetings as directed. Reports personal absences to supervisor allowing sufficient time to secure coverage for critical duties. Ability to work well with people and maintain a pleasant and positive attitude. Ability to quickly learn procedures used to report information and maintain records. Ability to work from written instructions. Ability to operate all vehicle types used in transporting students. Assists in preparation of route schedules. Performs other duties as assigned by the associate director of transportation & warehouse operations.