Transportation Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

Transportation Dispatcher

Purpose Statement

Under general supervision of the Director of Transportation, assists in coordinating bus schedules for daily routes, field trips, sporting events and other District functions; evaluates, resolves, and/or makes recommended solutions to accidents; may act to facilitate operations in the absence of the Supervisor.  The incumbent is expected to work independently in concert with the requirements and general procedures established by the Supervisor of Transportation.  May drive a school bus route. This position is routinely designated to act in the absence of the of the Transportation Supervisor.

This job reports to the Transportation Supervisor

Essential Functions

·      Assists with creating daily bus schedules for the regular school year bus routes and summer routes.

·      Communicates with department employees; receives requests, questions, concerns and suggestions; provides routine information and assistance and/or forward to appropriate personnel.

·      Compiles and analyzes data and prepares reports with appropriate software and other office equipment.

·      Computes transportation mileage and hours for sporting events, charters, field trips and other special trips for billing purposes.

·      Drives school bus/es for the purpose of transporting passengers over scheduled routes to and from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner as necessary and/or required.

·      Handles daily departmental inquires including processing of field trips, sports, and after school activities.

·      Handles phone calls from the general public and parents regarding bus service and responds in a professional manner assisting the Transportation Supervisor with concerns.

·      Maintains accurate records of drivers regular hours and a variety of other records related to the operation of the Tranportation Department.

·      Maintains current knowledge of California laws and regulations relating to pupil transportation.

·      Maintains updated list of students services and records of parent and/or guardian information to ensure ability to contact as necessary.

·      Opens facilities as necessary in the Transportation and Maintenance and Operations Department as necessary.

·      Operates a two-way radio to dispatch drivers and vehicles in accordance with established schedules and to fulfill transportation requests; communicates with drivers regarding schedule or route changes.

·      Plans bus evacuation programs in accordance with the California Highway Patrol requirements.

·      Prepares bid sheets on regular, overload, field trips and other special assignments to determine which driver gets the assignment, based on seniority.

·      Participates in meetings; attends workshops and trainings for the purpose of gathering and/or disseminating information required to perform job functions.

·      Reports observations and incidents (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) for the purpose of complying with applicable laws and district guidelines.

Other Functions

·      Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; operating district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio, and standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency evacuation techniques; area streets and locations; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; health standards and hazards; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; safe driving practices; safety practices and procedures; two way radio communication; and utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment); standard record keeping and filing system procedures including understanding of word processing, database, and software applications.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; Ability is also required to work with a diverse individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; exercising sound judgment; maintaining an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents; maintaining confidentiality; and working with constant distractions; plan, organize and prioritize work of self and coordinate the work of others; operate various office equipment; understand, carry out and give oral and written instructions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 10% walking, and 40% standing.  The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience     Job related experience is required.

Education       High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency   Graduation from high school and one year experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.

Required Testing

Certificates

Job-Related Skills Proficiency Test

Valid CA Class B Drivers License with Passenger + S Endorsements

School Bus Drivers Certificate Restriction #1 only

Continuing Educ./Training

Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Criminal Background Clearance

DOJ Fingerprint Clearance

Tuberculosis Clearance

Post-Offer DOT Screening