Dispatcher/Field Trip Clerk

Dispatcher/Field Trip Clerk

Reports to: Transportation Operations Supervisor

Dept.: Transportation Services

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Scale: TD 3

Calendar: 226 Days

Primary Purpose: To oversee daily bus operations, ensuring efficient scheduling, communication, and coordination. This dual-role position requires managing dispatch functions and coordinating field trips, athletic events, and special transportation requests, ensuring smooth execution aligned with district policies and state regulations.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Clear and valid Texas commercial driver's license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
• Successful completion of state-mandated school bus driver training and certification program.
• Must be 18 years of age

Experience:

• Two years experience as certified school bus driver
• Two years experience as a transportation dispatcher preferred
• Experience with dispatch software and/or GPS systems

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses
• Ability to read and understand documents including policies and procedures manuals
• Ability to receive and give written and verbal instructions
• Ability to pass Texas Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam
• Ability to pass dexterity exam
• Must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Dispatch:

1. Dispatch drivers and vehicles on a daily basis.
2. Monitor and respond to two-way radio communications.
3. Receive, record, and report driver and bus monitor absence calls.
4. Assign routes and drivers to cover regular transportation needs, including substitutes for absent personnel
5. Utilize GPS and routing software to track bus locations, optimize routes, and respond to service interruptions
6. Respond to driver requests for assistance and dispatch tow trucks, emergency services, and additional equipment as needed.

Field Trip Coordination:

1. Review, prioritize, and approve field trip requests from schools and departments, ensuring compliance with policies.
2. Assign drivers and buses for field trips, ensuring adequate resources and preventing conflicts with daily transportation needs.
3. Communicate with school/district staff, event coordinators, and drivers to confirm trip details, special accommodations, and schedules.

Other:

1. Responsible for opening the transportation facilities and dispatching morning routes to ensure timely and efficient operations (AM).
2. Maintain accurate records of routes, schedules, field trip requests, and incidents.
3. Communicates with outside organizations, local police, and others as appropriate.
4. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
5. Drive a school bus route as required by the Transportation Services Department.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; two-way radio; global positioning system (GPS); school bus; safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; prolonged driving; moderate walking, climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and reaching

Lifting: Limited light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds) on a daily basis

Environment: Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work early shift; may work irregular and prolonged hours; work must be performed on-site.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.