TRAN- ZONE DISPATCHER

Transportation-Zone Dispatcher

Under general supervision of the operations supervisor the zone dispatcher orchestrates drivers and assistants for bus routes, and all other day to day zone operations as instructed by the supervisor. Responsible for daily check-in of all bus staff assistants, dispatching of all bus routes ensuring routes are appropriately substituted out and communicated out to all internal and external customers and updated on all necessary communication platforms. Inspects zone parking lot to ensure all buses are accounted. Reviews, distributes and provides critical input on route information when required to ensure a valued service to our customers. Monitors bus radio traffic, assist drivers and assistants with updates as directed by the supervisor. Zone Dispatcher works in accordance with Federal, State, local laws and regulations (e.g., North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; Guilford County Schools (GCS) training, policies and procedures; safety rules and regulations. Employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and communication to the zone supervisor or as directed by the Executive Director. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel. Reports to a Zone Transportation Supervisor

Collaborates, interacts with, and communicates with zone supervisor (e.g., route changes, student issues), parents, community, passengers and students using a customer service-oriented approach.

Ensures drivers and assistants are completing pre-trip and post trip inspections in accordance to GCS guidelines to ensure that everything is in working order and all students have unloaded, and reports bus malfunctions or needed repairs to Zone Supervisor & Maintenance.

In the event the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs pre- and post-trip inspections on substitute school bus. The zone dispatcher will assign a sub bus and document.

Serves as the Zone Transportation Supervisor during the incumbent's temporary absence for meetings, approved leaves and professional staff development. In this capacity, is responsible for all Zone Transportation Supervisor duties.

Provides supervision at shuttle points during student exchange to ensure student transfer is conducted in a safe and efficient manner and buses depart the shuttle point safely.

Monitors attendance of school bus drivers and monitors and the timeliness of their operations.

Notifies schools and parents of expected late buses via Here Comes the Bus.

Reports to the Zone Transportation Supervisor, serves as a backup for daily call outs, communicating out route updates and changes.

Receives personnel and payroll information from school bus drivers and safety assistants for submission to the zone Transportation Supervisor. Assists in compilation of payroll data.

Communicates with bus drivers on schedule changes and weather delays.

Receive telephone messages of intended absences from bus drivers and bus assistants.

Keep accurate daily attendance records for drivers and bus assistants. Prepare, maintain and distribute appropriate records such as the daily attendance report as directed by zone supervisor.

Schedule sub drivers to vacant routes. Assist the zone supervisor with assignment of extra work in accordance with fair and equitable practices. Maintain records of work assigned to document integrity.

Provide critical inputs to the zone supervisor regarding availability of open routes to be covered, coordinate and notify employees of new route assignments.

Documents employee problems and achievements in accordance with Personnel Department procedures.

Responsible for ensuring zone bus list remain current and updated in collaboration with fleet maintenance.

Assigns drivers to spare buses and updates internal and external customer of all necessary bus changes in the event they are needed.

Monitors radios as directed by the supervisor.

Inspects buses on site for cleanliness and ensures proper care of equipment including first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Responsible for monitoring and assisting the inspection team with random checks of our buses.

Distributes materials and information to include time sensitive route changes to employees.

Establish and maintain a fair and equitable driver rotation for assignment of routes if needed.

Assist employees with route related issues. Refer employees to their supervisors for counseling or discipline issues.

Provide critical support supervisor in resolving accidents/incidents.

Reports suspected child abuse according to GCS Title 9 guidelines.

Participates in random drug and alcohol testing program.

Maintains confidentiality of student information.

Minimum three years' experience as a transportation department employee. Excellent work attendance and performance record with the department. Must be knowledgeable about transportation requirements in support of educational programs Graduation from high school experience driving school buses which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License with school bus certification.