School Transportation Dispatcher

School Transportation Dispatcher

Framingham Public Schools is seeking a School Transportation Dispatcher for the 2025-2026 School Year. The School Transportation Dispatcher is responsible for ensuring continuous and effective two-way radio communication with all transportation staff to facilitate safe and efficient district-wide travel. This role serves as a critical point of contact for the public, staff, and administration, maintaining detailed daily event logs and supporting the coordination of home-to-school routes, field trips, and athletic events.

Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to remain composed under pressure, and a commitment to providing high-quality service to students, families, and the Framingham community. This commitment aligns with Framingham Public Schools' high expectations for achievement, equal access to quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and closing the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Framingham Public Schools (FPS) is committed to excellence for all students and to creating a workforce that reflects our community's rich racial, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Guided by our mission to empower free-thinking, responsible citizens, we value inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness in all we do. FPS strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every student and staff member can thrive. We actively seek educators and staff who are committed to antiracism, social justice, and civic engagement. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and from members of historically underrepresented groups.

Framingham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a culturally responsive, antiracist, and inclusive community where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Framingham, Massachusetts, is a vibrant and diverse suburban community located 20 miles west of Boston, serving as a major hub in the MetroWest area. It successfully blends urban convenience with the comfort of New England neighborhoods, characterized by cultural diversity and a strong community spirit.

A key asset is the Framingham Public School system, which is committed to equity, inclusion, and student success across its nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Framingham High School. The district is recognized for its dual language programs, comprehensive special education services, and dedication to serving a diverse student population, preparing all learners for college and careers.

Framingham is also home to Framingham State University and offers abundant outdoor opportunities, including Cushing Memorial Park and Callahan State Park. With its blend of educational resources, accessibility, and dynamic community life, Framingham is a welcoming place to live and grow.

Training and Experience

Framingham Public Schools seeks candidates whose background, teaching, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of education.

• Educational Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Professional Experience: Previous experience in dispatching, logistics, or transportation operations preferred.
• Language Proficiency: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is preferred.

Skills and Ability

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

1. Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from district staff, school administrators, the School Committee, and the broader community.
2. Analytical Problem Solving: Sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate district-wide information, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recommend appropriate policies, procedures, or courses of action.
3. Strategic Planning & Evidence-Based Practice: Capacity to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations to inform district-level policies, operational decisions, and strategic planning.
4. Relationship Building & Collaboration: Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective cross-departmental working relationships with school leaders, district staff, community partners, and vendors.
5. Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive district environment for all staff, students, and families.
6. Reliability, Professionalism & Composure: Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance to ensure consistent district operations. Exhibit professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or high-stakes situations, maintaining a proactive and solution-focused approach.
7. Organization & Time Management: Strong organizational and project-management skills to work independently. Ability to monitor multiple radio frequencies, answer phone lines, and update digital logs simultaneously without compromising accuracy.
8. Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to use complex data sets effectively to inform resource allocation, policy development, and continuous improvement efforts across the district.
9. Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in using specialized transportation software (e.g., GPS tracking, routing systems) alongside standard office suites like Google Workspace.
10. Compliance & Confidentiality: Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with state and federal laws, Framingham Public Schools policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive personnel, legal, financial, and student information.
11. Composure & Crisis Management: Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during high-stress situations, such as traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or inclement weather emergencies.
12. Geographic Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of Framingham's geography, including school locations, major intersections, and common traffic patterns to assist drivers with navigation and route adjustments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• I. Communication and Dispatching
• Maintain consistent two-way radio communication with all transportation staff to ensure route safety and efficiency.
• Address inquiries from administration, parents, and students regarding daily transportation status and schedules.
• Provide clear instructions to drivers regarding operational procedures, schedule changes, or emergency protocols.
• Serve as a liaison between drivers and the transportation office to relay critical route details.
• II. Logistics and Coordination
• Assist in the planning and organization of home-to-school bus routes, field trips, and athletic trips.
• Assist in estimating costs and managing administrative procedures for various field trip requests.
• Maintain accurate and detailed daily event logs and activity records.
• Implement emergency protocols as necessary to ensure student safety.
• Uphold all district policies and ethical standards, ensuring the security of sensitive data.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

Physical Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Mobility, Navigation & Travel: Must move about and traverse throughout the transportation building. Requires the ability to travel to and navigate effectively throughout various school buildings and district grounds for meetings, site visits, or emergency responses.
2. Stationary Tasks: Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods of time to monitor radio frequencies, perform administrative tasks, and manage extensive data entry.
3. Sensory Requirements: Must be able to see and hear continuously to monitor two-way radio traffic, participate in meetings, and ensure safety when visiting active school or bus yard environments.
4. Communication: Must communicate effectively and clearly with district personnel, school staff, and the public in person, via email, telephone, and two-way radio.
5. Manual Dexterity & Technology: Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to operate a computer, input digital/printed data, and use other office productivity machinery continuously throughout the day.
6. General Physical Strength: Expected to lift and carry up to 20 lbs (e.g., laptops, presentation materials, files, or office supplies) between the central office and school sites.
7. Working Environment: Works primarily in a professional office setting with moderate noise levels, but must be able to adapt to dynamic, higher-noise school environments during site visits and observations.