Transportation Dispatcher (First Shift or Second Shift)

Job Title

Manage scheduling and assign routes and vehicles to bus drivers to ensure transportation services are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. Monitor two-way radio communication and respond as needed. Answer calls, take messages, and direct them to the right staff. Track absences and assign substitutes. Ability to work early mornings and late evenings.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

Valid Texas CDL (B) with P/S endorsement, or obtain within 6 months of employment

Texas Assoc. for Pupil Transportation Specialist Certification (TAPT), preferred

Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses

Effective telephone and communication skills

Ability to handle large work volume and multiple priorities

Ability to read and understand documents including policies and procedures manuals

Ability to receive and give written and verbal instructions

Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

1-2 years previous dispatch experience (preferred)

1-2 years secretarial experience (preferred)

1-2 years experience as a certified school bus driver (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Dispatch

• Dispatch drivers and vehicles on a daily basis.
• Monitor and respond to two-way radio communications.
• Answer phones, transfer calls, document concerns or complaints, and forward to the appropriate staff member.
• Receive bus driver and bus aide absence call and record via electronic dispatch log.
• Maintain good public relations with parents, staff, and school personnel.
• Handle assignments of bus drivers, bus aides, bus routes, vehicles, and substitute drivers for morning, midday, and evening shifts.
• Respond to driver requests via radio communication for emergency assistance and dispatch appropriate resources and/or additional equipment as needed.
• Coordinate with Field Trip Clerk to ensure bus assignments are fulfilled, appropriate equipment is issued, and routes are covered upon driver absences due to field trips.

Routing

• Prepare data required to plan bus route and post route schedule.
• Coordinate and schedule all general education, special service, career & technology education, after-school program, and summer school routes.
• Ability to utilize routing software to assign students to routes, print maps for drivers, provide transportation information to campuses, and advise drivers of new or dismissed students.
• Ability to utilize fleet tracking software to track units while on route. Monitor buses for issues related to speed, route direction, school arrival times, bus stops, etc.
• Report bus driver variances in driving routes as discovered while monitoring planned vs. actual travel path to Transportation Supervisor.
• Prepare and update district maps showing areas served by each bus.
• Notify drivers, parents and school personnel of any changes in a student's bus service, such as an address change, change in pick-up and drop-off location, change in time of bus change.
• Interact with special program administrators and school officials concerning transportation of special education students.
• Maintain pertinent documentation on all special education students.
• Maintain mileage records of all bus routes and travel.
• Maintain a head count log to help prepare, copy, and share change notices with transportation staff and schools.
• Prepare various reports as required by the state, district or department.
• Maintain records of communication related to confirmations, cancellations, and schedule changes.
• Observe all safety rules and keep work area clean and orderly at all times.
• Meet regular and predictable attendance requirements.

Other

• Serve as substitute bus driver as needed.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

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 15 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

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Days: 226

Auxiliary Pay Plan: Pay grade 4

Texas City ISD