Dispatcher/Routing Specialist @ Transportation, 8Hrs, Cont.

Spokane Public Schools • Various Locations - Spokane, WA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher/Routing Specialist serves as a central operational and communication hub for Spokane Public Schools transportation services. The role assists in coordinating student transportation to and from school and district-sponsored activities by designing, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting safe, efficient, and cost-effective routes. Using computerized routing, GPS, and communication systems, the specialist supports daily transportation operations, responds to real-time issues, and communicates with drivers, school staff, families, vendors, and administrators. The position reports to the Transportation Manager(s).

This is a continuing role. The posting lists an 8-hour day and identifies the position as a school-year role, with possible schedules of 260 days/12 months or 220 days/10 months. Daily start and end times and the anticipated start date are to be determined. Work schedules may change according to program and district needs. The role may require flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may require serving as a school bus driver for operational necessity.

The position is Level 2 on the Professional Technical Salary Schedule. Experience increments depend on experience in the same or similar permanent position within a Washington State public school. Benefits are provided to eligible employees and include medical, dental, and vision coverage through SEBB, with additional leave and paid holidays in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Other described benefits include life and AD&D insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems pension plan, and optional retirement savings and employee-paid supplemental benefits.

The work is primarily in a climate-controlled office, with occasional to frequent exposure to moderate-to-loud noise. Duties may also involve driving school buses or other district vehicles in varying road and weather conditions. The position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and other physical activities, as well as sustained concentration and communication. A fingerprint background check is required for prospective employees.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform the responsibilities listed.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, or an Associate degree and at least five years of related work experience as a substitute.
• Valid Washington State Class B Commercial Driver’s License with applicable endorsements, and OSPI school bus driver authorization, or willingness to obtain the authorization within 90 days of hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Spokane area and surrounding regions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, timely work.
• Dependability, reliability, flexibility, punctuality, professionalism, stress tolerance, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google applications and ability to learn new technology systems.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work positively and effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, families, and community members.
• Ability to interact respectfully with individuals of varying socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Required use of a personal vehicle.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical, communication, vision, concentration, and mobility demands, including frequent sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, and repetitive fine motor activities.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of dispatch, routing, or transportation administrative experience preferred.
• Bus driving experience preferred.
• Experience with transportation routing, scheduling, and GPS software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Use computerized routing, scheduling, and GPS systems to design, maintain, monitor, and adjust assigned routes and shuttles while meeting time, efficiency, and safety requirements.
• Serve as a primary communication point for drivers, school administrators, parents and guardians, vendors, and district staff through radio, phone, and electronic communication systems.
• Monitor routes and provide real-time dispatch support in response to traffic, weather, road construction, delays, equipment issues, and emergencies.
• Read, interpret, and analyze maps for route planning, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
• Communicate route details, changes, assignments, equipment requirements, and operational updates to transportation staff and drivers.
• Assist in resolving transportation concerns, including student behavior issues, parental inquiries or complaints, route disruptions, and service changes, in accordance with district procedures.
• Schedule and assign drivers for field trips, extracurricular programs, athletic events, and other special activities.
• Coordinate transportation needs and resolve service issues with school personnel.
• Work with transportation vendors and multiple software systems to ensure accurate, timely integration of student, driver, and route data.
• Coordinate with staff, agencies, and vendors to meet district and student transportation needs, including notifying stakeholders about route, bus, or schedule changes.
• Monitor compliance with state pupil transportation regulations, district policies, and applicable laws; assist with data collection and required reports.
• Provide backup dispatch and routing support for areas not primarily assigned, as needed.
• Prepare and process transportation correspondence, memoranda, reports, and records in accordance with district standards.
• Create, maintain, and manage electronic and hard-copy files, including confidential records, keeping information accurate and current.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require; assist with planning and scheduling; and attend required meetings and training.
• Participate in professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge of transportation systems, routing, dispatching, and technology platforms.
• Assist with special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by the department manager or designee.
• Complete reasonable-suspicion assessments on drivers reporting to work.
• Comply with district policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Serve as a school bus driver when operationally necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through SEBB for eligible employees.
• Vacation, sick, and personal days, and paid holidays, as applicable under collective bargaining agreements.
• Life and AD&D insurance offered at no cost to the employee through SEBB.
• Employee Assistance Program with free, confidential counseling, consultation, and referral services for eligible employees and dependent family members.
• Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems public pension plan, with pension or hybrid plan options.
• Voluntary retirement savings options, including the DRS Deferred Compensation Program and a district 403(b) plan.
• Optional employee-paid benefits, including the Dependent Care Assistance Program, supplemental Life and AD&D, Long-Term Disability insurance, and Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level