Dispatcher/Scheduler

Bellflower Unified School District•Bellflower, CA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this role coordinates and directs daily transportation routing and dispatching operations, including real-time adjustments to routes, schedules, and driver assignments, to support the safe and efficient delivery of student transportation services. The position is responsible for real-time dispatching, route development and modification, and higher-level coordination of drivers and schedules, carrying out day-to-day dispatching and routing operations without supervisory authority.

Requirements

Three (3) years of experience performing scheduling and routing duties in a school transportation, public transit, or comparable transportation operations environment.
Graduation from high school or the possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
Knowledge of school bus dispatching and real-time operational coordination principles and practices.
Knowledge of two-way radio communication protocols and proper radio etiquette.
Knowledge of web-based applications, including specialized transportation software and shared databases, and modern communication and office tools such as email systems, phone systems, and standard office equipment.
Knowledge of recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation practices for transportation operations.
Knowledge of effective written and verbal communication techniques for interacting with parents, staff, and the public.
Knowledge of proper operation of school buses, including pre/post-trip inspections.
Knowledge of legal and defensive driving practices and safe driving techniques as applied to route coordination and driver advisement.
Knowledge of emergency procedures, incident response, and student safety protocols.
Knowledge of regulations and laws governing student transportation, including state and federal requirements, California Safety Restraint Systems and the California Vehicle Code and Education Code.
Knowledge of district and partner-district transportation policies, procedures, and service guidelines.
Ability to evaluate real-time transportation issues (driver call-outs, breakdowns, weather delays, road closures, emergencies), identify the core problem, and determine the most effective course of action to resolve it.
Ability to keep records, schedules, and communications precise by reviewing information, identifying errors, and ensuring dispatch decisions and documentation are complete.
Ability to observe and advise drivers on legal, safe, and defensive driving techniques when coordinating routes and responding to operational issues.
Ability to use maps, GPS displays, and routing tools to locate sites, plan routes, and provide clear navigation guidance to drivers.
Ability to assist in emergencies, sustained dispatch center work.
Ability to monitor conditions, identify hazards, follow and enforce safety procedures, and make decisions that protect students, drivers, and the public during daily operations and emergencies.
Ability to convey information professionally and concisely to drivers, school staff, parents, and the public; operate two-way radios effectively; ask targeted questions to gather accurate information; prepare clear written reports and logs; handle complaints with tact; and provide timely updates on assignments, delays, and operational impacts.
Ability to model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.
Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certification issued by an authorized agency within the first six (6) months of employment. Certification must be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is desired.
Some positions in this classification may require a valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation.

Responsibilities

Dispatches daily transportation operations by using the two-way radio to direct and support drivers, school sites, and field staff.
Monitors radio traffic and GPS data using specialized software; develops and adjusts routes, schedules, and stop assignments in real time based on conditions such as traffic, weather, staffing, breakdowns, and student issues to maintain on-time performance.
Guides drivers by giving clear instructions on procedures, route changes, navigation, and problem solving.
Prioritizes multiple issues at once and uses judgment to escalate serious or high-risk situations to the Transportation Manager.
Tracks driver availability, absences, timekeeping, and assignment changes throughout the day to support accurate records and steady service.
Verifies driver time records, attendance, and route hours, and processes related payroll transactions.
Assigns substitute drivers and schedules drivers for field trips, activity trips, and special programs to ensure full coverage.
Communicates with school sites, administrators, parents, and the public about delays, route changes, and transportation concerns.
Responds to phone, email, and in-person inquiries and prepares and sends transportation notices and updates.
Addresses complaints and concerns by explaining information, resolving issues when possible, and referring matters that require higher review.
Documents incidents, service interruptions, and operating concerns by gathering facts and supporting follow-up reviews.
Documents and codes all trips, routes, and scheduling activities as part of the budget tracking and financial reporting processes.
May provide lead direction and training to assigned staff.
May operate district vehicles to attend meetings at the district office or school sites.
Performs related duties as assigned.