Dispatcher

National Express•Antioch, TN

18d

About The Position

The Dispatcher directs and monitors daily transportation assignments, schedules drivers and bus assistants, and assigns vehicles to cover routes, field trips, and charter work. The role communicates assignment details and routing directions, helps ensure work is completed on time, and arranges special services when required. It responds to emergencies, coordinates repairs and replacement vehicles or drivers, and informs district and building personnel of disruptions or changes to service. The Dispatcher maintains route and dispatch documentation to provide accurate information to customers and meet district and state requirements. The position coordinates vehicle service with the Maintenance Supervisor, follows dispatch standard operating procedures, and handles customer concerns professionally, escalating unresolved issues to management as appropriate. It may recommend disciplinary action for part-time staff who violate company policies and is expected to uphold company ethics and safeguarding commitments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to organize and prioritize time while balancing customer-care and dispatch demands.
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers in fast-paced or stressful situations, including interpersonal and telephone communication.
Ability to read and interpret documents and instructions from customers and team members.
Ability to perform work requiring cooperation and instruction.
Ability to function under substantial pressure in a fast-paced environment and work with an appropriate level of independence.
Problem-solving ability.
Ability to operate two-way and emergency radio systems.
Ability to use office machines, including fax, scanner, copier, zip drive, and telephone system.
Ability to use Microsoft Office and computerized routing software.
Ability to work independently and read road and street maps.
Ability to maintain organized and accurate dispatch and routing records.

Nice To Haves

Previous dispatch experience.
Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area for effective and efficient routing.
Bilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Direct and monitor daily assignments; schedule drivers and bus assistants and assign vehicles to cover routes, field trips, and charter work.
Ensure drivers’ and bus assistants’ daily activities are assigned and completed on time.
Communicate driving-assignment details to drivers and assist with routing directions and required special services.
Recommend appropriate disciplinary action, up to suspension or discharge, for part-time staff who violate company policies.
Respond to emergency calls, facilitate the emergency response network, coordinate mechanical service, and assign replacement buses and drivers when route problems occur.
Notify district and building personnel about route-assignment changes, emergencies, accidents, breakdowns, and other service disruptions.
Maintain route documentation and records, including contract requirements, school and student information, route changes, maps, vehicle details, bus assignments, and driver details.
Coordinate vehicle servicing and mechanical repairs with the Maintenance Supervisor to support uninterrupted service.
Maintain compliance with dispatch standard operating procedures.
Handle customer concerns and information requests professionally and promptly; escalate unresolved issues to management as appropriate.
Share concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with a supervisor or manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.