Dispatcher

National Express•San Carlos, CA

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, responds to emergencies and service disruptions, coordinates replacement vehicles and drivers, and keeps district and building personnel informed of changes. The Dispatcher maintains accurate route and service records, coordinates mechanical repairs with the Maintenance Supervisor, follows dispatch procedures, and handles customer concerns professionally. The role also supports Summit School Services’ commitment to safeguarding children and passengers and to ethical, respectful conduct.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area to support effective and efficient routing.
Ability to organize and prioritize time while balancing customer care and dispatching demands.
Effective communication, interpersonal, and telephone skills, including the ability to communicate in fast-paced or stressful situations.
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.
Ability to work with an appropriate level of independence and to problem-solve.
Ability to operate two-way and emergency radio systems.
Ability to use office equipment, including fax machines, scanners, copiers, zip drives, and telephone systems.
Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and computerized routing software.
Ability to read road and street maps.
Ability to maintain organized and accurate dispatch and routing records.

Nice To Haves

Previous dispatch experience.
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 special services.
Recommend disciplinary action, up to and including 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 arise.
Notify district and building personnel of route assignment changes, emergencies, accidents, breakdowns, and other service disruptions.
Maintain route documentation and records, including contract requirements, school information, student data, 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 promptly and professionally, escalating unresolved issues to management as appropriate.
Share concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with a supervisor or manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.