Dispatcher

First Student • New York, NY

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching buses and supporting drivers to help ensure safe, reliable, and on-time service within an assigned geographic area. This role serves as a key communication point between drivers, operations, customers, and location leadership. The Dispatcher supports daily route operations, helps resolve service issues, manages heavy phone and radio communication, and assists with day-to-day operational needs to keep service running smoothly.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Appropriate vehicle license preferred
• 3–5 years of related experience preferred
• Previous terminal operations, dispatch, transportation, school bus, or driver experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines
• Ability to stay calm and organized in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literacy required
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, customers, leadership, and internal teams

Responsibilities

• Dispatch buses and provide timely route information to drivers
• Oversee routing and scheduling support for assigned buses and routes
• Monitor on-time performance and help resolve service delays or route concerns
• Serve as a primary communication liaison with contracted customers
• Handle heavy phone and radio traffic in a professional and timely manner
• Assist drivers with day-to-day operational questions and route needs
• Provide solutions for pick-up and drop-off issues as they arise
• Receive scheduling concerns, driver complaints, and service-related issues
• Resolve customer or service problems directly when appropriate or escalate to the Operations Supervisor, Contract Manager, or location leadership
• Coach and counsel drivers on frontline service and operational issues
• Monitor and support resolution of driver performance, disciplinary, and service concerns
• Ensure compliance with operating contracts, state and local ordinances, and company policies and procedures
• May support charter reservations, billing, driver payroll, licensing, or driver hiring activities
• May perform backup driver duties as needed
• Complete clerical duties while buses are in route
• Complete special projects as assigned

Benefits

• Play a key role in supporting safe, reliable student transportation
• Work closely with drivers, operations leaders, and school district partners
• Help keep daily service running smoothly and on schedule
• Build experience in transportation operations, dispatch, routing, and frontline service support
• Be part of a mission-driven team that serves students and communities every day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED