Dispatcher

National Express•Beach Park, IL

About The Position

The Dispatcher directs and monitors daily 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, coordinates service repairs and replacement vehicles, and notifies district and school personnel of events that may disrupt service. The Dispatcher maintains accurate route documentation and records, follows dispatch procedures and district and state requirements, and handles customer concerns professionally. The role also supports safe, reliable transportation and is expected to demonstrate ethical conduct and report suspicious or inappropriate behavior.

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 competing customer-care and dispatch 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 cooperate and follow instructions in performing work activities.
Ability to function under substantial pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and at an appropriate level of independence.
Problem-solving ability.
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 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 relevant driving assignment details to drivers.
Assist drivers with routing directions and direct them to perform special services when required.
Recommend 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 repairs, and assign replacement buses and drivers when route problems occur.
Notify district and building personnel of route 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, to provide reliable information and meet district and state requirements.
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.
Demonstrate ethical conduct and personal integrity, and report concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior to a supervisor or manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.