Transportation Dispatch Specialist

Albemarle County Public Schools•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the critical aspects of bus driver dispatch. Ensuring adequate guidance is provided to bus and vehicle drivers, this role plays vital to the school division’s daily goal of safe and timely pupil transportation. This role monitors, collects, and relays information to and from multiple sources on a moment-by-moment basis during daily runs. Serves as liaison for routing and all driver communications. This position also drives home-to-school routes in a Flex Driver capacity as needed.

Requirements

Any combination of education experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least one year of pupil transportation, mass transit, transportation logistics, or other related experience
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required and must be obtained within 6-months of hire
Knowledge of State and Local laws and regulations regarding pupil transportation and FCC regulations and etiquette regarding the operation of a two-way radio system
Ability to operate audio-visual, multi-line phone, GPS, and other office equipment
Knowledge of department bus routes and schedules, County of Albemarle, and school site locations
Ability to effectively utilize computer hardware and software applications including ACPS timekeeping system, employee self-serve system, email, systems and technology as required
Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with school and department staff
Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills, ability to receive and communicate effectively, and relay information in a timely and accurate manner
Ability to evaluate situations, and exercise sound judgment
Demonstrates understanding of cultural competency and promotes a climate of equity and inclusion
Satisfactory health conditions as certified by competent medical authority

Nice To Haves

two years experience as a school bus driver is desirable

Responsibilities

Communicates with fleet vehicles via two-way radio
Assists customers in person, via phone and email regarding bus routes and status of operations; makes necessary calls for drivers to parents or schools
Sends emails to schools daily for sub bus driver and bus number information
Communicates to parents and schools through Bright Arrow messaging when any changes to established route times are necessary
Files pre-trip inspection forms, discharge forms, and manifest forms, etc.
Provides bus route manifest for drivers as needed
Creates spreadsheets for tracking purposes and enters data
Faxes or emails manifests to schools for sub drivers
Collects accident information and contacts the proper authorities
Notifies VDOT of road hazards
Drives AM or PM, route, as required, daily. In addition, may be required to drive a vehicle or serve as a transportation assistant
Monitors operations using the global positioning satellite system and provides information to department leadership team
Monitors radio to ensure compliance with government and local regulations
Collects information from a variety of sources and compiles data for monthly reports
Views and archives security videos; converts to email form to submit to the school administrators and department staff
Maintains daily absentee log
Schedules substitute drivers and assistants
Computes and submits necessary working hours for substitute bus drivers and transportation assistants
Explains maps to substitute drivers
Communicates with school personnel to keep student files updated
Updates student information in a database
Directs/coordinates and instructs drivers when student issues arise
Keeps a daily log of incidents and issues when they occur during the operational day, including key radio transmissions as well as telephone conversations
Maintains filing systems for school bus and car pre-trip inspection forms, lead driver coversheets, and bus discipline referrals
Assigned administrative duties between AM and PM runs
Performs related duties as required
Notify drivers/assistants of route and pay changes and get their signatures
Conducts planning for a complex system of pupil transportation services specific to field trip requests, field trip data entry, and other supplemental services supporting the Division