Transportation Dispatcher (Promotional Only)

Anaheim Union High School District•Anaheim, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Transportation, this position dispatches drivers and appropriate equipment to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the District's transportation services. The role involves assigning bus drivers to designated routes and special event trips, and performing other related duties as required. Incumbents are expected to follow established procedures and guidelines, exercising independent judgment in situations such as routing changes due to traffic conditions. The role is primarily office-based, with responsibilities for preparing and maintaining department records and reports. This position is distinguished from a Bus Driver by its focus on planning routes, schedules, and dispatching drivers.

Requirements

Graduation from high school.
Three years of experience as a school bus driver.
Possession of an unrestricted, valid Class A or B California Commercial Driver License with Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake Endorsements.
A current, valid Medical Examiner's Certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
A valid California Special Driver Certificate designated for school buses (unrestricted, with the exception of #1-Automatic Transmission Only and/or #6-First Aid Test Waived) issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
If #6-First Aid Test Waived, a valid first aid certificate comparable to the American Red Cross First Aid Certificate, or a current certificate as a physician's assistant or emergency medical technician is required.
Incumbents must be able to be insured, and continue to be insurable, by the District's liability insurance carrier.
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to pupil transportation.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of transportation principles related to efficiency and economy of bus operations, routing and scheduling.
Knowledge of methods, practices and procedures of dispatching transportation vehicles.
Knowledge of school schedules and existing school bus stops.
Knowledge of community and school district topography including streets, traffic conditions, location of schools, school boundaries, etc.
Knowledge of Board policies and regulations, Education Code sections, California Vehicle Code, including Title 13, and employee agreement provisions pertaining to transportation of students.
Knowledge of operation of a computer, assigned software and two-way radio.
Knowledge of telephone techniques and etiquette.
Knowledge of record-keeping techniques.
Knowledge of basic safety and maintenance requirements of automotive equipment.
Knowledge of basic first aid techniques.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of principles of good public relations.
Skill to efficiently dispatch bus drivers and buses on regular routes, field trips, athletic events, emergency situations and to meet needs of special education students.
Skill to read street maps and plan travel routes.
Skill to assist in coordinating bus schedules and driver assignments as well as designing bus routes.
Skill to accurately maintain a variety of logs, records and files.
Skill to interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Skill to exercise good judgment.
Skill to drive school buses ranging from 16 passenger vans to 90 passenger buses with automatic, and manual transmissions safely and efficiently.
Skill to perform bus maintenance inspections.
Skill to adapt to emergency situations and implement effective solutions related to dispatching drivers and equipment.
Skill to make generalizations, evaluations or decisions without immediate supervision.
Skill to operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and applicable software applications.
Skill to operate a two-way radio.
Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to answer telephones and greet the public courteously.
Ability to understand and resolve issues, complaints or problems.
Ability to meet schedules and time lines.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to display tact and diplomacy when assisting customers, and coworkers.
Ability to work independently with little direction and under pressure.
Ability to manage multiple, concurrent and conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

If #6-First Aid Test Waived, a valid first aid certificate comparable to the American Red Cross First Aid Certificate, or a current certificate as a physician's assistant or emergency medical technician is required.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of dispatching duties related to student transportation for the District including regular education, special education, field trips and special event routes.
Reviews placement of bus stops and recommends the addition or deletion of stops.
Assists in determining the number of buses and drivers and the size of buses.
Modifies routes and schedules as needed.
Assists in planning routes and schedules for regular home-to-school students, special education students, field trips, athletic events and extended school year programs.
Obtains reports on Special Education students.
Determines routes/schedules for door-to-school service.
Develops a file on each student so that drivers can become aware of special needs in handling such students.
Assists with the posting of field trips and the arrangements for charter field trip services.
Maintains up-to-date route schedules.
Assigns drivers for field trip assignments based on an established rotation list and to meet last-minute trip requests.
Informs drivers of absent or returning students.
Confirms scheduled trips.
Operates a two-way radio to dispatch drivers and vehicles in accordance with established schedules and to fulfill special transportation requests.
Communicates with drivers regarding schedule or route changes, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, emergencies, road conditions, road hazards and other concerns.
Notifies drivers or authorities as appropriate.
Reviews routes for drivers as needed.
Performs evening and weekend dispatching duties as directed.
Researches maps and locations to provide bus drivers with information and directions to various destinations.
Maintains current knowledge of routes and locations to assure timely services and accurate information.
May drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation to transport students to and from school, special events and field trips as necessary.
Communicates with other departments and outside agencies to coordinate services, exchange information and resolve issues.
Communicates with parents, supervisors, school administrators and department employees.
Responds to routine transportation requests and questions.
Answers telephones and greet visitors.
Directs inquiries to the appropriate department or person as needed.
Places telephone calls to request, provide or verify information.
Resolves pupil transportation issues and concerns.
Maintains a variety of logs, records and files related to transportation services such as routes and student information.
Operates a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and applicable routing and field trip software.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

100% employer contribution towards employee and family premiums for health benefits.
Sick leave
Holidays
Bereavement leave
Emergency leaves
Medical insurance for employees and their dependents (for permanent classified employees working 20+ hours/week).
Dental insurance for employees and their dependents (for permanent classified employees working 20+ hours/week).
Vision care insurance for employees and their dependents (for permanent classified employees working 20+ hours/week).
Behavioral health insurance for employees and their dependents (for permanent classified employees working 20+ hours/week).
Life insurance for employees and their dependents (for permanent classified employees working 20+ hours/week).