Transportation Dispatcher

Des Moines Public School District•Des Moines, IA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Maintain communication within the Transportation Department via two-way radio, telephone, and electronic messaging to ensure that all bus routes are covered when regular drivers and associates are absent and rerouting other drivers when accidents, breakdowns or emergencies occur. Assist with assigning and coordinating field trips as needed while utilizing computer programs. This position requires continuous use of independent judgement. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the transportation department.

Requirements

High School Diploma, HiSET or GED.
Ability to obtain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within a 60-day period.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to demonstrate effective leadership and organizational skills.
Works under deadlines in a fast-paced environment, effectively communicating timely and accurate information and decisions.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a call center environment or comparable.
Minimum of three (3) years’ supervisory experience.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with computerized databases/applications and keyboarding.
Post High School education or training.
Bilingual
Routing software experience.
Knowledge of the City of Des Moines and school locations.
Experience in leadership and evaluation of employees.
Experience with Ten Code communication guidelines.

Responsibilities

Ensure coverage of bus routes using drivers and associates.
Maintain a daily log of all drivers and associates work assignments.
Maintain and monitor two-way radio systems for the purposes of dispatching to drivers and communicating with office staff; follow all guidelines required by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
Maintain current list of drivers and associates; coordinate replacement buses and drivers with Fleet Specialist as needed.
Inform schools of all changes in bus assignments on a daily basis.
Inform all drivers of special requirements, road conditions, routing, and all extraordinary conditions.
Assist drivers with routing directions and communicate special service requirements.
Respond to all incoming calls and emails in a timely manner; log incidents involving calls from administrators and schools, customers, police calls, parents, late buses, breakdowns, accidents, and problem areas of bus operations; report all serious incidents to supervisor to prevent interruption of service; follow up as necessary.
Monitor drivers’ and associates’ on-time performance.
Locate responsible parties to receive special needs students when parents or guardians are not available.
Make general announcements to drivers and associates.
Check and review a variety of data for accuracy, completeness and to established standards and procedures.
Interact daily with drivers, associates and mechanics, and school staff to ensure transportation service requirements and obligations are met.
Coordinate with school official to ensure safe, efficient and timely pupil transportation services.
Maintain a master list of all routes and trips, including: a current file or set of files on each route; information needed to describe the route and its component parts (contract, program, school, map, assigned vehicle, list of passengers with addresses and telephone numbers, assigned buses, assigned drivers).
Coordinate emergency response network when there is a problem on a route.
Report any breach of policy and procedure to supervisor.
This position provides additional support to Routing and may require driving routes and field trips on an as needed basis.
Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
Maintain confidentiality.
Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
Assist with other duties as may be assigned.