Transportation Dispatcher - Transportation Department

Personnel Commission•Madera, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Transportation, the Transportation Dispatcher is responsible for efficiently planning, coordinating, dispatching, and overseeing assigned school bus fleet activities and bus drivers; processing service requests pertaining to routine and emergency maintenance issues; maintaining department records in accordance with mandated requirements; and coordinating assigned projects. The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with student transportation services which directly support student learning and achievement.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
Two (2) years of responsible school bus driving experience.
Possession of a valid California Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements and remain insurable at the District’s standard insurance market rate.
Current DMV report.
Valid California Special Driver’s Certificate for School Bus
U.S. Department of Transportation DL-51 Medical Examiner’s Certificate
Valid First Aid Certification (as required to maintain valid and current CA Special Driver’s Certificate for School Bus)
Pass the District’s applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
After offer of employment, obtain: Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
Pre-employment physical exam (A / B or others?) through District’s provider at District’s expense
Post-employment random drug screen testing, as currently required under DOT regulations, to maintain California Commercial Driver’s License through District’s provider at District’s expense
Completed application
Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalency (copy of official transcript OR copy of diploma is acceptable)
U.S. Department of Transportation DL-51 Medical Examiner's Certificate
DMV Report (dated within the last 30 days)
Copy of Class A or B Driver's License
Valid California Special Driver’s Certificate for School Bus
Resume

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: Procedures, methods and techniques of dispatching and scheduling buses
Proper operations of school buses and school transportation vehicles
Safe and defensive driving methods and techniques
All applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, California Code of Regulations, and Education Code relating to student transportation
District organization, operations, policies, and objectives
Classified collective bargaining agreement as pertains to Bus Driver bidding rules and field trip assignments
Basic maintenance requirements
District geographic areas
Appropriate Health and Safety regulations, safety precautions and procedures
Standard first aid procedures
Proper lifting techniques
Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Emergency evacuation techniques
Utilization of wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment)
Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Operation of a computer and assigned software
Skills and Abilities to: Operate standard office equipment including using a variety of software applications; database management, computer-based routing systems, and software applications
Apply District and other applicable rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation
Adhere to safety practices; learn and observe legal and defensive driving practices
Learn and follow designated routes
Maintain a safe discipline level among passengers
Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance
Comprehend and follow equipment instructions for student assistive devices such as wheelchairs
Assist in loading and unloading students with special needs
Administer first aid
Analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions
Operate district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio and standard office equipment
Prepare and maintain accurate records
Adapt to changing work priorities
Work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups
Exercise sound judgment
Create safe environment for students
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
Work independently with little direction
Make common sense decisions in potentially critical situations
Communicate with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
Maintain an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents
Maintain student confidentiality
Work with constant distractions

Responsibilities

Attends unit meetings, in-service training and workshops to gather information required to perform job functions.
Collaborates with supervisor in developing routes and schedules (e.g., routes, workload, special trips, driver training, etc.) to determine driver and equipment requirements.
Communicates with drivers, teachers, parents, and principals to discuss issues and discipline problems, exchange information, prepare schedules, and resolve questions or concerns.
Compiles a variety of data (e.g., dispatch logs) to develop formal reports, convey information and comply with mandated requirements.
Confers with Supervisor – Transportation Operations regarding policies, procedures and/or actions (e.g., boundary changes, personnel requirements, dispatching problems) to provide information for decision making and for enhancing student transportation services.
Coordinates assignment of field trips, extra-curricular activities, and special events; processes and maintains field trip requests and information; logs requests and prepares related records; assists in the coordination of charter vehicles; assures proper coverage of field trips and special events.
Coordinates bus driver substitute coverage.
Develops and implements workable solutions to daily operation problems to bring immediate resolution to current and potential problems.
Dispatches the District bus fleet to meet student transportation needs.
Drives a school bus over designated routes in emergency situations; performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections maintains order and proper discipline of student passengers according to District policy.
Informs school personnel and parents of practices (e.g., rules, regulations, laws) to provide information for their follow-up action.
Processes a variety of materials (e.g., service orders, route changes) to update and distribute information, and or/ comply with mandated requirements .
Responds to injuries and/or accidents to comply with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and/or staff (e.g., stop locations, schedule, State-regulated policies) to provide the necessary information regarding transportation services.
Schedules work assignments, including coverage for ill drivers or breakdowns, to ensure completion of transportation routes in a timely manner.
Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District trainings.