TSC Route Planning and Dispatch Specialist

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Dispatch/Router Coordinator, the TSC Route Planning and Dispatch Specialist is responsible for the coordination of assignments on regularly scheduled routes, special events, and field trips necessary to meet the compliance of time schedules, and for safe and efficient transportation operations. The position includes computerized route planning to develop and revise bus routes; monitor and respond to operational needs in real time and assist with emergencies; and provide essential communication to drivers, schools, families, and district staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Education, training skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignments, with two (2) years of dispatching and or routing experience desirable
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to operate computer systems and to learn computer mapping and required application programs. Transportation software, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Docs, and district systems.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Skill in coping in a stressful environment and de-escalating situations.
Adaptability in shifting priorities and responding to emergent situations.
Culturally responsive and respectful of diverse individuals and perspectives.
Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Requires fingerprinting and a background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school bus routing/dispatch systems, district geography, and transportation regulations preferred.
Washington State Pupil Transportation Management Certificate desirable.
Working knowledge of Special Needs procedures, Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, equipment required for individual need of student within the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), and effectively route students within WAC's and RCW's guidelines for special needs transportation, including Title I Extended School Year (ESY) routes and additional summer routes as needed, preferred.
Valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License, Class B, with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement, and removal of air brake restriction, preferred.
Current and valid medical examiner's certificate or ability to obtain within three (3) months, preferred.
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates.

Responsibilities

Operates and communicates, face-to-face and via two-way radio, including bus stop information, route data, directions, or other pertinent information to assist drivers and assistants.
Coordinates the assignment of bus drivers and bus assistants, and equipment to ensure optimum use of resources. To include; home to school, special education, and field transportation for the purpose of meeting organizational needs and goals.
Creates student routes, updates student route/schedules, makes necessary routing updates, and coordinates student home to school general education and special education routes for the purpose of meeting the transportation needs of students and the goals of our school district. Maintains necessary documentation and data to support the transportation needs of students. Revises routes during shortages or unexpected changes.
Creates optimal reports and map-based visualizations. Assists with route bidding and the packaging of routes.
Applies Special Needs transportation requirements, including IEP and 504 guidelines.
Supports STARS counts and state reporting requirements.
Creates snow routes and weather-related adjustments.
Provides recommendations to the routing coordinator regarding residential development and boundary changes, and regarding road closures that may affect bus routes.
Provides information concerning routes, stops, schedules, safe riding practices, late arrivals and departures, rules, and regulations to the community and schools. Providing real-time operational updates to staff and families.
Calls 911 to arrange emergency support in the event of an accident, breakdown or medical emergency. Communicates with mechanics, equipment damage, and bus breakdowns.
Supports substitute drivers and assistants with input and instruction as needed. Provides training as needed while the substitute is learning the new role. Uses GPS supports and fleet tracking systems to assist drivers.
Use district-supported systems to communicate late buses with schools and families.
Operates a multiple-line phone system and maintains knowledge of hardware, software, network hardware/software and network standards as necessary for Transcribe and Tyler Technology.
Provide and promote excellent public relations and customer service with district staff, parents, schools, and community members.
May serve on various district committees and /or departmental work teams. Models appropriate and cooperative behavior, including confidential information, consistent with district ethical guidelines.
Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position, and other duties as assigned by district administration.
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and independent decision-making.