Dispatcher

Southland Transportation; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company is expanding its routes in Halifax and is looking for Dispatchers for the 2025-2026 school year. The role focuses on ensuring safe and efficient operations, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Candidates with experience in transportation dispatch or logistics, especially in the school bus industry, are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in transportation dispatch or logistics preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Halifax Regional Municipality.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch drivers and monitors daily for safe and efficient routes.
• Monitor real-time vehicle activity using GPS software.
• Act as main contact for drivers and monitors, relaying updates.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Zonar

BusPlanner

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

SOUTHLAND is excited to be expanding our routes throughout the Regional Municipality of Halifax for the 2025 – 2026 school year and are currently hiring multiple Dispatchers to join our team! These positions are tailor-made for an industry professional with a focus on customer service and passenger satisfaction.

Start date is June 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in transportation dispatch or logistics is preferred; experience in the school bus industry considered an asset
• Familiarity with Zonar (real-time monitoring) and BusPlanner (late notifications) is a strong asset
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to work well under pressure
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm in time-sensitive situations
• Knowledge of Halifax Regional Municipality

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Dispatch drivers and monitors daily to ensure all routes run safely and efficiently
• Monitor real-time vehicle activity using GPS software, respond promptly to issues or delays, and communicate internally as needed
• Post late route notifications in BusPlanner to ensure timely updates are available to parents, care-givers, and schools
• Act as the main point of contact for drivers and monitors, relaying schedule changes, safety updates, or route adjustments
• Support coordination with the Operations Supervisor for any changes to individual students' transportation needs, ensuring those changes are implemented smoothly and effectively
• Track and report attendance, route coverage, vehicle issues, and driver concerns
• Assist with new driver onboarding by providing route briefings and dispatch support
• Ensure that drivers and staff are treated in a fair and consistent manner using the guidelines and rules set out in the Driver’s Handbook and Policy and Procedures manual
• Schedule and assign charters as required
• Assist in answering public and driver inquiries and finding solutions to concerns