Dispatcher

Hamilton County Department of Education; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Department of Education is seeking a transportation dispatcher to coordinate school bus routes and schedules in the Chattanooga area. The role focuses on on-time performance, safety, and excellent communication with drivers, schools, and parents.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and basic proficiency with routing software and office tools. Experience in school transportation is preferred, with opportunities to ensure student

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of experience in school transportation coordination, routing, or related work.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Plan and dispatch bus routes to maximize efficiency, safety, and on-time performance.
• Update routing data including addresses, stops, and driver availability.
• Respond to inquiries from parents, schools, and the public about routes and schedules.
• Investigate complaints and initiate resolutions.
• Prepare route sheets and maps; distribute schedules to drivers.
• Enter and verify data in routing systems; maintain records and documentation.
• Coordinate with supervisors, drivers, dispatch staff, and school staff to resolve issues.
• Document calls and interactions in a central log; ensure timely follow-up.
• Monitor operations and communicate delays or changes to schools promptly.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Mathematics

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Routing software

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

Overview

The purpose of this classification is to dispatch buses to ensure on-time performance of service within an assigned geographical area and provide superior customer service to drivers, monitors, school administration, and parents.

Responsibilities

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described.

• Plans and dispatches bus routes to maximize efficiency, safety, and on-time performance.
• Maintains and updates routing data including student addresses, bus stops, routes, and driver/bus availability.
• Reviews new roads and subdivision developments for integration into routing plans.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for transportation inquiries. Responds to questions and concerns from parents, school personnel, and the public regarding bus routes, schedules, stops, and school zones.
• Investigates complaints and initiates appropriate resolutions.
• Communicates route details and updates to drivers, including stop locations, schedules, route instructions, and maps. Prepares and distributes route sheets and mapping materials.
• Monitors daily operations and notifies schools of delays, route changes, or late bus arrivals in a timely manner.
• Prepares and maintains records and documentation such as route sheets, correspondence, reports, maps, driver information, complaint logs, and bus stop requests.
• Enters, updates, and verifies data in routing and dispatch systems. Utilizes computer applications (e.g., routing software, spreadsheets, word processing) to manage operational data. Performs basic troubleshooting and coordinates equipment maintenance as needed.
• Communicates and collaborates with supervisors, drivers, dispatch staff, school administrators, parents, and external agencies to coordinate transportation services and resolve issues effectively.
• Documents all calls and interactions in a centralized call log, ensuring accurate tracking, follow-up, and resolution of outstanding issues.
• Handles high-volume phone and radio communications professionally and efficiently, serving as a key communication liaison during active route operations while completing related clerical tasks.
• Evaluates and resolves student pick-up and drop-off concerns, ensuring safe and practical solutions. Escalates complex issues to routing specialists or transportation administration as appropriate.
• Exercises sound judgment and makes timely decisions to maintain route coverage, ensure on-time performance, and uphold student safety during daily operations.
• Provides excellent customer service by maintaining a professional, respectful, and welcoming demeanor at all times. Fosters a customer-focused environment and delivers high-quality support to schools, parents, and the community.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable district, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Attends meetings as needed.
• Travels to school locations and other locations throughout the district to perform job duties.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law and Code of Professional Conduct as defined by Board Policy 5.6011.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving school transportation coordination, computerized trip routing, school bus driving, and personal computer operations;
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must maintain a valid state issued driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to respond to angry, upset, parents or others in a calm, courteous, respectful manner.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems within assigned area.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to calculate decimals and percentages.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Grade: 1006

Salary Scale