Dispatcher

First Student; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student is seeking a dispatcher to manage bus route scheduling, dispatch drivers, and maintain on-time performance. The role requires strong communication, a focus on safety, and the ability to handle high-volume phone traffic.

You will coordinate with operations, address driver concerns, and ensure smooth daily operations across routes. A high school diploma is required, with 3–5 years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of dispatch or scheduling experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines.
• Prior terminal operations, dispatch, or driver experience preferred.
• Computer literate and proficient with standard software.
• DOT drug testing and safety requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all routes and scheduling of buses.
• Counsels and coaches drivers and monitors.
• Handles heavy phone and radio traffic.
• Takes scheduling issues and driver complaints to Operations Supervisor.
• Serves as primary liaison with contracted customer.
• May handle charter reservations, billing, or driver payroll.
• Provides solutions to drop-off and pick-up problems.
• Back-up driver duties and miscellaneous clerical tasks.
• Completes assignment of special projects.
• Assists with day-to-day operations supervision.

Skills

3–5 years experience

Excellent communication

Customer service

Time management

DOT regulations knowledge

Computer literate

Driver/terminal experience

Radio dispatch proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Radio dispatch equipment

Job description

At First Student, our Dispatchers are a constant reflection of our company's commitment to safety and customer service. The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching all buses, ensuring on-time performance of routes, and counseling drivers and monitors on front line.

At First Student, we are proud to offer:

• Schedule: Full time, 8 hour shifts covering our PM/overnight team

• Pay: $23.00-25.00/hr, based upon experience

• Tremendous Career Advancement Opportunities due to a strong presence across North America

• Positive and rewarding work environment

Dispatcher Responsibilities:

• Oversees all routes and scheduling of buses

• Counsels and coaches drivers and monitors

• Handles heavy phone and radio traffic

• Takes all scheduling and driver complaints, report to Operations Supervisor/Contract Manager

• Serves as primary communication liaison with major contracted customer

• May handle charter reservations, billing, or driver payroll

• Provides solutions to drop-off and pick-up problems

• Handle back-up driver duties or perform miscellaneous clerical duties as needed

• Completes assignment of special projects

• Assists with supervision of day-to-day operations

Dispatcher Experience and Skills Required:

• 3-5 years experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Ability to deliver under time constraints and deadlines

• Previous terminal operations, dispatch, or driver experience

• Computer literate

• Subject to DOT drug testing and physical. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

First Students commitment to putting our customers first, dedication to safety, and an ambition to deliver dependable transportation makes for a working environment you'll love. As a huge company with 120,000 staff and over 2.5 billion customers worldwide, you'll also enjoy security, a brilliant future, and excellent training.

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce therefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. For candidates applying to positions in San Francisco or Los Angeles California, First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance. First is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.

Language Requirement

This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.