Dispatcher

First Student, Inc.; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company 
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Paid holidays and vacation time

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Discounts on cell phone plans, travel,

Earned wage access through MyPay

Salt Rewards Program

Job summary

First Student, Inc. in Fairfield, CT is seeking a Dispatcher to organize daily bus and driver assignments, ensuring on-time coverage and clear communication with drivers, monitors, families, and school staff.

You will handle high-volume phone and radio traffic, resolve scheduling issues, and support day-to-day operations on a Monday–Friday schedule, 5:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with a two-hour break. The role requires 3–5 years of relevant experience and a high school diploma.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of relevant experience in dispatch, transportation coordination, or related operations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Exceptional verbal communication and patience when handling questions and competing demands.
• Strong customer service skills and professional problem-solving approach.
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment.
• Computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate schedules and records.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt as conditions change.
• Availability to work Monday–Friday, 5:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with a two-hour mid-day break.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily bus and driver assignments to ensure on-time route coverage.
• Monitor service, respond to delays, and adjust coverage as needed.
• Manage high-volume phone and radio traffic with clear, professional communication.
• Coach and support drivers and monitors on daily operational concerns.
• Address scheduling concerns and driver complaints with supervisor input when needed.
• Serve as the communication link between the location and school district customers.
• Assist with charter reservations, billing, and driver payroll tasks as assigned.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and participate in special projects.
• Perform backup driving duties when appropriately licensed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Patience

Organizational skills

Dispatch experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Radio dispatch equipment

Job description

Now Hiring: Dispatcher - Fairfield, CT

Schedule: Monday-Friday | Split shift, 5:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with a two-hour break
Pay: $28.00-$30.00 per hour
Fleet: 125 buses - 5 Type D, 30 Type A, and 90 Type C

Keep the day organized. Help drivers succeed. Keep students moving safely.

First Student is hiring a Dispatcher in Fairfield, CT. We're looking for someone with exceptional verbal communication skills, patience, and the ability to stay organized when priorities change.

You'll help coordinate a fleet of 125 buses, handle phone and radio communications, and resolve issues that affect daily service. Drivers, monitors, school staff, and families will count on you for clear information and timely answers.

Why Join First Student?

• $28.00-$30.00 per hour


• Monday-Friday schedule


• Medical, dental, and vision coverage


• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match


• Paid holidays and vacation time


• Employee Assistance Program for personal and work-related support


• PerkSpot discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, travel, and more


• Access to earned wages before payday through Chime MyPay at Work*


• Salt Rewards Program for employee savings and rewards


• Training and opportunities to advance into operations, safety, and leadership roles

Benefits are subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate daily bus and driver assignments to support on-time route coverage.


• Monitor service and respond to delays, coverage needs, and schedule changes.


• Handle heavy phone and radio traffic while communicating clearly and professionally.


• Coach and support drivers and monitors on daily operational concerns.


• Address scheduling concerns and driver complaints, involving the Operations Supervisor or Location Manager when needed.


• Serve as a communication contact between the location and its school district customers.


• Help resolve student pickup and drop-off issues.


• Assist with charter reservations, billing, driver payroll, and other administrative work as assigned.


• Support day-to-day supervision and special projects.


• Perform backup driving duties when needed and appropriately licensed and qualified.

What You'll Need

• Three to five years of relevant experience, including dispatch, transportation coordination, terminal operations, or driving.


• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Exceptional verbal communication skills and patience when handling questions, concerns, and competing demands.


• Strong customer service skills and a professional approach to resolving problems.


• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment.


• Computer proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate schedules and records.


• Ability to meet deadlines and make timely decisions as conditions change.


• Availability to work Monday-Friday, 5:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with a two-hour break during the day.

This position is subject to DOT drug testing and a physical. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

First Student is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. First Student is committed to providing a drug-free workplace.

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.