Dispatcher

First Student; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement

Positive environment

Split shift schedule

North America presence

Job summary

First Student is seeking a Dispatcher to coordinate bus dispatch, ensure on-time performance, and counsel drivers on front-line operations. The role emphasizes safety and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, split shift. Pay: $25–$27 per hour based on experience. Tremendous career advancement opportunities across North America and a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in dispatch or terminal operations.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• DOT drug testing and safety regulations knowledge.
• Computer literacy and ability to work under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee routes and scheduling of buses to ensure on-time performance.
• Counsel and coach drivers and monitors on front-line operations.
• Handle heavy phone and radio traffic and report to supervisor.
• Serve as liaison with major contracted customers.
• May handle charter reservations, billing, or driver payroll.
• Provide solutions to drop-off and pick-up problems and supervise daily operations.

Skills

Dispatch experience

Communication skills

Radio dispatch basics

Computer literacy

Deadline-oriented

Terminal operations experience

Education

High School Diploma

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: Monday through Friday, split shift (5:30am-9:30am, 1:30p-5:30p)

Payrate: $25-27/hr, based on 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 youll love. As a huge company with 120,000 staff and over 2.5 billion customers worldwide, youll also enjoy security, a brilliant future, and excellent training.

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 .

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. First is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.