Dispatcher - Transportation

Fort Worth ISD; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Worth ISD seeks a Dispatcher Transportation to coordinate assignment, scheduling, and routing of all buses and drivers. You will dispatch during regular operations and when interrupted by breakdowns or incidents, notifying drivers of route changes and ensuring timely student transport.

You will also handle reports, data entry, and records management, using Mapsco/MapQuest to reroute when needed and updating payroll/timekeeping systems accordingly.

Qualifications

• Education: Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
• Experience: 3 years transportation dispatch or related work preferred.
• Previous bus driver experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Dispatches buses during regularly scheduled operations.
• Dispatches buses interrupted by breakdowns or incidents.
• Uses Mapsco and MapQuest to guide or re-route drivers.
• Reviews daily field trip logs and adjusts as needed.
• Maintains and distributes logs for scheduled runs and field trips.
• Updates Kronos time clock by entering driver status changes.

Skills

School bus routing

Routing software

Two-way radio

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

MS Windows / Office

Data entry / records

Route planning

Training & supervision

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Routing software

MS Windows

MS Office 365

Job description

Position Purpose

Under general supervision, collaborates, establishes, and coordinates the assignment, scheduling, and routing of all transportation buses and drivers/bus attendants charged with the safe and efficient operation of a comprehensive school bus operation. Coordinates bus operations by dispatching buses during regularly scheduled bus operations, and when interrupted by either mechanical breakdown, accident, obstruction of traffic flow, or other situations that may affect operations within the established time schedules. Notifies drivers (via phone and/or radio) of any changes affecting routes. Communicates with parents and school administrators regarding students and bus concerns. Assists in preparing reports, letters, and data entry, in addition to maintaining a variety of department records.

Dispatcher Transportation

Reports to: Supervisor Bus Lot Grade 804 244 Days Salary: $40,992 - $49,386 239 Days Salary: $40,152 - $48,374 FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Position Purpose

Under general supervision, collaborates, establishes, and coordinates the assignment, scheduling, and routing of all transportation buses and drivers/bus attendants charged with the safe and efficient operation of a comprehensive school bus operation. Coordinates bus operations by dispatching buses during regularly scheduled bus operations, and when interrupted by either mechanical breakdown, accident, obstruction of traffic flow, or other situations that may affect operations within the established time schedules. Notifies drivers (via phone and/or radio) of any changes affecting routes. Communicates with parents and school administrators regarding students and bus concerns. Assists in preparing reports, letters, and data entry, in addition to maintaining a variety of department records.

Essential Job Functions

Dispatch & Coordinate Operations

• Dispatches buses during regularly scheduled bus operations.
• Dispatches buses interrupted by either mechanical breakdown, accident, obstruction of traffic flow, or other situations that may affect operations within the established time schedules.
• Reference Mapsco books and MapQuest online software to guide or re-route drivers in unpredictable situations.
• Reviews daily field trip logs and enters adjustments to accommodate changes to the log.
• Maintains and distributes logs for scheduled runs, field trips, and special assignments.
• Responsible for updating Kronos time clock system by entering and switching drivers and attendants to the appropriate scheduled pay at time of duty.

Phones & Communication

• Answers incoming calls from employees, community members, and others, and provides general information, takes reliable messages, and refers callers, as appropriate, to other District personnel.
• Operates two-way radio and other office equipment to facilitate communications.
• Dispatches extra vehicles, or Safety Officers to scene of accident or breakdown.
• Notifies police department, fire department, and ambulance service, accidents or incidents on buses.
• Notifies appropriate District medical staff and Safety & Security staff regarding accidents or incidents on buses.
• Notifies school administrators regarding bus delays (such as weather, accidents, road construction, and so forth).
• Maintains confidentiality.

Reporting, Correspondence & Inventory

• Prepares reports and takes appropriate action of accidents or other incidents which delay timely delivery of students.
• Arranges and coordinates meetings and conferences; maintains calendar of meetings and prepares follow-up materials.
• Maintains inventory of fixed assets, equipment, and supplies.

Safety

• Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the Districts mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and performs as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of school bus routing and scheduling.
• Knowledge of the local streets and road systems.
• Knowledge of general transportation routing strategies.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in written and oral communications including interacting effectively with all levels of central office and campus staff, as well as public inquiries.
• Ability to compose and edit routine correspondence and written materials independently using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to plan and implement efficient routes.
• Ability to utilize computer assisted routing software.
• Ability to read descriptions, procedures, and maps, calculate route times, mileage, and staff hours.
• Ability to operate a multi-function phone system and two-way radio.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (20-45 pounds); frequent lifting (10-25 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours; some outside duties may exist.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency required.
• Certification/License: None.
• Experience:
  • 3 years transportation dispatch, routing and scheduling, or related experience required;
  • Previous bus driver experience required;
  • Experience specifically with transportation dispatch preferred;
  • Experience with computerized transportation routing software preferred;
  • Experience with MS Windows, MS Office 365, and web-based application preferred.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.