School Transportation Dispatcher

Framingham Public Schools; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Framingham Public Schools is seeking a School Transportation Dispatcher responsible for ensuring effective communication with all transportation staff, maintaining safety, and managing daily logs. Candidates must have strong communication skills and preferably experience in dispatching or logistics. An essential role that supports safe travel for students and families in the Framingham community. A commitment to high-quality service and professionalism is required. Preferred qualifications include bilingual skills in Spanish and/or Portuguese.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate district-wide information and define problems.
• Proficiency in specialized transportation software.

Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent two-way radio communication with all transportation staff.
• Address inquiries regarding daily transportation status and schedules.
• Maintain accurate and detailed daily event logs.

Skills

Communication

Analytical problem solving

Relationship building & collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Technology proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Transportation software (e.g., GPS tracking)

Job description

Position Summary

The School Transportation Dispatcher is responsible for ensuring continuous and effective two-way radio communication with all transportation staff to facilitate safe and efficient district-wide travel. This role serves as a critical point of contact for the public, staff, and administration, maintaining detailed daily event logs and supporting the coordination of home-to-school routes, field trips, and athletic events. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to remain composed under pressure, and a commitment to providing high-quality service to students, families, and the Framingham community. This commitment aligns with Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and closing the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Training and Experience

• Educational requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Professional experience: Previous experience in dispatching, logistics, or transportation operations preferred.
• Language proficiency: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is preferred.

Skills and Ability

• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from district staff, school administrators, the School Committee, and the broader community.
• Analytical problem solving: Sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate district-wide information, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recommend appropriate policies, procedures, or courses of action.
• Strategic planning & evidence-based practice: Capacity to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations to inform district-level policies, operational decisions, and strategic planning.
• Relationship building & collaboration: Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective cross-departmental working relationships with school leaders, district staff, community partners, and vendors.
• Cultural proficiency: Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive district environment for all staff, students, and families.
• Reliability, professionalism & composure: Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance to ensure consistent district operations. Exhibit professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or high-stakes situations, maintaining a proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Organization & time management: Strong organizational and project-management skills to work independently. Ability to monitor multiple radio frequencies, answer phone lines, and update digital logs simultaneously without compromising accuracy.
• Data-driven decision making: Ability to use complex data sets effectively to inform resource allocation, policy development, and continuous improvement efforts across the district.
• Technology proficiency: Proficiency in using specialized transportation software (e.g., GPS tracking, routing systems) alongside standard office suites like Google Workspace.
• Compliance & confidentiality: Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with state and federal laws, Framingham Public Schools policies, and collective bargaining agreements. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive personnel, legal, financial, and student information.
• Composure & crisis management: Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during high-stress situations, such as traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or inclement weather emergencies.
• Geographic proficiency: In-depth knowledge of Framingham’s geography, including school locations, major intersections, and common traffic patterns to assist drivers with navigation and route adjustments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain consistent two-way radio communication with all transportation staff to ensure route safety and efficiency.
• Address inquiries from administration, parents, and students regarding daily transportation status and schedules.
• Provide clear instructions to drivers regarding operational procedures, schedule changes, or emergency protocols.
• Serve as a liaison between drivers and the transportation office to relay critical route details.
• Assist in the planning and organization of home-to-school bus routes, field trips, and athletic trips.
• Assist in estimating costs and managing administrative procedures for various field trip requests.
• Maintain accurate and detailed daily event logs and activity records.
• Implement emergency protocols as necessary to ensure student safety.
• Uphold all district policies and ethical standards, ensuring the security of sensitive data.

Physical Working Conditions

• Mobility, navigation & travel: Must move about and traverse throughout the transportation building and district grounds for meetings, site visits, or emergency responses.
• Stationary tasks: Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods to monitor radio frequencies, perform administrative tasks, and manage extensive data entry.
• Sensory requirements: Must be able to see and hear continuously to monitor two-way radio traffic, participate in meetings, and ensure safety when visiting active school or bus yard environments.
• Communication: Must communicate effectively and clearly with district personnel, school staff, and the public in person, via email, telephone, and two-way radio.
• Manual dexterity & technology: Frequent use of hands to manage computer input and office machinery throughout the day.
• General physical strength: Expected to lift and carry up to 20 lbs between the central office and school sites.
• Working environment: Works primarily in a professional office setting with moderate noise levels, but must adapt to dynamic, higher-noise school environments during site visits and observations.
• Interaction & focus: Must interact routinely with diverse stakeholders, meet multiple high-level demands simultaneously, and maintain focus on complex tasks amid frequent interruptions.

Reports To

• Director of Transportation (and/or designee)
• Performance evaluated per the Framingham School Committee Contract.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification

• Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Terms of Employment

• Covered under Framingham School Committee Contract.
• Work Year: 260 days (Twelve Months)
• Schedule: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• The district reserves the right to transfer personnel as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Framingham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Framingham Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the District has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Framingham Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, ancestry, marital status, or veteran status. The Framingham Public Schools prohibit sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates.