School Transportation Dispatcher: Schedule & Optimize Routes

Compass Transportation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Transportation is seeking a Dispatcher in Chicago to coordinate drivers and equipment for routes, excursions, and field trips. You’ll maintain coverage to meet scheduling demand and ensure timely communication with schools and parents.

You will operate dispatch systems, assign drivers, track incidents, and handle charter reservations while collaborating with maintenance and office staff to keep operations running smoothly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or related experience required.
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of two-way radio equipment and dispatching devices.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to drive a school bus and other district vehicles safely.
• Familiarity with the geographic region and transportation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates a two-way radio to dispatch drivers and vehicles on all routes.
• Ensure that routes have buses and drivers assigned; check-in drivers.
• Communicate with drivers about incidents, route changes, or emergencies.
• Develop schedules for routes, workload, and driver training.
• Assign spare drivers and manage overtime considerations.
• Coordinate bus assignments when regular buses are out of service.
• Provide route sheets, maps, and materials to drivers.
• Train others on the dispatching system and procedures.
• Notify schools and parents of schedule changes and incidents.
• Resolve scheduling problems to ensure safe coverage.
• Collaborate with maintenance to minimize schedule impact.
• Support schools and parents during issues and gather necessary information.
• Book and schedule charter reservations and provide customer support.
• Invoice customers for reservations and contracted routes.

Skills

Outstanding communication

Customer service

Two-way radio operations

Geographic region knowledge

Team collaboration

Driving school bus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

QuickBooks

Adobe

Job description

Compass Transportation is seeking a Dispatcher in Chicago to coordinate drivers and equipment for routes, excursions, and field trips. You’ll maintain coverage to meet scheduling demand and ensure timely communication with schools and parents.

You will operate dispatch systems, assign drivers, track incidents, and handle charter reservations while collaborating with maintenance and office staff to keep operations running smoothly.