Job Title: Dispatcher
| Reports to: | Transportation Area Manager |
| Job Group: | Non-Instructional Non-Bargaining |
| FLSA: | Non-Exempt |
| Job Code: | 5153 |
| Salary Schedule: | PG08 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for scheduling bus routes and drivers in an assigned area and monitoring radio communications that require action in accordance with federal, state, local, and District policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor radio communications that require action and relay information concerning student disruptions, school bus breakdowns, medical emergencies, and accidents, which may or may not require law enforcement assistance.
- Utilize established systems to schedule routes and drivers in an assigned area.
- Schedule and dispatch relief bus drivers, substitute assistants, and spare buses to appropriate locations according to predetermined schedules and to cover routes as needed.
- Disseminate schedules, driver assignments, and changes to appropriate stakeholders in an efficient and timely manner.
- Utilize all department software related to the dispatching of staff and buses to ensure transportation operations are running efficiently.
- Distribute bus routes, stops, pick-up and delivery times to drivers in an assigned area.
- Prepare and maintain communication logs, records, and reports and ensure confidentiality is maintained.
- Report variances in bus schedules to designated staff and work with Transportation administration and staff to evaluate the placement of bus routes and stops.
- Report any dangerous situations to appropriate Transportation staff, administration, or law enforcement as required.
- Respond to emergency requests in a calm and intelligent manner while contacting the proper authorities and initiating emergency procedures.
- Provide guidance and direction to school bus drivers on operating policies and procedures.
- Schedule and administer dexterity tests for applicable Transportation staff.
- Identify potential problems and implement appropriate solutions to ensure a smooth-running fleet.
- Assume school bus driver or transportation assistant responsibilities as required to maintain the daily operation of transportation services including driving a bus or white fleet vehicle.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- General geographic knowledge of the county
- Ability to effectively engage in the problem-solving process
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to consensus
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes.
- Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
- All hires must pass pre-employment drug screening according to the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act (OTETA)
- All hires must meet dexterity and reflex requirements according to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) guidelines
- Must submit to and pass an initial drug test and subsequent random drug tests if required in accordance with the requirements of Florida Statute Section 112.0455 and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) from an accredited institution
- Two years' experience working with student transportation services, including experience driving a school bus
- OR
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
- Valid and current Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B, with a School Bus Endorsement 'S', and Passenger Endorsement 'P' or able to attain within 6 months of employment
- Must maintain a driving record that meets the standards of the District Safe Driver Plan. Driver's license must be maintained as a condition of continued employment
- Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree from an accredited institution in the field of Transportation and Logistics, or related field
- Three years’ experience in a dispatcher role
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Direct supervision of assigned personnel. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; training employees; evaluating performance; and interviewing, testing, hiring, and assignment of personnel.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as Light Work.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- Transportation equipment including wheelchairs, car seats, school bus lifts, etc.
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
