Bus Operations Specialist (Transportation Dispatch)

Job Overview

This is a responsible position in the LCPS Dispatch Center. An employee in this position is considered “essential personnel” and works as a team leader with other dispatchers to fulfill the communications needs of LCPS and other county agencies.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Respond to telephone and radio calls regarding the need for substitute buses, drivers, or attendants, and coordinate timely replacements
• Manage substitute distribution throughout the day, ensuring equitable workload distribution and minimizing overtime
• Monitor planned and unplanned road closures to proactively adjust bus routes, ensuring on-time performance and minimizing service disruptions
• Operate a two-way radio console when required, in addition to regularly assigned duties
• Troubleshoot basic radio console issues; when unresolved, arrange alternative equipment to maintain uninterrupted dispatch operations
• Cover all dispatch communications, including emergencies, bus accidents, and breakdowns. Provide support by contacting emergency services, supervisors, and upper management, and ensuring all relevant parties are informed
• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming calls from parents, schools, and the public, addressing concerns such as missing students, service complaints, and safety reports with professionalism and urgency
• Oversee and review daily logbooks to ensure efficient and equitable route coverage; proactively plan for current and future operational needs
• Serve in a lead role responsible for dispatching staff and overseeing daily operations of the Transportation Dispatch Center
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and training to team members while monitoring workload distribution. Ensure all personnel have the necessary tools, resources, and information to complete their duties effectively, maintaining productivity and operational standards
• Support drivers and attendants by providing route guidance and maintaining comprehensive knowledge of assigned routes
• Coordinate field support during emergencies, including medical incidents, missing students, and accidents, often requiring critical decision-making outside normal business hours
• Serve as the primary contact for emergency communications in the absence of the Dispatch Area Supervisor. Collaborate with Safety & Security and leadership during school emergencies; coordinate transportation for evacuations, relocations, or sheltering as needed
• Manage operational impacts of emergencies by adjusting route coverage and minimizing disruption to students and staff
• Aid in random drug testing notifications in compliance with federal regulations, maintaining confidentiality and coordinating coverage for affected routes
• Review accident reports for all LCPS vehicles—including school buses, white fleet, and facilities vehicles—and submit documentation for required email notifications
• Support report preparation and data collection for leadership and executive-level review
• Aid in performance evaluations for assigned dispatch staff, recommending development plans and identifying areas for improvement
• Resolve issues and concerns from parents, school administrators, and community members in a timely and professional manner
• Utilize transportation and dispatch software systems for daily operations, reporting, and training
• Drive or serve as a bus attendant when operational needs require

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of transportation dispatcher experience or related transportation experience
• Must continuously maintain a valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsement
• Must continuously maintain current required certifications and complete all related training
• In The State Of Virginia (VA Code Section 46.2-341.4), And Specifically When Referencing The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), An “employee” Is Defined As a payroll employee a person employed under a lease or contract or, a person who has applied for employment and whose employment is contingent upon obtaining a CDL
• A satisfactory pre-employment physical examination, controlled substance testing, and a completed physician’s certificate (School Bus Driver’s Application for Physician Certificate, form EB.001) are required under the provisions of Section 22.1-178 of the Code of Virginia and Regulations of the Virginia Board of Education and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Controlled substance testing, annual physical examinations, and random tests for use of controlled substances and alcohol, as prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Virginia Board of Education, and Loudoun County Public Schools are a condition of continued employment
• Under the provision of Section 22.1-178 of the Code of Virginia and Regulations of the Virginia Board of Education, furnish a statement or copy of records from the Department of Motor Vehicles showing that, within the preceding five years, that there are you have not been convicted of a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs, convicted of a charge of refusing to take a blood or breath test, convicted of a felony, or assigned to any alcohol safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program pursuant to 18.2-271.1 of the Code of Virginia and/or, within the preceding 12 months, have not been convicted of two or more moving traffic violations or have not been required to attend a driver improvement clinic by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to46.2-498 of the Code of Virginia
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
• Knowledge of school locations, county roads, and general geography
• Knowledge of school bus operations
• Ability to adjust service schedules; maintain records; obtain and relay accurate information; and work well under pressure
• Ability to self-start in the completion of tasks and projects
• Ability to operate two-way radio and standard office equipment such as personal computer, cameras, fax machine and software applications
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with others
• Good human relations skills, including patience, tact and sound judgment
• Ability to effectively organize work
• Ability to drive a school bus
• Physical Requirements And Environmental Hazards
• Occasional Regular Lift or move 26-50 pounds
• Climb/Descend (ladders, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.)
• Balance
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Crouch/ Squat
• Crawl
• Reach
• Stand
• Sit
• Walk
• Push
• Pull
• Bend/turn/twist head or neck
• Manipulate (pick, pinch, etc. with fingers)
• Grasp
• Feel
• Talk
• Hear
• See
• Remain stationary
• Travel by foot
• Travel by transport
• Repeat hand/arm, wrist/finger motion
• Repeat leg/ foot/ toe/ ankle motion
• Operate motor vehicle
• Operate heavy equipment
• Wear protective equipment
• Environmental Hazards
• Rare Regular Confined/ small space
• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold
• Inclement weather
• Intense noise
• Vibration
• Chemicals, bodily fluids, infectious diseases
• Inadequate lighting
• Challenging physical interactions (biting, hitting, throwing objects, encroaching, etc.)
• Challenging verbal interactions (offensive language, shouting, threats, etc.)

Essential Personnel Disclosure

Employees who perform the responsibilities of this job are considered essential personnel. Essential personnel are designated employees who must report for work during a delay or emergency situations. A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens the staff, pupils, or the public; disrupts or shuts down business operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies may be natural or manmade. It is incumbent upon the supervisor to inform and confirm which essential personnel are required to work during emergency closings. Notification and confirmation of the expectation of essential personnel to report to work, or maintain as-needed status, will be executed with as much advanced notice as possible via in-person communication or email.

Reports to:

Supervisor, Area Transportation

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Months/Days/Hours:

12 months/ 254 days/ 8 hours

Salary Level:

Universal/Scale B.1 - Level 10

Salary Scale:

https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Salary Range:

$33.29 - $42.89

Remote Work Eligible:

No

Union Designation:

Non-Union