Dispatcher 18676-2026

About the role

Vancouver Public Schools appreciates your interest in employment with the district. All applications are considered and reviewed, with the most qualified and competitive applicants invited to participate in the interview/selection process.

This position works 8 hours per day, 12 months per year, and is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Dispatching office experience and experience with routing and scheduling of a bus fleet is highly desired
• Three years of experience demonstrating knowledge of pupil transportation regulations and procedures desired
• Possess valid Washington State Driver’s Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a passenger endorsement, a school bus driver’s authorization, and maintain an acceptable driving record is highly desired
• Working knowledge of Synergy Student System, Computerized Routing programs, MS Office, Excel, Google Workspace, Gmail, and GPS software
• Three years of school bus driving experience with demonstrated student management skills preferred
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret road and street maps and translate the information into computerized routing and map system
• Ability to communicate readily and effectively with district-wide staff, students, parents, and community resource individuals in writing, over the phone, and over a two-way radio
• Ability to sustain poise and confidence in managing emotional and difficult situations
• Self-motivated with good organizational skills
• Knowledge of department and district administrative field and athletic trip processes desired
• Experience with OSPI Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS) software preferred
• Supervisory experience and/or demonstrated leadership ability

Essential Functions

• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for students and practice the behaviors expected of students
• Supervise Bus Drivers, including keeping a calendar of days off, administering leave forms, preparing and assisting with performance evaluations, conducting performance counseling, and supervising daily activities
• Plan and coordinate all student transportation, including trips and shuttles
• Assign drivers, sub-drivers, and transportation bus support to buses for daily routes and advise schools of changes
• Maintain a continuing check on student bus count and make bus and/or route changes as necessary
• Process transportation requests and prepare bid sheets for routes, shuttles, and summer school
• Work closely with Special Services, including the Jim Tangeman Center, GATE, ECC, HOPE, ELL, and Teen Parent programs
• Respond to questions from the public concerning routes, bus stops, schedules, loads, rules, and regulations
• Process all bus stop requests and route changes, including inspecting locations, making recommendations to supervisors, and communicating decisions to interested parties
• Develop route complexes and assign buses to meet the needs of students
• Receive bus trouble calls and dispatch mechanics and/or substitute buses
• Review driver route books to ensure accuracy and assist drivers with directions, student rosters, and maps
• Follow and update district procedures for response and reporting of emergency situations, such as lost students, accidents, and other emergency situations
• Follow and update the plan for the safe return of Kindergarten students to their home school
• Assist with yearly in-service meetings and create coverage for crew meetings in a cost-effective way
• Perform all duties associated with dispatching and assist drivers in proper documentation of time
• Monitor route hours for budget efficiency and brief drivers on special requirements, road conditions, and other unusual situations
• Assist in reporting, documenting, and tracking requirements for compilation of annual state transportation reporting requirements

Benefits

New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range, but may receive experience credit towards salary placement for verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Education School Districts.

Employees who work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits.

Retirement benefits may be available through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), based on FTE.

Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays and paid time off, including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave.

• Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE)
• Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
• Vacation: 10 days per year for 12-month full-time Pro Tech employees, with incremental increases at 5, 11, and 20 years of service