Dispatcher

About the role

The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching buses and supporting drivers to help ensure safe, reliable, and on-time service within an assigned geographic area. This role serves as a key communication point between drivers, operations, customers, and location leadership.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch buses and provide timely route information to drivers
• Oversee routing and scheduling support for assigned buses and routes
• Maintain on-time performance and help resolve service delays or route concerns
• Serve as a primary communication liaison with contracted customers
• Handle heavy phone and radio traffic in a professional and timely manner
• Aid drivers with day-to-day operational questions and route needs
• Provide solutions for pick-up and drop-off issues as they arise
• Receive scheduling concerns, driver complaints, and service-related issues
• Resolve customer or service problems directly when appropriate or escalate to the Operations Supervisor, Contract Manager, or location leadership
• Coach and counsel drivers on frontline service and operational issues
• Monitor and support resolution of driver performance, disciplinary, and service concerns
• Ensure compliance with operating contracts, state and local ordinances, and company policies and procedures
• May support charter reservations, billing, driver payroll, licensing, or driver hiring activities
• May perform backup driver duties as needed
• Complete clerical duties while buses are in route
• Complete special projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Appropriate vehicle license preferred
• 3-5 years of related experience preferred
• Previous terminal operations, dispatch, transportation, school bus, or driver experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines
• Ability to stay calm and organized in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literacy required
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, customers, leadership, and internal teams

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to move about an office, terminal, school bus yard, and between floors as needed
• Ability to use standard office equipment
• Ability to access filing systems and cabinets
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in person, by phone, and by radio
• Work may be performed in an office, school bus yard, or transportation facility environment
• Possible on-the-road responsibilities may be required

Why Join First Student

Play a key role in supporting safe, reliable student transportation
Work closely with drivers, operations leaders, and school district partners
Help keep daily service running smoothly and on schedule
Build experience in transportation operations, dispatch, routing, and frontline service support
Be part of a mission-driven team that serves students and communities every day

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this role at any time. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.