Transportation Dispatch Specialist

Full-time, 12-month non-exempt position. VRS-eligible and benefits-eligible.

About the Role

This position is responsible for the critical aspects of bus driver dispatch, ensuring adequate guidance is provided to bus and vehicle drivers. The role is vital to the school division’s daily goal of safe and timely pupil transportation. This position monitors, collects, and relays information to and from multiple sources on a moment-by-moment basis during daily runs, serving as a liaison for routing and all driver communications. Additionally, this role drives home-to-school routes in a Flex Driver capacity as needed.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with fleet vehicles via two-way radio.
• Assists customers in person, via phone, and email regarding bus routes and status of operations; makes necessary calls to parents or schools for drivers.
• Sends daily emails to schools for sub bus driver and bus number information.
• Communicates with parents and schools through Bright Arrow messaging when changes to established route times are necessary.
• Files pre-trip inspection forms, discharge forms, and manifest forms; provides bus route manifests for drivers as needed; creates spreadsheets for tracking purposes and enters data; faxes or emails manifests to schools for sub drivers.
• Collects accident information and contacts the proper authorities; notifies VDOT of road hazards.
• Drives AM or PM routes as required, daily. May also be required to drive a vehicle or serve as a transportation assistant.
• Monitors operations using the global positioning satellite system and provides information to the department leadership team; monitors radio to ensure compliance with government and local regulations; collects information from various sources and compiles data for monthly reports.
• Views and archives security videos; converts to email form to submit to school administrators and department staff.
• Maintains a daily absentee log; schedules substitute drivers and assistants; computes and submits necessary working hours for substitute bus drivers and transportation assistants; explains maps to substitute drivers.
• Communicates with school personnel to keep student files updated; updates student information in a database.
• Directs, coordinates, and instructs drivers when student issues arise.
• Keeps a daily log of incidents and issues, including key radio transmissions and telephone conversations.
• Maintains filing systems for school bus and car pre-trip inspection forms, lead driver coversheets, and bus discipline referrals.
• Performs assigned administrative duties between AM and PM runs.
• Conducts planning for a complex system of pupil transportation services specific to field trip requests, field trip data entry, and other supplemental services supporting the Division.
• Notifies drivers/assistants of route and pay changes and obtains their signatures.

Requirements

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required and must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Satisfactory health conditions as certified by competent medical authority.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least one year of pupil transportation, mass transit, transportation logistics, or other related experience.
• Two years of experience as a school bus driver is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of State and Local laws and regulations regarding pupil transportation and FCC regulations and etiquette regarding the operation of a two-way radio system.
• Ability to operate audio-visual, multi-line phone, GPS, and other office equipment.
• Knowledge of department bus routes and schedules, County of Albemarle, and school site locations.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer hardware and software applications including ACPS timekeeping system, employee self-serve system, email, and other required systems and technology.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school and department staff.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills; ability to receive and communicate effectively and relay information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to evaluate situations and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrates understanding of cultural competency and promotes a climate of equity and inclusion.