Transportation Dispatcher

Under the general direction of the Director of Transportation the Transportation Dispatcher is responsible for efficiently planning coordinating dispatching and overseeing assigned school bus fleet activities and bus drivers; processing service requests pertaining to routine and emergency maintenance issues; maintaining department records in accordance with mandated requirements; and coordinating assigned projects. The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with student transportation services which directly support student learning and achievement.

The following alphabetical list of functions duties and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions duties and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Attends unit meetings in-service training and workshops to gather information required to perform job functions.
• Collaborates with supervisor in developing routes and schedules (e.g. routes workload special trips driver training etc.) to determine driver and equipment requirements.
• Communicates with drivers teachers parents and principals to discuss issues and discipline problems exchange information prepare schedules and resolve questions or concerns.
• Compiles a variety of data (e.g. dispatch logs) to develop formal reports convey information and comply with mandated requirements.
• Confers with Supervisor Transportation Operations regarding policies procedures and/or actions (e.g. boundary changes personnel requirements dispatching problems) to provide information for decision making and for enhancing student transportation services.
• Coordinates assignment of field trips extra-curricular activities and special events; processes and maintains field trip requests and information; logs requests and prepares related records; assists in the coordination of charter vehicles; assures proper coverage of field trips and special events.
• Coordinates bus driver substitute coverage.
• Develops and implements workable solutions to daily operation problems to bring immediate resolution to current and potential problems.
• Dispatches the District bus fleet to meet student transportation needs.
• Drives a school bus over designated routes in emergency situations; performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections maintains order and proper discipline of student passengers according to District policy.
• Informs school personnel and parents of practices (e.g. rules regulations laws) to provide information for their follow-up action.
• Processes a variety of materials (e.g. service orders route changes) to update and distribute information and or/ comply with mandated requirements .
• Responds to injuries and/or accidents to comply with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries from students parents and/or staff (e.g. stop locations schedule State-regulated policies) to provide the necessary information regarding transportation services.
• Schedules work assignments including coverage for ill drivers or breakdowns to ensure completion of transportation routes in a timely manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District including various mandatory District trainings.

• Procedures methods and techniques of dispatching and scheduling buses
• Proper operations of school buses and school transportation vehicles
• Safe and defensive driving methods and techniques
• All applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code California Code of Regulations and Education Code relating to student transportation
• District organization operations policies and objectives
• Classified collective bargaining agreement as pertains to Bus Driver bidding rules and field trip assignments
• Basic maintenance requirements
• District geographic areas
• Appropriate Health and Safety regulations safety precautions and procedures
• Standard first aid procedures
• Proper lifting techniques
• Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques

• Emergency evacuation techniques

• Utilization of wheelchairs tie downs child safety seats lifts etc. (by assignment)
• Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
• Operation of a computer and assigned software

• Operate standard office equipment including using a variety of software applications; database management computer-based routing systems and software applications
• Apply District and other applicable rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation
• Adhere to safety practices; learn and observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Learn and follow designated routes
• Maintain a safe discipline level among passengers
• Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance
• Comprehend and follow equipment instructions for student assistive devices such as wheelchairs
• Assist in loading and unloading students with special needs
• Administer first aid
• Analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions
• Operate district vehicles fire extinguisher two-way radio and standard office equipment
• Prepare and maintain accurate records
• Adapt to changing work priorities
• Work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups
• Exercise sound judgment
• Create safe environment for students
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Work independently with little direction
• Make common sense decisions in potentially critical situations
• Communicate with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Maintain an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents
• Maintain student confidentiality
• Work with constant distractions

(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge Skills and Abilities listed above.)

EDUCATION REQUIRED:
High School diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Two (2) years of responsible school bus driving experience.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Possession of a valid California Class A or B Commercial Drivers License with appropriate endorsements and remain insurable at the Districts standard insurance market rate. Current DMV report.
• Valid California Special Drivers Certificate for School Bus
• U.S. Department of Transportation DL-51 Medical Examiners Certificate
• Valid First Aid Certification (as required to maintain valid and current CA Special Drivers Certificate for School Bus)

• Pass the Districts applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
• After offer of employment obtain:
  • Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  • Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
  • Pre-employment physical exam (A / B or others) through Districts provider at Districts expense
  • Post-employment random drug screen testing as currently required under DOT regulations to maintain California Commercial Drivers License through Districts provider at Districts expense

*Materials Required:*
1. Completed application
2. Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalency(copy of official transcript OR copy of diploma is acceptable)
3. U.S. Department of Transportation DL-51 Medical Examiners Certificate
4. DMV Report (dated within the last 30 days)
5. Copy of Class A or B Drivers License
6. Valid California Special Drivers Certificate for School Bus

*PC RULES 5.2.1.2 -5.2.1.2 -In-house employees will have first consideration for the position. If sufficient candidates are not available to complete the three ranks the Personnel Commission will move to include outside candidates.

The examination process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. No additional information will be accepted from applicants once the application has been submitted.Only the most qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review will be invited to the examination process.