Bus Operations Specialist (Transportation Dispatch)

Job Overview

This is a responsible position in the LCPS Dispatch Center. An employee in this position is considered essentialpersonnel and works as a team leader with other dispatchers to fulfill the communications needs of LCPS and othercounty agencies. This position also coordinates office garage and driver communications regarding staffingsubstitutions and daily operational adjustments. This position is technical in nature requiring minimal supervision androutinely interacts with other employees agencies and citizens. Independent judgment is often used with establishedprocedures in varying situations with only unusual or unresolved problems referred to a supervisor.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

• 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. Adjust coverage in real time to address last-minute absences or operational needs
• 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
• Coordinate 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
• Assist the Dispatch Area Supervisor in managing daily operations of the Transportation Dispatch Center
• Serve in a lead role responsible for dispatching staff and overseeing daily operations. 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
• Provide technical support for dispatch systems including multiple software platforms and the two-way radio console
• Serve as the primary liaison with Transfinder support for tablet and system issues by providing accurate bus location information documenting and reporting error messages and affected users submitting screenshots when applicable and communicating troubleshooting steps and resolutions back to drivers
• Ensure all bus routes are fully covered in response to absences breakdowns or emergencies
• 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
• Assist with random drug testing notifications in compliance with federal regulations maintaining confidentiality and coordinating coverage for affected routes
• Review accident reports for all LCPS vehiclesincluding school buses white fleet and facilities vehiclesand submit documentation for required email notifications
• Support report preparation and data collection for leadership and executive-level review
• Assist Area Supervisor with 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

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Two (2) years of transportation dispatcher experience or related transportation experience

Licenses and Certifications

Must continuously maintain a valid Virginia Commercial Drivers 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 drivers 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 physicians certificate (School Bus Drivers 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 to 46.2-498 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

The following provides an overview of typical physical requirements and environmental hazards for this job:

Environmental Hazards

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: Range:$33.29 - $42.89

Remote Work Eligible:No

Union Designation: Non-Union

Required Experience:

IC