Description

Under the supervision of the NYCSBUS General Manager and the Lead Dispatcher, the Dispatcher acts as the communication hub for student transportation operations and is responsible for receipt and transmission of important information and messages and supporting active Bus Drivers. Dispatchers ensure streamlined and dynamic communication during bus routes and ancillary trips through assurance that drivers understand assignments, directions, maintain safety guidelines, and are provided robust communication channels and strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Dispatcher with organization and integration of a streamlined and effective key sign in and out system of efficient processes and protocols
• Assist Bus Drivers in the execution of service delivery by manning the two way radio communication system and relaying all necessary information accurately, calmly, and timely
• Monitor bus operations while listening and communicating concerns, items of contention, and general questions as needed and guides drivers to most logical decision regarding line of questioning. Answers telephone and radio calls as needed and returns messages as information warrants
• Advise and assist drivers in resolving routine service problems, emergency situations while on duty and en-route to pick up and deliver student passengers. This includes situations with poor student behavior and communicating issues to student’s school or other delegates as needed
• Utilize available technology including, but not limited to, routing software, GPS bus tracking system, parent and campus notification system, incident management system, and maps in order to push information, navigate challenges, guide decisions, and promote employee and student safety at all times
• Assign and modifies bus and operator information for all regular and special services in all required software platforms. Responsible for the required daily data maintenance surrounding GPS software use, it’s control platform and panel, and the parent application to ensure that all data is entered correctly, modifications are made as needed, and information is being pushed out as quickly and accurately as possible
• Monitor and coordinates emergency or vehicular accident response team and all protocols put in place by NYCSBUS and the Department of Education
• Assist the NYCSBUS General Manager and the Depot Manager in management of a daily transportation log which includes the tracking of driver absences, tardiness or late call ins, no call no show behavior, failure to comply with dispatch procedure, and spare bus tracking
• Work with the Depot Manager and OPT Representatives to assign and notify Bus Drivers’ assignments, changes, rotation, extra time, overtime, meetings, and continuing education sessions
• Responsible for the maintenance and frequent upkeep of bus driver mailboxes, informational binders, paperwork, forms, and bulletin boards. Required to ensure there are ample copies made and available as drivers need on their way in and out of facilities
• Keep up-to-date maps for all district quadrants, feeder patterns, and route assignments. Will perform periodic inspections to ensure bus drivers have correct route information, directions, hazards, and student roster lists. Will often enlist assistance from OPT Representatives to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Maintain working knowledge and latest updates for operational concerns such as: stop signs, general hazards, train schedules, new construction and stop lights, street repairs/closures/detours to ensure effective route planning and safety measurements across the operation
• Maintain separate spreadsheets for noting routing issues that arise. May include students changing stops, address changes, occasional attendance records, behavioral issues, and time changes in pick-up or drop-off times at student’s residence to facilitate timely notification to drivers of the changes. This work will be paired with OPT Representatives who will utilize this information to perform route audits and efficiency checks
• Document received complaints and provide such documentation to the Lead Dispatcher and the General Manager for resolution
• Work with area Athletic Coaches to provide safety support, a communication strategy, and processes for ‘in case of’ emergency situations with easily accessible and accurate information regarding the athletic trip
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in dispatch operations for a student transportation system or comparable transportation or logistics experience

• A combination of experience in software use, logistics, GPS knowledge, and/or emergency management is helpful

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Possession of a valid State Commercial Drivers license with proper endorsements for school bus operation is helpful in assisting bus drivers and guiding necessary instructions

• Demonstrated commitment to attention to detail and organization

• Demonstrated ability to improve organizational procedures and work effectively to improve operations

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work a flexible schedule

• Multilingual speaking and writing skills a plus