Assistant Dispatcher

Primary Purpose:

Coordinate the daily dispatch of district transportation services, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient student transportation. Serve as the primary communication point for drivers and transportation staff, make real-time routing and operational decisions, and support compliance with district, state, and federal transportation regulations.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Clear and valid Texas commercial driver’s license (Class B) with passenger (P), school bus (S), and air brake endorsements
• Texas T.E.A. School Bus Driver certification
• Texas Motor Vehicle Inspection certification
• Must pass annual DOT physical

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in operations of school bus transportation, municipal transportation or school district.

OR

• Two (2) years of experience in computer systems, including knowledge of computerized trip procedures

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of school bus transportation operations, routing practices, and dispatch procedures
• Knowledge of automated dispatch, GPS, and student location systems
• Ability to read and interpret documents, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with drivers, staff, and stakeholders
• Ability to direct and coordinate student transportation activities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Ability to operate light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles
• Ability to complete required school bus driver safety training
• Ability to pass required Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examinations and drug and alcohol testing, including annual and random screenings
• Proficient computer skills to manage and operate dispatch software, GPS platforms, and student tracking systems

Key Responsibilities:

Dispatch and Driver Assignment

• Assign and coordinate the daily deployment of bus drivers and transportation vehicle assets, including school buses and vans.
• Notify drivers of assignments, schedule changes, route rotations, extra duty or overtime, meetings, and required training or continuing education sessions.
• Make real-time decisions and adjustments to ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly transportation of students.

Communication and Operational Support

• Operate, monitor, and maintain two-way radio, telephone systems, and GPS/navigation equipment to ensure continuous communication between drivers and transportation headquarters.
• Advise and assist drivers in resolving routine service concerns, on-route issues, and emergency situations.
• Provide timely guidance to support safe problem-solving, coordination of responses, and communication with stakeholders as needed.

Geographic and Routing Awareness

• Maintain familiarity with district highways, roadways, and neighborhood layouts to accurately and efficiently utilize computerized routing and mapping systems.
• Apply geographic knowledge to support logical decision-making related to dispatch activities and route adjustments.

Compliance and Safety

• Maintain working knowledge of district, state, and federal rules, regulations, and guidelines related to student transportation—including requirements for transporting students with disabilities and associated parental rights.
• Ensure dispatch decisions and communication practices support compliance with all safety standards, operational procedures, and transportation regulations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and district.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; district vehicle; school bus

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking; regular grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and reaching; regular driving

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work outside and inside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, noise, vibration; exposure to chemical hazards; work around vehicles and machinery with moving parts; regularly work irregular hours; occasional prolonged hours; frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.