Dispatcher, School Bus Transportation

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY

Local Title: DISPATCHER, SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION

State Title: Dispatcher Transportation

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB GOAL:

During hours of student transportation, dispatches direction, information and assistance to all school bus drivers related to the overall operation of district school buses. Insures maximum safety and security of students in the event of bus emergencies and incidents by providing a central source of information to parents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Three years’ experience as a school bus driver.
• Completion of required bus driver training courses.
• Documented experience in handling emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrated experience in responding calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Knowledge of the operation of a school bus. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions required in transporting students. Knowledge of state driving laws. Knowledge of the layout of roads in the assigned area. Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports. Ability to communicate effectively with bus drivers, school personnel, parents, and the public. Ability to travel outside of Manatee County as needed in the performance of assigned duties. Submit to and pass random drug and alcohol testing. Ability to recognize the significant from the less significant in arriving at sound conclusions. Ability to step outside the box when looking at the total operation and its process to control cost. Ability to analyze emergency situations and make quick effective decisions under extreme stress.

REPORTS TO:

Director of Transportation

SUPERVISES:

Provides direction to bus drivers while they are transporting students and particularly during emergency situations and daily vehicle incidents.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enhances student safety by providing a single point of contact for all emergency issues to ensure immediate response to drivers and consistent information to parents.
• Dispatches drivers and monitors status of bus routes by receiving and transmitting messages in a clear, concise and courteous manner, via two-way radio and telephone.
• Responds to inquiries from schools, drivers, and the public concerning problems during school bus incidents and advises supervisor of identified problems so that corrective action is initiated.
• Disseminates schedules and driver assignment changes to schools.
• Responds to driver requests for emergency assistance in a calm and intelligent manner, contacts authorities, initiates emergency procedures.
• Prepares and maintains logs and records of radio and telephone communications; prepares reports, and maintains/utilizes files.
• Applies knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations and communication equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated ability to lift and remove students from the school bus in an emergency. Ability to sit for long periods at a desk and/or computer. Vocal and verbal ability to communicate effectively on radio.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan for non-contracted hourly employees. Length of work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the Supervisor of Transportation.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Board approved:

10/21/2002

Revised:

05/22/2018

08/26/2025

SALARY SCHEDULE: AFSCME

PAYGRADE: 29B

SHORT TITLE: TRN040

STATE JOB TITLE: 78029

Negotiated Starting Hourly : $19.94