Job Title:                      Dispatcher / Bus Driver

Reports to:                   Transportation Coordinator

Dept./School:               Transportation

Wage/Hour Status:       Nonexempt

Date Revised:               10/21/2020

 

Primary Purpose:

Ensures all daily routes are dispatched at appropriate route times to ensure student transport and safety on assigned routes.  Operate two-way radio equipment to communicate with drivers.  Operate school bus that transports students and other authorized personnel to and from schools or other designated location.

 

Qualifications:

• Ability to operate school bus
• Ability to plan and read routes

 

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Valid Texas commercial driver’s license (Class B), with school bus and passenger endorsement
• Valid School Bus Driver Certification

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Must be 21 years of age
• Ability to pass alcohol and drug test
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of student discipline procedure
• Ability to manage student behavior
• Ability to operate bus
• Acceptable driving record as verified by the Texas Department of Public Safety annually
• Knowledge of District, State and Federal rules, regulations and guidelines relative to student transportation, children with disabilities and parental rights.

 

Experience:

Prior School Bus Driver Experience

Experience as transportation dispatcher preferred

Experience in Transfinder mapping routing software systems

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

General

 

1. Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
2. Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
3. Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision making.
4. Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
5. Uses time productively on the job.
6. Follows district policies, rules and regulations
7. Accepts supervisory direction
8. Strives to improve job skills
9. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.

 

 

 

 

Dispatch

10. Supervises dispatch of transportation vehicles.
11. Operates, maintains and responds to two-way radio and telephone communications and navigation equipment between bus drivers and transportation supervision.
12. Advises and assists drivers in resolving routine service problems, emergency situations while on duty and en-route to deliver student passengers.
13. Coordinates emergency or vehicular accident response team for dispatch department.
14. Makes emergency decisions and timely changes to ensure the safe and orderly operation of transporting students.

 

Vehicle Operation

15. Follow assigned route and adhere to established schedules.
16. Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
17. Check bus for mechanical defects before and after each operation and notify supervisor of needed repairs.
18. Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failures. Complete required reports.
19. Keep records on bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.
20. Keep assigned bus clean and fueled.
21. Maintain an up-to-date rider list and seating chart.

 

Student Management

22. Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
23. Communicate with teachers and parents on a daily basis regarding student behavior while on bus.
24. Maintain discipline; report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator.
25. Instruct students on safe riding rules and regulations.

 

Safety

26. Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
27. Inspect bus by checking fuel, tires, lights, brakes, and steering to ensure bus can be operated safely before driving.
28. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflector.
29. Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisory of any conditions that are not correctable immediately.
30. Report any hazardous conditions along the route.

 

Other

31. Communicate with students, parents, staff and community about their concerns or complaints with drivers, busses, routes, and safety.
32. Work irregular hours as needed.
33. Attend and complete required training program to maintain safety certification.
34. Comply with state laws, district policies administrative procedures and departmental regulations.
35. Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Assign routes to personnel, monitor all drivers ability to operate a school bus.