Dispatcher, Transportation

Dispatcher

Human Resources announces an opening for the position of Dispatcher. This is a full-time, in person, Grade E-5 position located in the Transportation Department.

General Statement Of Duties:
Dispatches school buses to help ensure that all bus runs, APS-wide, are timely and efficient; runs include regular runs, field trip runs, athletic trip runs and special event runs throughout the school year and the summer. Passengers include K-12 students (and younger) and students with special needs. Makes daily assignments, as needed, of Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants for effective scheduling and deployment of all buses consistent with route plans/schedules developed by Routing and Planning.

Uses pertinent modules of planning/scheduling software (currently edulog), mostly in the forms of straightforward look-ups and data entry, in support dispatch functions. Monitors the arrival and departure of Bus Drivers/Bus Attendants and buses to ensure that staff has reported, as scheduled, and that all bus runs have the proper staff. Ensures maintenance of a daily dispatch log to assist in driver/attendant management and to facilitate response by Transportation Services to service inquires or complaints.

Maintains continuous radio contact with in-service buses and, in the event of a traffic accident or other incident, ensures response from Transportation Services or other servicers. As appropriate, tracks response from public safety [police/fire/EMS (emergency medical services)] first responders. Serves as a Bus Driver to transport students, as assigned. Performs related functions.

Responsibilities:
Essential Functions Of The Class: (May not include all duties performed.) Makes daily assignments of Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants for in scheduling and deploying all buses consistent with route plans/schedules. Monitors the arrival and departure of bus drivers and buses to ensure that drivers have reported, as scheduled, and that all bus runs have the proper staff. Maintains a daily dispatch log to assist in driver management and to facilitate response by Transportation Services to service inquires or complaints.

Maintains continuous radio contact with in-service buses. Monitors, and communicates with bus drivers and others concerning, such 'environmental' information as weather, road hazards, road closings, traffic delays, etc. Uses proper broadcast procedures, including tone of voice, message construction, terminology and transmission style in communication with school bus drivers and others; this will, at times, include speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL).

Listens 'actively' to help ensure effective two-way communication. Attempts to calm any emotionally distraught caller. Shows decisiveness and maintains self control during emergencies and other high pressure dispatch situations. Tracks buses using geographic positioning system (GPS) equipment if/when installed by APS. In the event of a traffic accident or other incident, ensures response from Transportation Services or other servicers by passing on facts of the accident/incident and noting apparent options for response.

May contact 911 on behalf of the Bus Driver. As appropriate, tracks response from public safety (police/fire/EMS). Serves as a point of first contact for principals, parents and others regarding questions/complaints, as they arise daily, about bus service. Performs operator checks and services on and operates Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-approved radio broadcast equipment. Drives a school bus to transport students, as needed and when not serving as a dispatcher, during driver shortages, in emergencies, etc.

May work as a Bus Driver (Substitute) under Dispatch. Stays abreast of developments directly affecting APS school bus transportation dispatch, including but not limited to vehicle/fleet data, road network data, and standards and issues emanating within APS; this includes short-term effects of scheduled and unplanned road work. Notes impact and takes appropriate action. Uses a computer and modern office software suites for communication (email), word processing, research (Internet) and other general office…