DISPATCHER​/SCHEDULER

Dispatcher/Scheduler

Are you ready to keep student transportation moving safely and efficiently through fast-paced, real-time coordination? Join Bellflower Unified School District and use your dispatching, routing, and problem-solving expertise to help ensure students arrive safely and on time. Under general supervision, coordinates and directs daily transportation routing and dispatching operations, including real-time adjustments to routes, schedules, and driver assignments, to support the safe and efficient delivery of student transportation services.

This classification is distinguished by its primary responsibility for real-time dispatching, route development and modification, and higher-level coordination of drivers and schedules. It is distinguished from the Manager–Transportation in that the Manager–Transportation plans, directs, and supervises the overall transportation program, including budget administration, personnel selection and evaluation, and program development. The Dispatcher/Scheduler carries out day-to-day dispatching and routing operations without supervisory authority.

It is further distinguished from the Transportation Specialist by its greater scope and level of responsibility. The Transportation Specialist performs clerical support duties and facilitates communication among parents, school sites, district staff, and school bus drivers, and may assist with dispatching and routing activities under the lead direction of the Dispatcher/Scheduler.

Receives general supervision from the Transportation Manager and works independently within established policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. Exercises judgment in responding to real-time operational issues, referring only the most complex or sensitive matters to the Transportation Manager. May provide lead direction and training to assigned staff.

• Dispatches daily transportation operations by using the two-way radio to direct and support drivers, school sites, and field staff.
• Monitors radio traffic and GPS data using specialized software; develops and adjusts routes, schedules, and stop assignments in real time based on conditions such as traffic, weather, staffing, breakdowns, and student issues to maintain on-time performance.
• Guides drivers by giving clear instructions on procedures, route changes, navigation, and problem solving.
• Prioritizes multiple issues at once and uses judgment to escalate serious or high-risk situations to the Transportation Manager.
• Tracks driver availability, absences, timekeeping, and assignment changes throughout the day to support accurate records and steady service.
• Verifies driver time records, attendance, and route hours, and processes related payroll transactions.
• Assigns substitute drivers and schedules drivers for field trips, activity trips, and special programs to ensure full coverage.
• Communicates with school sites, administrators, parents, and the public about delays, route changes, and transportation concerns.
• Responds to phone, email, and in-person inquiries and prepares and sends transportation notices and updates.
• Addresses complaints and concerns by explaining information, resolving issues when possible, and referring matters that require higher review.
• Documents incidents, service interruptions, and operating concerns by gathering facts and supporting follow-up reviews.
• Documents and codes all trips, routes, and scheduling activities as part of the budget tracking and financial reporting processes.
• May provide lead direction and training to assigned staff.
• May operate district vehicles to attend meetings at the district office or school sites.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: school bus dispatching and real-time operational coordination principles and practices; two-way radio communication protocols and proper radio etiquette; web-based applications, including specialized transportation software and shared databases, and modern communication and office tools such as email systems, phone systems, and standard office equipment; recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation practices for transportation operations; effective written and verbal…