Dispatcher, Transportation

Dispatcher

First Student is the largest school transportation provider in North America, with more than a century of experience providing safe and reliable transportation. We work with 1,250 school districts in 39 states and 8 Canadian provinces, carrying approximately five million students in 21,000 schools daily.

Pay: $25.00/hr

About the Role

The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching buses and supporting drivers to help ensure safe, reliable, and on-time service within an assigned geographic area. This role serves as a key communication point between drivers, operations, customers, and location leadership.

The Dispatcher supports daily route operations, helps resolve service issues, manages heavy phone and radio communication, and assists with day-to-day operational needs to keep service running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

* Dispatch buses and provide timely route information to drivers

* Oversee routing and scheduling support for assigned buses and routes

* Monitor on-time performance and help resolve service delays or route concerns

* Serve as a primary communication liaison with contracted customers

* Handle heavy phone and radio traffic in a professional and timely manner

* Assist drivers with day-to-day operational questions and route needs

* Provide solutions for pick-up and drop-off issues as they arise

* Receive scheduling concerns, driver complaints, and service-related issues

* Resolve customer or service problems directly when appropriate or escalate to the Operations Supervisor, Contract Manager, or location leadership

* Coach and counsel drivers on frontline service and operational issues

* Monitor and support resolution of driver performance, disciplinary, and service concerns

* Ensure compliance with operating contracts, state and local ordinances, and company policies and procedures

* May support charter reservations, billing, driver payroll, licensing, or driver hiring activities

* May perform backup driver duties as needed

* Complete clerical duties while buses are in route

* Complete special projects as assigned

What Success Looks Like

* Buses are dispatched accurately and on time

* Drivers receive clear, timely communication and support

* Service issues are handled quickly and professionally

* Customer communication is consistent and reliable

* Route, pick-up, and drop-off concerns are resolved with minimal disruption

* Phone and radio traffic is managed efficiently

* Daily operations remain compliant with company policies, contract requirements, and local regulations

* Location leadership is kept informed of service issues, driver concerns, and operational needs

Qualifications

* High school diploma or equivalent required

* Appropriate vehicle license preferred

* 3-5 years of related experience preferred

* Previous terminal operations, dispatch, transportation, school bus, or driver experience preferred

* Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment

* Strong communication and customer service skills

* Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines

* Ability to stay calm and organized in a fast-paced environment

* Computer literacy required

* Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills

* Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, customers, leadership, and internal teams

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

* Must be able to move about an office, terminal, school bus yard, and between floors as needed

* Ability to use standard office equipment

* Ability to access filing systems and cabinets

* Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in person, by phone, and by radio

* Work may be performed in an office, school bus yard, or transportation facility environment

* Possible on-the-road responsibilities may be required

Why Join First Student

* Play a key role in supporting safe, reliable student transportation

* Work closely with drivers, operations leaders, and school district partners

* Help keep daily service running smoothly and on schedule

* Build experience in transportation operations, dispatch, routing, and frontline service support

* Be part of a mission-driven team that serves students and communities every day

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's…