Lead Dispatcher

Lead Dispatcher

This is a working lead position responsible for coordinating daily transportation dispatch operations (60-70%) while providing leadership, training, and work direction to the dispatcher team (30-40%). The Lead Dispatcher serves as the primary operational point of contact for route coverage, driver coordination, and emergency response, ensuring efficient and safe transportation services across all MISD campuses. Must possess a valid Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and be able to drive routes as needed.

Essential Functions:

Major Responsibilities:

Leadership & Coordination Duties (30-40%):

1. Coordinate and supervise daily dispatcher operations across all shifts

2. Provide work direction and assignments to Transportation Dispatchers

3. Serve as primary operational liaison between dispatch team and Director of Transportation

4. Train and mentor dispatchers on procedures, systems, and best practices

5. Assist Director with dispatcher scheduling, shift coverage, and assignments

6. Monitor dispatcher performance and provide feedback to Director

7. Conduct quality control of route assignments and coverage decisions

8. Lead dispatcher team meetings and communicate operational changes

9. Resolve conflicts and escalated issues from dispatchers, drivers, or campuses

10. Coordinate emergency response and crisis management for transportation incidents

11. Review and improve dispatcher procedures and workflows

12. Serve as acting operational supervisor in Director's absence for dispatch matters

Operational Dispatch Duties (60-70%):

13. Ensure all bus routes are covered and assigned daily across all shifts

14. Coordinate route coverage during driver absences, emergencies, and shortages

15. Manage distribution of keys, radios, and equipment to drivers

16. Answer phone and two-way radio calls; respond to routine requests or emergencies

17. Communicate with outside organizations, local police, emergency services, and others as appropriate

18. Respond to driver requests for assistance and dispatch tow trucks, emergency services, and additional equipment as needed

19. Maintain current knowledge of all routes and school locations to ensure timely services

20. Work closely with bus drivers, monitors, technicians, service center liaison, and central staff to ensure accurate route status information

21. Review bus routes for efficiency and effectiveness; communicate recommended improvements to management

22. Collaborate and communicate effectively with the routing department and campus administrators

23. Collect and process bus maintenance request forms from drivers

24. Assist in distribution and collection of route/trip sheets; ensure weekly and monthly student counts are completed accurately

25. Maintain daily log of school buses, assigned drivers, and monitors for all shifts

26. Monitor and coordinate field trip coverage and assignments

27. Serve as substitute bus driver to cover routes during driver shortages

28. Maintain and provide required reports to transportation administration team

29. Reviews, understands, and follows transportation guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency

30. Foster positive relations with service center team, campuses, teachers, and parents

31. Present oneself as a role model for employees with regard to proper attire, grooming standards, and positive attitude

32. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation

Qualification Requirements:

• Accredited High School Diploma or equivalent (U.S.A equivalency) required;
Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university preferred

• Valid Texas Commercial Driver& License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required

• Must be 18 years of age

• Five (5) years of experience in transportation operations; at least two (2) years as a dispatcher in a school transportation environment required

• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience training or mentoring others

• Experience in office management or transportation system coordination

• Knowledge of transportation and trips management software (Transfinder, Zonar preferred)

• Ability…