School Bus Dispatcher - School District of Springfield Township

The School District of Springfield Township (SDST)in Montgomery County, PA borders Philadelphia and is incredibly accessible to surrounding areas by just a short drive. A cornerstone of our district is providing the best free and public education to the students in Springfield Township. We deeply value and respect the employees who are committed to helping us provide an inclusive environment for all students and staff. Members of our team enjoy competitive salaries, great benefits, PTO andmore! View more information about ourEquity Initiative here.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or training in transportation management is a plus.
• Previous experience in school transportation dispatching preferred.
• Current PA Class A or B CDL, Passenger and School Bus Endorsements, and clean driving record required.
• Current PA School Bus Instructor certification or ability to obtain same within 6 months.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in computer software and systems used for route planning, scheduling, and record keeping.
• Knowledge of local traffic laws, regulations, and safety standards related to school bus operations.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, particularly in emergency situations requiring quick decision-making and problem-solving.
• The position requires an individual to have a thorough knowledge of the Southeastern Pennsylvania region and be able to drive all posted routes, as well as perform all physical duties and carry out other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor. Must be flexible.

Description:
The School District of Springfield Township is seeking candidates who possess excellent interpersonal skills, the desire to work with energetic students, and the ability to relate well within the school community.SDST is committed to diversity in our workplace and welcomes the opportunity to consider all candidates.The School Bus Dispatcher plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of students, contributing to the overall success of the school community. They are responsible for coordinating and communicating staff coverage for school transportation routes and communicating with department staff, school administrators, and parent/public callers to address transportation-related issues or concerns. The role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. StaffCoordination:

• Assign bus drivers and monitors to specific routes and shifts, considering factors such as driver availability, qualifications, and experience.
• Communicate route assignments and schedule changes to drivers in a timely manner, providing clear instructions and addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
• Closely monitor staff arrivals and route departures to ensure that all routes begin on time.
• Monitor school calendars for early dismissals and closures to arrange proper coverage when conflicts arise.
• Maintain consistent knowledge of fleet schedules/maintenance needs and assign vehicles to routes as necessary.
• Assist in monitoring driver performance and compliance with safety regulations, advising on and/or addressing any issues or discrepancies as they arise.

2. Communication and Coordination:

• Serve as an initial point of contact and appropriately resolve or direct transportation-related inquiries for staff, school administrators, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain open lines of communication with bus drivers and monitors to relay important information, such as weather alerts, road closures, or changes to pick-up/drop-off locations.
• Collaborate with departmentstaff to assist in the coordination of transportation for field trips, athletic events, and other extracurricular activities, ensuring that adequate resources and support are provided.

3. Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of bus routes, schedules, driver assignments.

4. Other Duties:

• Drive assigned bus routes as needed when absences or openings arise, including routes scheduled before/after regular work schedule.
• Assist as needed in evaluating school bus routes and school bus stops to ensure all routes and stops are created with student safety and operational efficiency in mind.
• Assist in the training, instruction, and on-boarding of new staff members.
• Assist maintenance staff in creating a positive and orderly work environment by clearing/sweeping outdoor debris from garage bays, entryways, and fuel stations.
• Actively assist in snow removal operations or other district emergencies as an essential employee.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation

* This list is intended to be illustrative rather than complete, and serves to show major duties and responsibilities that differentiates the position from others in the district.

Terms of employment:

Full-time, 8 hours per day, 12 months per year, Class A position in the Support Staff Bargaining Unit.Position following the School District calendar. 6:00am-3:00pm, hours may vary depending on need.

If you are an external candidate and you are offered a position with the School District of Springfield Township, please be advised that the following information will be required before you are able to begin working:

State Police Clearance (Act 34)

Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151)

FBI Fingerprints (Act 114)

School Health Record - includes physical & tb test from within a year

Act 24 (PDE Form 6004) - Arrest/Conviction Report

PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release- A separate form must be completed for:

1. Current employer; and
2. All former employers that were school entities; and
3. All former employers where you were in a position that involved direct contact with children.

To find more information about how to complete these documents go to the districtEmployment Opportunities website.

To view ALL of our current Transportation opportunities, please visithttps://springfieldtwppa.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspxand type "Transportation" in the search bar.