LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE: DISPATCHER BASIC FUNCTION: Perform a variety of dispatching duties related to student transportation, including home-to-school, regular, special education, field trips and special event routes; assign drivers to routes according to established procedures; operate a school bus in emergencies as required. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (E=Essential Function) Individual positions may not perform all of the duties listed nor do these examples include all responsibilities of positions in this class. Perform a variety of dispatching duties related to student transportation, including home-to-school, regular, special education, field trips and special events routes; update and maintain route information as necessary. E Assign drivers to routes according to established procedures; utilize a computer terminal to update and maintain routing information, scheduling, new students and produce a variety of reports as required; provide routing information for field trips; prepare maps of scheduled routes. E Communicate with department employees, dispatch to needed locations and respond to routine requests or emergency situations. E Maintain a variety of records related to the transportation department, including field trip assignments, driver routes, refused trips and logs of volunteer work assignments; maintain log of cellular phone distribution. E Communicate with parents, supervisors, school administrators and department employees; receive requests, questions, concerns and suggestions; provide routine information and assistance or routes as appropriate. E Assure proper coverage for daily transportation needs; call substitute drivers as necessary. E Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer, typewriter and others. E Schedule drivers for year round, traditional school, minimum days and extended year programs; provide parents with route information. E Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation; transport students to and from school, special events and field trips as necessary. E Assist department employees and provide information related to routing requests, timetables, stops and others; maintain related records. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Operation of standard office equipment. Applicable sections of the State Education Code applicable to buses and regular and special education pupil transportation. Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities, including Title 13 of the Vehicle Code, CHP handbook sections, and District policies and procedures. Routing and scheduling procedures. District organization, operations, policies and objectives. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Record-keeping techniques. Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities. Operation of a computer terminal. Oral and written communication skills. Safety rules, regulations and safe driving practices. ABILITY TO: Schedule and monitor the dispatching activities for District buses for home-to-school, special education and special events. Assure safe, efficient, timely and accurate transportation of District students. Coordinate schedules and assignments and design routes. Serve as a liaison between schools, administrators and parents. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Maintain records and prepare reports. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Read bus schedules. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Observe legal and defensive driving practices. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent and increasingly responsible bus driving experience. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver’s license. Valid California Special Driver’s Certificate with zero restrictions, and which require a valid First Aid Certificate. Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Incumbents in this class must present and maintain a satisfactory driving record which insures maintenance of liability insurance coverage. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. Light background noise. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate. Board Approved 11/2/99