Assistant Dispatch Coordinator

Lower Merion School District is hiring an Assistant Dispatcher Coordinator for the Transportation Department. The Assistant Dispatcher provides support within the student transportation section with specific responsibilities for scheduling of bus drivers and bus aides; coordinating the assignments of regularly scheduled routes, special events, field trips, and sports trips. Communicate with drivers, schools, and parents, as needed. This is a later-shift position and will primarily support the Transportation Department in the afternoon and evening, until buses have returned to the depots.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be familiar with all 100+ regular bus routes, including special needs and non-public schools outside LMSD. This includes detailed knowledge of bus driver and aide assignments.
• Dispatches bus drivers and assigns substitute drivers as needed for the purpose of ensuring that all routes are covered for the timely transportation of students.
• Effectively communicate through two-way radio and telephone.
• Must react and assist the dispatcher with unexpected changes in daily operations: personnel absences, vehicle breakdowns, and accidents, by analyzing shortfalls and assigning appropriate resources.
• Assist with maintaining a daily log of all substitute driver work assignments.
• Communicates supplemental information to drivers and aides concerning bus assignments (equipment), bus stop, route changes, or road conditions.
• Routinely field parent/motorist/school calls and emails regarding bus issues and maintain a high level of customer service satisfaction.
• Coordinate transportation services with outside transportation contractors.
• Processes and reconciles all billing for contracted sports and activity trips.
• Must plan ahead for requested field trips, sports trips, etc., and respond to last minute changes.
• Reacts to trip changes by assigning additional assets and covering unexpected absences.
• Primary contact for assigning employees to extra work based on established procedures for sports trips, field trips, etc. Maintains meticulous records of all extra work assignments.
• Coordinates and communicates with Athletic Directors, School Staff, drivers, and contractors to facilitate successful sports and activity trips by providing appropriate modes of transportation for each trip.
• Interact with Maintenance shop personnel and coordinate bus assignments in accordance with maintenance schedules.
• Assist with drug and alcohol screening program, on an as needed basis.
• Assign spare buses to drivers and inform drivers. Assigns employees to take on additional work when necessary to meet unexpected requirements.
• Monitor and respond to Transportation inbox ) correspondence.
• Assume the non-supervisory responsibilities of the Dispatcher during times of absence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Transportation.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Act 34 and 151 Clearance
• FBI criminal record check (Less than one year old)
• Must think logically and be able to work out logistical issues quickly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate basic computer skills – Windows based email, Microsoft Office products to include Word and Excel, conduct web searches.
• Must be able to learn bus routing software. Previous knowledge of bus routing software is preferred.
• Should have excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing. Must have good telephone skills.
• Should have a basic knowledge of Board policies concerning pupil transportation.
• Should have working knowledge of all streets in Lower Merion SD and the surrounding area, to include level of traffic, direction of permitted traffic, private or public. This includes knowledge of established hazardous walking routes.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of record-keeping and reporting techniques.
• Must be able to understand and follow rules, oral and written instructions, and regulations.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to focus on tasks or issues for extended periods of time, despite frequent interruptions.
• Should have excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing. Must have good telephone skills.
• Must be able to analyze complex situations and conceptualize issues in order to problem solve transportation trip needs and changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively, exercise judgment and creativity, organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform work at a computer display terminal for extended periods of time.
• Duties of this job require the employee to sit for extended periods of time; move about; lift and carry as needed.

Hours are 10:00am-7:00pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-5:30pm on Fridays.

Starting salary for the 25-26 School Year is $67,753.00 Salary and benefits per current LMEA Agreement.

The District strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race; color; creed; religion; sex; age; national origin; ethnicity; marital status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability; or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. Please contact Kyra Gordon for accommodation requests at

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,753.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person