What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dispatcher position at Sunrise Transportation?
Dispatcher
Sunrise Transportation (Sunrise) has been partnering with school districts for over 30 years to provide best-in-class transportation to students in the Northeast and Midwest, with an emphasis on students with special needs. We are not just a bus company; we are a bright spot in our passenger’s day! We are committed to safety, trust, reliability, transparency, attentiveness, and a sense of family. You can count on us to be one of the most efficient in the industry and to elevate transportation beyond what’s expected.
Sunrise Transportation is a rapidly growing, private equity backed, transportation company that is currently hiring a Dispatcher at our Vincennes (Chicago) location. The company has grown rapidly through both organic expansion and acquisition of other student transportation companies. We bring a sense of collaboration to our work and actively seek solutions through partnership. Come work with passionate, like-minded colleagues in a supportive environment.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
We are not only looking for amazing team members who will help us in the mission to move our children forward but want someone who wants to move their career! We are currently looking for a Dispatcher who will coordinate the operations of the bus fleet and other vehicles. You will be accountable for establishing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with transportation employees, school staff, parents, and the community.
What matters most for this role:
- You have a strong knowledge of the roadways throughout the immediate area. • Completed a High School diploma/GED. • 2 years of transportation experience is desired, but not required. • Willingness to work in a diverse organization with many high-pressure situations. • You learn quickly and have professional written and oral communication skills. • Ability to sit/or stand for long periods of time.
- Competencies: • Intermediate Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, IF functions) • Prioritize and organize, work well under stress, meet deadlines. • Switch tasks frequently and as needed, while waiting on data to complete next steps. • Work flexible hours, as required to meet deadlines. • Adapt to constant change. • Willing to learn new things and embrace new responsibilities. • Research skills • Communicate effectively in-person and via telephone/email. • Great attention to detail • Positive attitude and solutions-oriented • Scheduling and Dispatching: Coordinate and schedule school bus routes and drivers to ensure timely and efficient transportation of students to and from school, extracurricular activities, and other event
- Scheduling and Dispatching: Coordinate and schedule school bus routes and drivers to ensure timely and efficient transportation of students to and from school, extracurricular activities, and other events.
- Communications: Serve as the primary point of contact for bus drivers, school administrators, parents, and transportation staff. Communicate route changes, delays, and other pertinent information effectively and promptly.
- Routing and Planning: Develop efficient bus routes based on factors such as student population, geographical considerations, traffic patterns, and safety regulations. Adjust routes as needed to optimize efficiency and accommodate changes in enrollment or road conditions.
- Monitoring and Supervision: Monitor the progress of bus routes using GPS tracking systems or other monitoring tools. Respond promptly to any issues or emergencies that arise during transit, coordinating with drivers and emergency services as necessary.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure that all buses and drivers comply with safety regulations and standards established by federal, state, and local authorities. Conduct regular inspections of buses and equipment to identify and address any maintenance or safety concerns.
- Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of bus routes, driver schedules, maintenance activities, and other relevant information. Prepare reports as needed for school administrators, transportation officials, and regulatory agencies.
- Training and Support: Provide training and support to bus drivers on topics such as route navigation, student management, emergency procedures, and safety protocols. Address any performance issues or concerns through coaching, feedback, and disciplinary action if necessary.
- Customer Service: Handle inquiries and concerns from parents, students, and school staff regarding transportation services. Address complaints or issues promptly and professionally, striving to ensure a positive experience for all stakeholders.
- Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency response plans for situations such as accidents, inclement weather, or other crises. Coordinate with relevant authorities, school officials, and emergency responders to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other members of the transportation department, as well as school administrators, teachers, and support staff, to coordinate transportation services effectively and support the overall mission of the school district.
- These duties may vary somewhat depending on the size and structure of the school district, as well as specific local regulations and operational needs. However, they generally encompass the core responsibilities of a school bus dispatcher.