The Sequim School District welcomes your application for Transportation Dispatcher

ABOUT SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICT

In Sequim School District our community inspires and prepares each student to thrive. We are looking for candidates passionate about pursuing their calling to education who will partner with us to create an environment and culture where all children experience success, NO EXCEPTIONS! The Sequim School District empowers staff to inspire hope and provide flexible, innovative learning opportunities in a safe and respectful environment so each student thrives. 

ABOUT THE CITY OF SEQUIM: 

Surrounded by natural beauty and full of small-town charm, Sequim is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lavender lovers and is one of the driest places in western Washington. An active arts community, vibrant downtown, and diverse culinary options make Sequim the cultural and commercial heart of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley on the magnificent Olympic Peninsula.

Transportation Dispatcher is responsible for the coordination of assignments on regularly scheduled routes, special events, and field trips necessary to meet the compliance of time schedules for safe and efficient transportation operations. Assists in maintaining a computerized route management system. Aids in establishing and maintaining a positive, effective working relationship with Transportation employees, school staff, parents, and community members.

QUALITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Giver of hope
• Passion for students well-being and healthy development
• Eager to connect with diverse leaders to continue to improve practice
• Exhibiting a good attitude and a growth mindset
• Models what it means to make mistakes and grow from them
• Comfortable not-knowing, but eager to problem solve
• Technology seamlessly integrated into their practice
• Creative and open to trying new things
• A natural relationship builder and a good reader of situations
• Hard working and nurturing
• Responsible

Physical Characteristics:   

Ability to lift fifty pounds waist high, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving heavy objects, furniture, and equipment; climbing stairs, ladders, and ramps; walking or standing for extended periods of time’ dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment; bending at waist’ reaching overhead and horizontally.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Valid Washington Driver’s license.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Authorized Washington State school bus driver, CDL License Class B, P1, S, Air Brake restriction removed, with preferred 4 years school bus driving experience.
• Must have a driving record relatively free of traffic violations and accidents.  
• Must provide an abstract of their personal and commercial driving record.
• Knowledge of Washing State Traffic Code, school bus operational policies, and standard safety procedures. 
• Pre-employment requirements include a Washington State Patrol check and FBI clearance.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to instruct new and on-staff personnel in all areas of bus equipment operation, function, and handling.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate routes and activities utilizing route and field trip planning software (district currently uses Transfinder).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in an atmosphere where interruptions occur frequently.
• Ability to work within a team that communicates effectively with each other and promotes a positive atmosphere for all personnel in the transportation department.
• Ability to establish cooperative relations with other drivers, office staff, school staff and parents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to meet the physical and mental standards necessary to perform the duties, tasks and responsibilities of a school bus driver.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret road and street maps.
• Experience working with Washington State ridership reporting. 
• Knowledge of checking oil, coolant, and fueling buses.

Representative Duties:  

• Assists in planning and scheduling the daily operation of the transportation system using a computerized program to ensure all routes and assignments are covered daily.
• Operates base radio and telephone communications for Transportation Department and dispatches messages to appropriate staff and others; responds to inquiries from district staff and community members to provide information, direction and/or clarification.
• Maintains daily log system of transportation activities; coordinates field trips including receiving and inputting requests into computer system, posting trips, assigning driver and buses to trips.
• Assists in resolving situations involving student discipline and behavior problems, parental questions and complaints, equipment failure and route changes.
• Maintains communications with drivers via two-way radio and assists with breakdowns, accidents, route changes and other emergencies.
• Serve as key contact for school personnel to resolve transportation issues.
• Assist Director of Transportation with personnel functions to achieve department objectives.
• Evaluate road conditions by driving along specified routes in inclement weather.
• Instruct drivers on special needs bus requirements and road conditions.
• Utilize absence management software for driver attendance accountability.
• Assist in developing route packages and posting of available routes.
• Drives scheduled bus routes, as necessary.
• Assist in equipment maintenance as needed.

The statements contained above reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may at times perform other duties as assigned which could include work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Supervision:   

Reports to the Director of Transportation.

Working Conditions:   

Transportation Dispatcher works primarily indoors. The incumbent will be exposed to dirt, odors, dust, wetness, and exhaust fumes. Work performed in the field may expose the incumbent to inclement weather and traffic hazards. While driving a bus, the Transportation Dispatcher will be exposed to the working conditions and hazards outlined in the job description for Bus Driver. 

Conditions/Disclaimers

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.  Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. District employees are not authorized to make promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certified or classified positions, and that any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the Superintendent.  Any verbal or written statements to that effect by District employees other than the Superintendent are null and void. Additionally, nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.