Dispatcher

Durham School Services, operating under the umbrella of Summit School Services, is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality transportation services to school districts across North America. With a strong commitment to transportation safety, exceptional customer service, and positive employee relations, Durham School Services has established itself as a leader in the student transportation industry. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Warrenville, Illinois, where administrative and corporate support functions are centralized to efficiently manage over 250 local customer service centers supported by regional operations teams throughout North America.

Durham School Services is currently seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Dispatcher to join their team. This full-time position offers an hourly pay range of $25 to $30, commensurate with experience and qualifications. As a Dispatcher, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient daily operation of school bus routes, field trips, and charter services. The Dispatcher is responsible for directing and monitoring daily assignments, scheduling drivers and assistants, and assigning vehicles to ensure seamless coverage and service delivery. The position demands a high level of organizational skill, the ability to perform under pressure, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer satisfaction.

In this role, you will coordinate the daily activities of drivers and bus assistants ensuring that all duties are executed on time and according to company policies. Effective communication is key as you will be responsible for relaying detailed assignment information, assisting drivers with routing directions, and managing special service requests. Emergency response coordination is an essential aspect of the job, requiring you to respond quickly to incidents, facilitate repairs through mechanical service teams, and deploy replacement vehicles or personnel as needed to avoid service interruptions. Additionally, you will maintain comprehensive route documentation and records involving contracts, student information, route changes, vehicle details, and driver assignments in compliance with district and state regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate previous dispatch experience in a fast-paced environment. A thorough knowledge of geographic areas to optimize routing, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to problem-solve independently are imperative. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized routing software complements the ability to operate communication devices, including two-way radios and emergency systems. Bi-lingual capabilities are a bonus that can enhance communication and effectiveness within diverse communities.

At Durham School Services, diversity and inclusion are core values. The company enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its ethical policies and values, including harassment, exploitation, abuse, and discrimination. Employee safety, especially the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers, remains paramount.

Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, basic life coverage, paid holidays, and PTO accrual, alongside the opportunity to participate in a retirement savings plan. Employment decisions are made based on job requirements and individual qualifications, promoting a culture of equality and respect. This Dispatcher role is essential for maintaining the high standards of service and ensuring that Durham School Services remains a trusted partner in school transportation.