Job Description

Dispatcher
Location: Warren, RI (supporting Bristol/Warren, Barrington & statewide operations)

Pay Range: $24.00–$28.00/hour, based on experience and qualifications

Schedule: Full-Time | 5 days/week | Minimum 8-hour shifts | Overtime opportunities available

Hours: AM/PM shifts ranging approximately between 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

At First Student, our Dispatchers are a constant reflection of our company’s commitment to safety and customer service. The Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating daily transportation operations, dispatching buses, ensuring on-time route performance, supporting drivers and monitors, and serving as a key communication liaison between operations, customers, and leadership teams.

Why Join First Student?

At First Student, we are proud to offer:

• Competitive pay: $24.00–$28.00/hour, based on experience
• Full-time hours with overtime potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match eligibility
• $10,000 company-paid Life Insurance
• Company-paid disability benefits where applicable
• Paid time off and holidays (where applicable)
• Perk Spot employee discount program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, cell phone plans, and more
• Positive and rewarding work environment
• Tremendous career advancement opportunities due to our strong presence across North America
• Stability, training, and growth with an industry-leading transportation company

Dispatcher Responsibilities

• Oversee daily routes, scheduling, and bus coverage to ensure service continuity and on-time performance

• Coordinate driver assignments and support route coverage needs
• Counsel and coach drivers and monitors on day-to-day operational matters
• Handle heavy phone and radio traffic while communicating with drivers, schools, and management
• Receive scheduling concerns and driver complaints; escalate issues to Operations leadership as needed
• Serve as a communication liaison with contracted customers and internal stakeholders
• Provide solutions to route delays, pick-up/drop-off concerns, and operational challenges
• Maintain dispatch records, logs, reports, and operational documentation
• Assist with payroll support, charter scheduling, billing, or clerical duties as needed
• Support day-to-day operational oversight and complete special projects as assigned
• Perform back-up driver or miscellaneous operational duties when necessary

Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5 years of dispatching, transportation, logistics, terminal operations, or related experience preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous school transportation, fleet operations, dispatch, or driver experience strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work effectively under deadlines and time constraints
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to multitask and work in fast-paced operational environments
• Reliable attendance and scheduling flexibility required

Additional Requirements

This position supports multiple service areas and operational schedules. Employees should expect:

• 5 days per week
• Minimum 8-hour shifts
• Potential overtime opportunities
• Schedule flexibility with work hours ranging approximately between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM
• Support for operations in Bristol/Warren, Barrington, and statewide locations as needed

Subject to DOT drug testing and physical requirements. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

At First Student, our commitment to safety, dependability, and customer care creates an environment where you can thrive. With more than 120,000 employees across North America, we offer stability, growth, and exceptional training.

Apply today to join our team!

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf