Description

Dispatchers operate radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to coordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel. They are employed by police, fire and health departments, other emergency service agencies, taxi, delivery and courier services, trucking and utilities companies, and other commercial and industrial establishments.

Job Titles

• 911 dispatcher
• Alarm system dispatcher
• Ambulance dispatcher
• Emergency vehicle dispatcher
• Mobile equipment dispatcher
• Radio operator
• Taxi dispatcher
• Tow truck dispatcher
• Truck dispatcher
• Utilities maintenance crew dispatcher

Main Duties

• Receive requests for emergency assistance or service and contact ambulances, police and fire departments, tow-trucks, and utility crews
• Process and transmit information and instructions to coordinate the activities of vehicle operators, crews and equipment using a variety of computer-aided communications and dispatching equipment
• Dispatch personnel according to written schedules and work orders, or as required by emergency situations
• Advise vehicle operators of route and traffic problems such as construction, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, weight and size restrictions and other information
• Operate radio equipment to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations
• Monitor personnel workloads and locations
• Maintain vehicle operator work records using computerized or manual methods and ensure time sheets and payroll summaries are completed accurately
• Maintain computer and manual records of mileage, fuel use, repairs and other expenses, and generate reports.

Workplaces

• Commercial and industrial establishments
• Emergency service agencies
• Police, fire and health departments
• Taxi, delivery and courier services
• Trucking companies
• Utility companies

Skills

• Coordinating
• Critical Thinking
• Instructing
• Learning and Teaching Strategies
• Management of Personnel Resources

Abilities

• Selective Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Multitasking
• Pattern Identification

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Stress Tolerance
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Collaboration

Similar Occupations

• Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601)
• Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (72604)
• Dispatchers supervisor (in 12013.00 Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling coordination occupations)

Source: OaSIS