Overview
Outlook
Data
Training
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
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be Moderate for dispatchers (NOC 14404) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about Dispatchers in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Dispatchers mainly work in the following sectors:
- Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 38%
- Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 20%
- Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 15%
- Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 483, 486, 487, 493): 10%
- Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%
- 84% of dispatchers work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- 9% of dispatchers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 76% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 24% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 27% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: n/a
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $18.00 | $25.21 | $37.98 |
| Canada | $20.00 | $28.00 | $41.76 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.
More Info
View the full occupational profile with details on work characteristics, interests, employment requirements and more on the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS) website.
Related Jobs
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.