As a dispatcher, your primary role is to answer emergency and non-emergency calls on the radios, phones or computers and respond to questions. Dispatchers assist people during emergencies by guiding and providing necessary information when they call. They usually work in emergency service industries, law enforcement agencies and shipping companies.
Your role as a dispatcher is to manage a multi-line control system and respond to phone calls and radios. For instance, if a client needs assistance on a ship, you relay the message to the relevant authorities and get them the help they need. In the transportation industry, your job involves monitoring transport routes and checking the status of field units to ensure productivity.
Emergency services companies provide round-the-clock coverage, which means dispatchers have to work shift schedules to cover office hours and nights. Hence, your shifts will include weekends, early mornings and public holidays. Part-time opportunities are rare if you work in an emergency dispatch centre or police dispatch.
In the shipping and transport industries, dispatchers don't have to work 24/7, especially if the trucks only operate during the day. However, you still work a full-time schedule within the standard 8 am to 6 pm office hours. Sometimes, you have to work extra hours when the trucks haven't arrived at their destination or the field units need assistance. Part-time opportunities are available in the shipping industry. Some companies also provide flexible work arrangements like remote work since you can operate the multi-line control systems anywhere.
Advantages of working as a dispatcher include:
Some of the disadvantages of becoming a dispatcher include:
You should familiarize yourself with common interview questions for dispatchers. Some of the questions include:
As a dispatcher, your resume should contain the following information:
Apart from crafting a dispatcher's resume, you need a cover letter to improve your job prospects. Your cover letter provides additional information on your experience and competencies that make you a perfect fit for the role. Don't forget to use relevant keywords and hard figures to illustrate your achievements.
Your career prospects depend on your specialism. The role of a dispatcher is the first step into law enforcement or emergency services. For instance, you can join the fire department, emergency medical services and other first responders with additional training. Alternatively, join the police academy and become a law enforcement officer.
In Canada, the demand for dispatchers in transport and emergency services is likely to increase, with job openings between 2019 and 2028 projected at 13,500. The job openings are from retirements and rise in demand, while new dispatchers are expected to increase to 12,600 within the period.
Some of the types of dispatchers include:
In Canada, the average salary of a dispatcher is $40,994 annually or $21.02 per hour. At an entry-level position, your starting salary is $34,125 per year. When you build up your skills and experience level, your earnings increase to $56,038 per year. You can boost your earnings with overtime pay and bonuses and enjoy various non-monetary benefits. Your compensation package often relies on your specialism. For instance, a truck dispatcher earns an average salary of $45,000 per year, while an emergency dispatcher earns $39,000 yearly. Your experience and skills also influence your wages. When you have years of experience, you qualify for higher pay compared to new dispatchers starting their careers. Some locations also pay more due to the cost of living and demand for dispatchers. For instance, you are likely to earn more in Alberta than in Manitoba.
Top paying areas for dispatchers in Canada include: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario.
Typical duties and responsibilities of a dispatcher include:
The major employers of dispatchers in Canada include:
Dispatchers need the following hard and soft skills:
You don't require a degree or diploma course to become a dispatcher. However, any post-secondary certification improves your job prospects. Most employers require dispatchers to have a high school diploma and willingness to learn. You will attend training before starting your job to help you understand the basics. Some companies require certifications in advanced first aid and CPR, suicide intervention techniques, critical incident and stressors training and protocols for emergency dispatch. Experience in similar roles also increases your employability.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about dispatcher jobs.
You can secure a position as a dispatcher if you have the required skills to assist clients in an emergency. While a GED can get you a job, enhance your resume with certifications in relevant short courses. You also need to complete a background check that includes criminal history, polygraph tests and family history.
If you are looking for dispatcher vacancies, keep an eye on the social media pages and job boards. Don't forget to check out the Randstad job seeker page for customer support jobs, and you may find a suitable vacancy.
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A dispatcher's role depends on the industry. In emergency services, you receive calls and help callers with emergencies. You also dispatch the emergency response teams to assist. In transport, you supervise the delivery of goods by tracking the drivers' movements from departure to arrival.
A dispatcher earns a decent compensation package with an attractive basic salary and various benefits. You also enjoy overtime pay, paid vacation and bonuses for your hard work.
As a dispatcher, it is crucial to have good communication skills to relay clear information. Empathy also helps you understand your callers and help them in difficult situations. You also need customer service skills to maintain your calm in high-pressure situations.