Variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

14404 - Dispatchers

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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • 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

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Air traffic controllers and related occupations (See 72601 Air traffic controllers and related occupations)
    • Bus dispatcher (See 72024 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators)
    • Dispatchers supervisor (See 12013 Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling coordination occupations)
    • Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (See 72604 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following 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.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is required.
    • Police and emergency dispatchers are required to complete formal on-the-job training. Other dispatchers usually undergo some informal on-the-job training.
    • Police and emergency dispatchers and other radio operators usually require provincial radio operator's certificates.
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