National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

1525 - Dispatchers

Dispatchers operate radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to co-ordinate 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
    • inbound/outbound freight co-ordinator
    • 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 2272 Air traffic controllers and related occupations)
    • Bus dispatchers (See 7305 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators)
    • Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (See 2275 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators)
    • Supervisors of dispatchers (See 1215 Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations)

  • Main duties

    Dispatchers perform 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 co-ordinate 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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