dispatcher job description

The duties of dispatchers depend on the industry in which they work. However, there are some common tasks, including: route planning: dispatchers use logistics programs and mapping software to plan the routes drivers use when picking up shipments and delivering products. These programs help determine road conditions and the most efficient routes. After deciding on the routes, dispatchers share the information with drivers. monitoring a driver's location: dispatchers monitor the whereabouts of drivers sent to pick up shipments or to deliver goods. As a dispatcher, you use GPS devices to ascertain drivers' locations. Knowing the locations helps you plan routes and tell customers how far the drivers are from them. acting as an intermediary: dispatchers act as intermediaries between customers and drivers by relaying messages between them. For instance, you would relay information concerning a customer's pickup or delivery instructions to a driver. You also tell customers the whereabouts of the drivers who are supposed to deliver their goods or services. resolving logistical problems: logistical problems often occur when drivers are on their way to pick up shipments or deliver goods or services. Dispatchers try to resolve logistical problems to ensure delays do not happen. For instance, if drivers get stuck in heavy traffic, you can use GPS applications to determine the routes with less traffic. writing reports: whether you are an emergency or transport dispatcher, you write detailed reports. Your reports assist in facilitating investigations of various incidents. You keep a record of incidents and phone calls for future reference.

Dispatchers usually work inside offices or communication centres. You answer calls from your desk and use computers to record communication updates. Some dispatchers work in specific companies and usually know a lot about their products. This knowledge helps them answer any questions that customers ask. Other dispatchers work in police stations. These dispatchers know where police officers are and which units should be dispatched to different areas. Dispatchers also work on educational sites where they instruct security guards and designate them to handle incidents occurring on campus. Since your role is office-based, you can work from home or remotely, receiving calls and dispatching teams.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include call handlers, warehouse operators, and supervisors . You might also be working close to procurement officers and security officers , as well as other specialists that could consist of security guards , warehouse workers and truck drivers .

Dispatchers work in shifts. The length of these shifts depends on the place where you work. For instance, when working as a public safety dispatcher in a city, you work 12 hours daily. In a week, you work three 12-hour shifts. You may also be required to work during bank holidays, weekends, early mornings and evenings.

Dispatchers are always in demand due to their support of law enforcement officers and paramedics. In addition, the transport and logistics industry is constantly increasing the demand for dispatchers. There are exciting career prospects in transportation, utilities and public safety. When you progress to supervisory roles, you can manage emergency responses. Some dispatchers move to field duties and join response teams. Others move to managerial roles like logistics management.

advantages of finding a dispatcher job through randstad

Finding your dispatcher job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a dispatcher is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the main duties of a dispatcher?

As a dispatcher, you receive emergency and non-emergency calls. In emergencies, you notify the authorities or get emergency personnel to the location for medical emergencies. Dispatchers also work in the logistics industry to instruct drivers about delivery routes and monitor weather reports and traffic.

how much does a dispatch officer earn?

As a dispatcher, you earn an average salary of $68,000 annually in Australia. The amount fluctuates depending on your skills and expertise. New dispatchers take home a salary of $60,000 yearly, while the most experienced dispatchers receive a remuneration package of $75,000 per year. Where you work influences your earnings. For instance, working for a dispatcher in logistics attract a lower salary compared to working in emergency services.

how do I become a dispatcher in Australia?

You don't require formal qualifications to work as a dispatcher in Australia. Most employers provide on-the-job training on standard responses and how to use various software. You boost your chances of landing the role with a Year 10 qualification and a VET or TAFE course in supply chain management. You also require work experience through apprenticeship programs and internships.

what qualities do you need to be a dispatcher in Australia?

As a dispatcher, you gather and share information to promote smooth operations about emergencies or logistics operations. You require prompt decision-making skills to prioritise calls faster and evaluate situations before deciding the next action. You also rely on your communication skills to communicate with callers. Active listening skills help you understand the caller and determine their requirements before responding.

is dispatcher a stressful job?

Working as a dispatcher allows you to help people in emergencies and coordinate logistics for improved efficiency. However, the role can be intense and stressful since you handle numerous phone calls. It requires working well under pressure and remaining calm in all situations.

how do I apply for a dispatcher vacancy?

Applying for a dispatcher job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

dispatcher

what is a dispatcher?

A dispatcher works in an organisation's communications department. Your job is to receive and pass information to different people. As a dispatcher, you coordinate operations with customers and drivers to help ensure that goods are delivered on time.

Dispatchers carry out many duties. For instance, you respond to non-emergency and emergency calls from your company's drivers and customers. You also track the vehicles transporting goods to different places and pass messages to customers. You dispatch and receive orders when working for a company that supplies products.

As a dispatcher, you work in various organisations. For instance, you can work for the police force or a transport or utility company. You may also work in emergency services or for a taxi company. Some dispatchers coordinate transport and security in mining industries or manufacturing facilities.

When you work in emergency services, it is essential to stay resilient and collect vital information to determine the severity of a situation. The role requires excellent communication and decision-making skills since you weigh a situation and dispatch the appropriate team to assist the caller. Communication skills help you instruct callers as they wait for police officers or paramedics.

dispatcher vacancies

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average dispatcher salary

As a dispatcher, you take home an average remuneration package of $68,000 annually. When you work in an entry-level position with minimal tasks and responsibilities, your starting salary is $60,000 annually. Senior capacity roles attract a salary of $75,000 yearly.

what factors affect the salary of dispatchers?

Dispatchers don't require formal education, but having a logistics or courier transport background increases your remuneration prospects. You can negotiate a higher salary with additional skills or certifications since you handle complex tasks. Aside from experience, the company you work for also influences your remuneration. For instance, working for the military or coordinating transport operations attracts a higher salary than dispatchers handling smaller operations. Working for the private sector also improves earning potential since logistics companies have higher budgets, unlike government organisations.

Want to know what you will earn as a dispatcher? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

dispatcher careers

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types of dispatchers

Some of the types of dispatchers include:

emergency dispatchers: as an emergency dispatcher, you handle cases associated with public safety. The role usually covers police, firefighters and emergency medical dispatchers. Your job is to obtain information from callers and dispatch the appropriate units to offer assistance. You also talk callers through life-saving medical procedures and safety tips.
transportation and service dispatchers: transport companies rely on dispatchers to respond to service calls and organise delivery schedules. You monitor the delivery of materials and coordinate pickups and drops. If you work for a water or gas company, you receive calls for emergency assistance with utilities.
flight dispatchers: as a flight dispatcher, you are responsible for monitoring and planning an aircraft's journey. You are responsible for the flight's safety and can delay, cancel or divert a flight.

3

working as a dispatcher

As a dispatcher, you provide radio and communication services to operational coordination units. If you are interested in the role, discover dispatchers' daily duties and work schedules.

dispatcher job description
The duties of dispatchers depend on the industry in which they work. However, there are some common tasks, including:
- route planning: dispatchers use logistics programs and mapping software to plan the routes drivers use when picking up shipments and delivering products. These programs help determine road conditions and the most efficient routes. After deciding on the routes, dispatchers share the information with drivers.
- monitoring a driver's location: dispatchers monitor the whereabouts of drivers sent to pick up shipments or to deliver goods. As a dispatcher, you use GPS devices to ascertain drivers' locations. Knowing the locations helps you plan routes and tell customers how far the drivers are from them.
- acting as an intermediary: dispatchers act as intermediaries between customers and drivers by relaying messages between them. For instance, you would relay information concerning a customer's pickup or delivery instructions to a driver. You also tell customers the whereabouts of the drivers who are supposed to deliver their goods or services.
- resolving logistical problems: logistical problems often occur when drivers are on their way to pick up shipments or deliver goods or services. Dispatchers try to resolve logistical problems to ensure delays do not happen. For instance, if drivers get stuck in heavy traffic, you can use GPS applications to determine the routes with less traffic.
- writing reports: whether you are an emergency or transport dispatcher, you write detailed reports. Your reports assist in facilitating investigations of various incidents. You keep a record of incidents and phone calls for future reference.
work environment

Dispatchers usually work inside offices or communication centres. You answer calls from your desk and use computers to record communication updates. Some dispatchers work in specific companies and usually know a lot about their products. This knowledge helps them answer any questions that customers ask.

Other dispatchers work in police stations. These dispatchers know where police officers are and which units should be dispatched to different areas. Dispatchers also work on educational sites where they instruct security guards and designate them to handle incidents occurring on campus. Since your role is office-based, you can work from home or remotely, receiving calls and dispatching teams.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include call handlers, warehouse operators, and supervisors. You might also be working close to procurement officers and security officers, as well as other specialists that could consist of security guards, warehouse workers and truck drivers.
work schedule

Dispatchers work in shifts. The length of these shifts depends on the place where you work. For instance, when working as a public safety dispatcher in a city, you work 12 hours daily. In a week, you work three 12-hour shifts. You may also be required to work during bank holidays, weekends, early mornings and evenings.
job outlook

Dispatchers are always in demand due to their support of law enforcement officers and paramedics. In addition, the transport and logistics industry is constantly increasing the demand for dispatchers. There are exciting career prospects in transportation, utilities and public safety. When you progress to supervisory roles, you can manage emergency responses. Some dispatchers move to field duties and join response teams. Others move to managerial roles like logistics management.
advantages of finding a dispatcher job through randstad
Finding your dispatcher job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a dispatcher is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

You don't require formal education to work as a dispatcher, but the following qualifications improve your career prospects:

complete VET/TAFE certifications: the basic entry requirement for becoming a dispatcher is to complete Year 10. You can also pursue some courses to improve your career prospects. For instance, pursue a Certificate III in supply chain or a degree in logistics to learn the ropes.
gain work experience: you gain additional knowledge and expertise in entry-level positions. Internships and part-time jobs help you learn the ropes and prepare you for the role.

dispatcher skills and competencies

Some skills of a dispatcher include:

communication skills: your role involves communicating with people. That means you require good communication skills. For instance, you should listen keenly and speak clearly. It is also important to use a friendly tone to encourage people to continue talking to you.
problem-solving skills: you encounter many issues that require creative solutions, so problem-solving skills are central for dispatchers. With these skills, you analyse problems, determine the sources and find solutions.
keyboarding skills: as a dispatcher, you type on your computer keyboard throughout the day. You need keyboarding skills to ensure you do not have difficulty doing your tasks. These skills improve your speed and typing accuracy.
directional skills: it is crucial to know your area of jurisdiction, including major routes and landmarks. Directional skills help you determine the location of a caller from simple descriptions. The skills are also essential for directing emergency response teams.
compassion: a dispatcher is naturally compassionate and comfortable talking to stressed and panicked callers. When you empathise with the caller, you reassure them and help calm them down.

5

FAQs about working as a dispatcher

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a dispatcher.

what are the main duties of a dispatcher?

As a dispatcher, you receive emergency and non-emergency calls. In emergencies, you notify the authorities or get emergency personnel to the location for medical emergencies. Dispatchers also work in the logistics industry to instruct drivers about delivery routes and monitor weather reports and traffic.
how much does a dispatch officer earn?

As a dispatcher, you earn an average salary of $68,000 annually in Australia. The amount fluctuates depending on your skills and expertise. New dispatchers take home a salary of $60,000 yearly, while the most experienced dispatchers receive a remuneration package of $75,000 per year. Where you work influences your earnings. For instance, working for a dispatcher in logistics attract a lower salary compared to working in emergency services.
how do I become a dispatcher in Australia?

You don't require formal qualifications to work as a dispatcher in Australia. Most employers provide on-the-job training on standard responses and how to use various software. You boost your chances of landing the role with a Year 10 qualification and a VET or TAFE course in supply chain management. You also require work experience through apprenticeship programs and internships.
what qualities do you need to be a dispatcher in Australia?

As a dispatcher, you gather and share information to promote smooth operations about emergencies or logistics operations. You require prompt decision-making skills to prioritise calls faster and evaluate situations before deciding the next action. You also rely on your communication skills to communicate with callers. Active listening skills help you understand the caller and determine their requirements before responding.
is dispatcher a stressful job?

Working as a dispatcher allows you to help people in emergencies and coordinate logistics for improved efficiency. However, the role can be intense and stressful since you handle numerous phone calls. It requires working well under pressure and remaining calm in all situations.
how do I apply for a dispatcher vacancy?

Applying for a dispatcher job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

dispatcher.