what is a dispatcher?
A dispatcher works in an organisation's communications department. Your job as a dispatcher 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. When working for a company that supplies products, you dispatch and receive product orders.
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.
When you work in emergency services, it is crucial to stay calm 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.
Would working as a dispatcher suit your interest in helping people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a dispatcher role.
dispatcher jobsaverage dispatcher salary
According to ONS, the average salary of a dispatcher is £23,656 per year with an hourly rate of £12.13. In entry-level positions, the compensation package is as low as £21,551 per year, while experienced dispatchers take home up to £30,000 annually. The compensation package of dispatchers often differs based on the employer and area of specialisation. For instance, ambulance dispatchers often have a salary range of £20,329 to £24,881 per year. Police dispatchers usually earn a higher compensation package at an average of £31,876 per year. Experienced police dispatchers earn over £38,470 annually.
what factors influence the earnings of a dispatcher?
A dispatcher's salary varies depending on the area of specialism. If you work as a police or flight dispatcher, you will earn more than medical dispatchers. Your qualifications and work experience also influence your compensation package. Your salary scale is different if you have specific qualifications or certifications since you can negotiate higher pay. The additional skills you possess improve your earning potential.
The industry sector and employer also influence your salary. For instance, working in transportation and private security companies has a different salary structure than working for the government.
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 lifesaving medical procedures and safety tips.
- transportation and service dispatchers: transport companies rely on dispatchers to respond to service calls and organise transport schedules for various deliveries. 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 in charge of the flight's safety and have the authority to delay, cancel or divert a flight for safety reasons.
working as a dispatcher
As a dispatcher, you perform various roles in different business sectors. Here are more details on the tasks and work environments of dispatchers:
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dispatcher job description
The huge variety of duties for dispatchers depends on the industry in which they work. However, there are some commonalities in the tasks. Some of the typical duties include:
- route planning: dispatchers use logistics programmes and mapping software to plan the routes drivers will use when picking up shipments and delivering products. These programmes 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 intermediaries: 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 can assist in facilitating investigations of various incidents. You keep a record of incidents and phone calls for future reference.
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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.
Some dispatchers work in police stations. These dispatchers know where police officers are and which units should be dispatched to different areas. Other dispatchers 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.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in transportation or emergency response, your colleagues may include care assistants, paramedics, security officers and police officers. You also work with emergency care assistants and patient transport service controllers, as well as other specialists that could include logistics managers, store managers and warehouse workers.
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work schedule
Dispatchers work in shifts. The length of these shifts depends on the place where you are working. For instance, when working as a public safety dispatcher in a city, you work for 12 hours a day. In a week, you work three 12-hour shifts. You may also be required to work during bank holidays, weekends, early mornings and evenings.
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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.
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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!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of a dispatcher include:
- education: most employers require a minimum of GCSEs or A Levels for dispatchers. However, you undergo on-the-job training for weeks or months to learn the procedures and policies of the role. Some employers in public safety dispatch require a degree in communication or criminal justice since you deal with sensitive issues that lead to investigations. You can also gain qualifications from colleges by completing short courses in firefighting or first-aid and CPR.
- background checks: most employers require you to pass a background check before employment. The checks usually include credit reports, court records and prior employment information.
dispatcher skills and competencies
Some skills of a dispatcher include:
- communication skills: it is crucial to communicate 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. When you have 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 this. 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. They 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.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a dispatcher
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what does a dispatcher do?
A dispatcher is responsible for gathering information from callers and providing assistance by dispatching emergency teams. They also organise transportation schedules and routes in logistics companies. Want to learn more about working as a dispatcher? Then check out this article.
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what skills do you need as a dispatcher?
You require exceptional communication skills and compassion to relate to callers and provide help. If you are empathetic, you can understand a caller's situation and talk them through the stressful situation. You also require excellent typing skills. Want to learn more about working as a dispatcher? Then check out this article.
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what education is needed to become a dispatcher?
The qualifications often depend on your specialism. To become an emergency or transportation dispatcher, you need GCSEs and a few extra qualifications. However, roles like flight dispatchers require extensive education and certification in the aviation industry. Some police dispatchers also require a qualification in criminal justice. Want to learn more about working as a dispatcher? Then check out this article.
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is it hard to be a dispatcher?
Working as a dispatcher is not hard since this job is not physically demanding. However, you sometimes deal with stressful situations like delayed deliveries or emergencies. Want to learn more about working as a dispatcher? Then check out this article.
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how fast do dispatchers type?
When working as a dispatcher, you should type at least 30 words a minute, which requires great keyboarding skills. Want to learn more about working as a dispatcher? Then check out this article.
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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 simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
