Dispatchers

(NOC 1525)

in All Business, Finance, and Administration

Dispatchers use radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to coordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel. They work for police, fire and health departments, other emergency service agencies, taxi, delivery and courier services, trucking and utilities companies, and other commercial and industrial companies.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 155 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

  • Estimate 3555 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 9370 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

There are frequent job openning for this occupation, particularly in Halifax due to its diverse industry base. Job opportunities may be for positions that are part-time or with long or variable hours of work (i.e. evening and weekends).

Hourly Pay

$14.50

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$31.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$12,675

Minimum

$40,464

Median

$76,108

Maximum

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$23.00

Median

$38.50

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,754

Minimum

$36,515

Median

$70,271

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Dispatchers use radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to coordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel. They work for police, fire and health departments, other emergency service agencies, taxi, delivery and courier services, trucking and utilities companies, and other commercial and industrial companies.

Job duties

Dispatchers:

  • 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 computer-aided communications and dispatching equipment.
  • Dispatch workers according to written schedules and work orders, or as necessary by emergency situations.
  • Advise vehicle operators of route and traffic problems like construction, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, weight and size restrictions and other information.
  • Use 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 and make sure time sheets and payroll summaries are accurately completed.
  • Maintain records of mileage, fuel use, repairs, and other expenses and generate reports.

Sample job titles

  • 911 dispatcher
  • alarm system dispatcher
  • emergency medical dispatcher
  • mail service dispatcher
  • maintenance services dispatcher
  • motor vehicle dispatcher
  • police department dispatcher
  • radio operator
  • utilities maintenance crew dispatcher
  • yard clerk

Skills

  • You must be organized and pay attention to detail. Your work must be accurate. Good communication skills are important. You need to be able to work as part of a team. Computer skills and the ability to work with technology may be helpful. Emergency dispatchers must be able to work in a high-stress environment.

Job requirements

  • High school is required.
  • Police and emergency dispatchers need to complete formal on-the-job training. Other dispatchers usually complete some informal on-the-job training.
  • Police and emergency dispatchers and other radio operators usually need provincial radio operator's certificates.

Other considerations

None

By the numbers

Quick look

875

employed in 2016

89.1%

employed full-time

1.7%

self employed

57.1%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
42.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
44

median age

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

63,775

employed in 2016

78.4%

employed full-time

6.6%

self employed

73.4%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
26.6%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
47.9

median age

Where will I likely work?

52.9%

Halifax

$43,815 median annual income
17.2%

North Shore

$37,956 median annual income
12.1%

Annapolis Valley

$39,677 median annual income
9.2%

Southern

$41,095 median annual income
8.6%

Cape Breton

$34,779 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

32.9%

Public administration

30.3%

Transportation and warehousing

7.1%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

7.1%

Health care and social assistance

5.8%

Retail trade

What is the age of Employment?

27.0%

35-44

23.0%

45-54

20.0%

55-64

19.0%

25-34

6.0%

15-24

5.0%

65+

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

26.3%

45-54

22.6%

55-64

19.4%

35-44

16.7%

25-34

7.5%

65+

Top levels of education

33.7%

High school

$35,513 median annual income
30.9%

College Diploma

$40,691 median annual income
16.6%

Bachelor

$47,993 median annual income
9.1%

Less than high school

$44,665 median annual income
5.1%

Trade Certification

$53,292 median annual income

Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration

33.8%

College Diploma

$36,304 median annual income
23.8%

High school

$32,903 median annual income
22.8%

Bachelor

$41,755 median annual income
5.8%

Trade Certification

$34,807 median annual income
4.9%

Less than high school

$23,174 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic
Truro, NS