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911 Operator, Emergency Communications Officer, Emergency Services Dispatcher, Public Safety Communicator, Taxi Dispatcher, Tow Truck Dispatcher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $25.95 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.53 |
| Top | $34.38 |
Interest in compiling information to maintain operator work records using computerized or manual methods; and in monitoring personnel workloads and locations
Interest in operating computer-aided communications and dispatching equipment to process and transmit information and instructions to co-ordinate the activities of vehicle operators, crews and equipment; and in dispatching personnel according to written schedules, work orders and as required by emergency situations
Interest in speaking with vehicle operators to advise on route and traffic problems such as construction, accidents, congestion, weather conditions and weight and size restrictions
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Dispatchers’ duties vary. In general, they:
Taxi dispatchers send taxicabs in response to calls for service. They take requests for cabs, inform drivers by radio or telephone, and log the calls and addresses given to each driver.
Tow truck dispatchers take calls from vehicle owners for emergency service. They record information such as the name of the caller, type of problem, where the vehicle is and what it looks like. They give the information to tow truck drivers.
Utility company dispatchers take calls for gas, water, telephone or electric services. They take emergency reports from the public and send workers to resolve problems.
Emergency services dispatchers might work for protective, industrial, medical, fire or police services. They:
Emergency service call takers receive emergency calls for help. They pass the caller or the information to a dispatcher at the correct emergency service.
Dispatchers usually work shifts of up to 12 hours. Shift work includes nights, weekends and holidays. Sometimes dispatchers are required to stay longer to complete calls or wait for relief workers. This is a 24/7/365 position.
Dispatchers have to sit for long periods of time. Emergency situations can be stressful. Work hours can include sudden busy and demanding times as well as periods of low activity. It is critical to remain alert.
Other working conditions vary depending on the employer. Dispatchers may work in small offices with poor lighting and simple telephone systems. Some may work in large offices with advanced computer systems, vehicle tracking systems, and ergonomically designed workstations.
Dispatchers need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 62 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 29, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Dispatch personnel according to schedules and work orders | 55 |
|---|---|
| Maintain vehicle operator work records | 49 |
| Schedule assignments and co-ordinate activities of vehicle operators, crews and equipment | 46 |
| Follow-up on issues with work orders | 43 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 37 |
| Record mileage, fuel use, repairs and other expenses | 37 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 34 |
| Advise vehicle operators of traffic and other problems | 34 |
| Monitor personnel workloads and locations | 33 |
| Operate computer-aided communications and dispatching equipment | 33 |
Taxi, tow truck, and utility dispatchers are trained on the job. Employers generally look for people with related work experience. Dispatchers need to know the geography of the area in which they work and be good at reading maps. Some employers consider dispatching a supervisory position and require applicants to have dispatch or driving experience. A high school diploma and computer and keyboarding skills are definite assets.
Police, fire, and emergency medical dispatchers are required to have a high school diploma. It is becoming more common for protective services and alarm companies to ask for schooling beyond high school. They also require related formal or on-the-job training, such as experience working with multi-line telephone systems or working with people in distress. Dispatchers may be experienced police officers or emergency medical services workers.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, fire rescue services applicants are required to have the Emergency Fire Dispatcher certificate course offered through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. Some cities also require Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification plus Emergency Medical Responder, rescue, hazmat, and fire certifications.
Dispatchers may work for:
Experienced dispatchers in larger organizations may advance to supervisory positions. However, in general, advancement opportunities are limited.
Dispatchers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1475: Dispatchers and radio operators. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1525: Dispatchers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 97 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for dispatchers vary considerably depending on the type of work and the employer.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $46.20 | $25.95 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $17.68 | $50.37 | $30.53 | $28.24 |
| Top | $19.00 | $55.56 | $34.38 | $32.80 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $82,298 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $82,265 |
| Public Administration | $78,522 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,578 |
| Wholesale Trade | $63,122 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $62,085 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $61,444 |
| Manufacturing | $60,777 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $55,873 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $50,296 |
| Retail Trade | $43,369 |
Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch website: www.emergencydispatch.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.