Dispatchers

This group performs 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 coordinate 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.

• 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.