Occupation AtlasDispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
O*NET · 43-5032.00
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
70 more
Cab Starter · Cab Station Attendant · Car Dispatcher · Car Distributor · Car Starter · Car Supplier · Car Tracer · Charter Coordinator · City Dispatcher · Crew Dispatcher · Delivery Dispatcher · Dinkey Dispatcher · Dispatch · Dispatch Clerk · Dispatch Coordinator · Dispatcher (Dispatch) · Drop Board Man · Drop Board Worker · Engine Dispatcher · Freight Dispatcher · Garbage Truck Dispatcher · Gas Dispatcher · Gas Load Dispatcher · Intermodal Dispatcher · Logistics Dispatcher · Maintenance Dispatcher · Maintenance Scheduler · Maintenance Services Dispatcher · Mine Car Dispatcher · Mine Dispatcher · Motor Vehicle Dispatcher · Night Dispatcher · Oil Dispatcher · Oil Well Services Dispatcher · Paratransit Dispatcher · Pullman Car Clerk · Radio Dispatcher · Radioactive Waste Disposal Dispatcher · Relay Dispatcher · Repair Service Dispatcher · Routing Clerk · School Bus Dispatcher · Security Dispatcher · Security Guards Dispatcher · Service Clerk · Service Dispatcher · Ship Pilot Dispatcher · Signal Operator · Signal Timer · Street Department Dispatcher · Streetcar Dispatcher · Streetcar Starter · System Dispatcher · Taxi Dispatcher · Taxicab Coordinator · Taxicab Dispatcher · Taxicab Starter · Tow Truck Dispatcher · Traffic Dispatcher · Train Dispatcher · Train Starter · Transportation Dispatcher · Transportation Management Coordinator · Trouble Dispatcher · Truck Dispatcher · Truck Rental Dispatcher · Tugboat Dispatcher · Water Service Dispatcher · Work Dispatcher · Work Order Sorting Clerk
Compare with another occupationCompare with Compliance Officers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CREConventional · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.40
- R Realistic5.27
- E Enterprising2.92
- S Social2.69
- I Investigative1.42
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (34%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (45%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (43%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Time ManagementImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Schedule or dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations, according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.Importance 4.8
- Confer with customers or supervising personnel to address questions, problems, or requests for service or equipment.Importance 4.7
- Prepare daily work and run schedules.Importance 4.7
- Relay work orders, messages, or information to or from work crews, supervisors, or field inspectors, using telephones or two-way radios.Importance 4.6
- Receive or prepare work orders.Importance 4.5
- Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.Importance 4.4
- Monitor personnel or equipment locations and utilization to coordinate service and schedules.Importance 4.4
- Record and maintain files or records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, or other dispatch information.Importance 4.4
- Determine types or amounts of equipment, vehicles, materials, or personnel required, according to work orders or specifications.Importance 4.1
- Advise personnel about traffic problems, such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, or other hazards.Importance 3.7
Show the other 2
- Oversee all communications within specifically assigned territories.Importance 4.5
- Order supplies or equipment and issue them to personnel.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- AdministrativeImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- English LanguageImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- TransportationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- GeographyImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- DesignImportance 1.6Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.6
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- VisualizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 2.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 2.7
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 2.9
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Processing InformationImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.8
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
33 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (5; 4 more marked hot above)
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- SAP software
Other tools (24)
- Air-Trak Cloudberry
- Bornemann Associates Flight Plan
- Command Alkon COMMANDconcrete
- Computer aided dispatch software
- Computer aided dispatching auto routing software
- Database software
- Digital Gateway e-automate
- Dr. Dispatch
- Email software
- ESRI ArcIMS
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Locomotive distribution software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Rail Traffic Track Warrant Control System
- Resource management software
- Routing software
- Sabre travel agent software
- Scheduling software
- Situation resource tracking software
- Tangier Sky Scheduler View
- TMW PowerSuite
- Transportation management software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Compliance Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.8, Writing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Residential Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation +1.0, Social Perceptiveness +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring −0.8, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −1.0, Science +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.9, Quality Control Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Flight Attendants
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −0.9, Systems Evaluation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Interpreters and Translators
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.9, Systems Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Archivists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −1.0, Monitoring −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.