What Does a Dispatcher Do?
A dispatcher manages and coordinates the movement of personnel, vehicles, or equipment to ensure timely and efficient operations. They act as the central communication hub between field teams and the office, relaying information, responding to urgent issues, and adjusting routes or schedules in real time based on changing circumstances.
Dispatchers are critical in industries like transportation, logistics, public safety, utilities, and field services. They maintain accurate records, track real-time progress using software tools, and help resolve operational disruptions. Their work ensures that field operations stay on schedule, comply with safety protocols, and meet customer service standards.
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Dispatcher Core Responsibilities
- Monitor and coordinate the daily movement of drivers, technicians, or service teams
- Dispatch personnel according to predefined routes, service calls, or emergencies
- Communicate effectively via phone, radio, or dispatching software
- Adjust schedules or routes based on traffic, weather, cancellations, or delays
- Maintain up-to-date records on assignments, locations, and work progress
- Use GPS and fleet tracking systems to monitor vehicle movement
- Collaborate with internal teams to meet service-level goals
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company protocols
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in dispatch software and GPS tracking platforms (e.g., Samsara, Verizon Connect, Teletrac)
- Knowledge of local geography and transportation routes
- Familiarity with DOT regulations and safety compliance (if applicable)
- Accurate data entry and scheduling capabilities
- Basic troubleshooting and escalation management
Soft skills
- Strong multitasking and time management under pressure
- Clear and concise communication
- Excellent decision-making and situational awareness
- High attention to detail and record-keeping
- Customer-focused with problem-solving ability
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate’s degree or technical training in logistics or operations is a plus
Certifications
None typically required, but basic CPR/first aid or DOT compliance training may be beneficial depending on the industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in a dispatching or operations support role
- Experience working in transportation, logistics, or field services
- Familiarity with both mobile and desktop dispatch platforms
- Bilingual communication skills
National Average Salary
Dispatcher salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Dispatcher is:
$43,688
Sample Job Description Templates for Dispatchers
Transportation Dispatcher
Position Overview
The transportation dispatcher coordinates daily vehicle routes to ensure timely and efficient deliveries. This role communicates with drivers, monitors GPS tracking tools, and adjusts schedules based on road conditions or shipment changes to maintain service reliability and compliance with DOT regulations.
Responsibilities
- Assign and monitor daily routes for delivery or transport drivers
- Track vehicle locations using fleet management software
- Communicate route changes and respond to driver concerns in real time
- Maintain dispatch logs and delivery records
- Ensure compliance with company safety and DOT guidelines
- Coordinate with logistics and customer service teams for schedule updates
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with dispatching platforms (e.g., Samsara, Verizon Connect, Geotab)
- Knowledge of DOT regulations and commercial vehicle routing
- Familiarity with delivery or transport procedures and safety requirements
Soft skills
- Strong time management and multitasking
- Clear communication with drivers and internal teams
- High attention to detail in record-keeping
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- DOT compliance training
CDL knowledge is a plus for some roles.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in a transportation or fleet dispatching role
- Familiarity with ELD (Electronic Logging Devices) and telematics systems
Emergency Services Dispatcher
Position Overview
The emergency services dispatcher answers emergency calls, gathers critical information, and dispatches police, fire, or medical units as needed. They coordinate rapid response efforts while maintaining composure under pressure and accurately logging incident data.
Responsibilities
- Receive and assess 911 and emergency calls
- Use CAD systems to dispatch appropriate emergency responders
- Relay location and situation details to field units
- Monitor responder activity and provide updates as needed
- Maintain communication logs and call records
- Follow protocols for public safety, confidentiality, and escalation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) systems
- Familiarity with emergency communication protocols (radio, NCIC)
- Fast and accurate data entry under pressure
Soft skills
- Ability to stay calm and focused in emergencies
- Strong listening and communication skills
- High attention to accuracy and multitasking
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification (varies by state)
NCIC and APCO training is also valuable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in 911 or emergency dispatching
- Familiarity with local emergency response jurisdictions
HVAC/Field Services Dispatcher
Position Overview
The HVAC/field services dispatcher assigns technicians to service calls, manages daily schedules, and coordinates real-time updates with customers and field staff. This role ensures technicians are properly routed, informed, and supported to complete jobs efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Schedule and dispatch HVAC or service technicians to client locations
- Use dispatching platforms to assign and update jobs
- Communicate with technicians regarding route changes or urgent calls
- Maintain accurate records of service calls and technician availability
- Respond to client inquiries and reschedule appointments as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with service dispatch tools (e.g., ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro)
- Familiarity with HVAC terminology or technical service workflows
- Scheduling and CRM platform experience
Soft skills
- High level of organization and responsiveness
- Strong verbal communication with technicians and customers
- Adaptability to frequent changes or cancellations
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in HVAC or home services dispatch
- Working knowledge of local service areas and technician routes
Freight/Trucking Dispatcher
Position Overview
The freight/trucking dispatcher coordinates shipment logistics for trucking fleets, matching freight with available drivers and ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations. This role involves real-time decision-making to maintain service levels and delivery timelines.
Responsibilities
- Assign loads to drivers and plan optimal freight routes
- Monitor driver availability and hours-of-service compliance
- Communicate with shippers, brokers, and drivers to manage delivery status
- Use TMS and ELD systems to track freight and performance
- Maintain records for IFTA, DOT, and FMCSA reporting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with TMS (e.g., McLeod, Transflo) and ELD platforms
- Knowledge of freight classifications, load planning, and FMCSA guidelines
- Strong data entry and documentation skills
Soft skills
- Problem-solving in time-sensitive situations
- Effective negotiation and interpersonal communication
- Attention to regulatory compliance and detail
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- DOT and FMCSA compliance training
Broker/Carrier certifications are helpful in logistics firms.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in trucking or freight dispatching
- Familiarity with LTL, FTL, and third-party carrier coordination
Public Utility Dispatcher
Position Overview
The public utility dispatcher coordinates field crews for electrical, water, gas, or waste services to respond to maintenance tasks, outages, and emergencies. This role requires balancing routine work orders with real-time incident response in compliance with local and federal utility regulations.
Responsibilities
- Assign utility crews to maintenance or emergency calls
- Track location and availability of field workers using OMS or GIS tools
- Update customers or supervisors on service status
- Log all field activity, job completions, and resource allocations
- Monitor weather and public safety alerts to prioritize response
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with OMS or SCADA dispatch systems
- Familiarity with utility safety protocols (e.g., EPA, OSHA)
- Scheduling and tracking of work orders
Soft skills
- Ability to respond quickly to utility service disruptions
- Calm, clear communication with field crews and stakeholders
- Strong organizational skills
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA safety certification
Utility-specific response or emergency management certifications are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of dispatch experience in utilities or infrastructure
- GIS platform knowledge and outage response coordination
Waste Management Dispatcher
Position Overview
The waste management dispatcher schedules and coordinates collection routes, driver shifts, and bin pickups to support timely and compliant waste disposal operations. They respond to missed pickups, route disruptions, and customer service escalations.
Responsibilities
- Assign drivers to waste collection or recycling routes
- Adjust schedules for road closures, delays, or equipment issues
- Monitor GPS systems and update drivers in real time
- Communicate with customers and operations teams about service changes
- Maintain daily activity logs and reporting records
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of fleet management software and route optimization tools
- Understanding of sanitation service procedures and regulations
- Driver hours tracking and compliance skills
Soft skills
- Clear communication with field crews and customers
- Fast problem-solving and rescheduling ability
- Attention to service quality and operational efficiency
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in sanitation, fleet, or route-based dispatch
- Knowledge of local waste disposal laws and environmental compliance