Dispatcher Job Description

What is the job description of a Dispatcher? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Dispatcher? What does a Dispatcher do?

Job description of a Dispatcher

A Dispatcher responds to a company’s emergency or non-emergency calls for help and information. Their duties include monitoring routes, updating call logs, and recording call information. Dispatchers usually work in the shipping or emergency service industry. Dispatchers' duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the company and industry they work in. In general, they answer calls and communicate with mobile units to send the appropriate response.

This Dispatcher job description example includes the list of most important Dispatcher duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Dispatcher profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Dispatcher Duties and Responsibilities

Dispatcher job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Receive emergency and non-emergency calls and record significant information
  • Address problems and requests by transmitting information or providing solutions
  • Monitor the route and status of field units to coordinate and prioritize their schedule
  • Provide field units with information about orders, traffic, obstacles and requirements
  • Receive and dispatch orders for products or deliveries
  • Prioritize calls according to urgency and importance
  • Use radio, phone or computer to send crews, vehicles or other field units to appropriate locations
  • Enter data in computer system and maintain logs and records of calls, activities and other information

Dispatcher Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Dispatcher job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • High school diploma
  • X years of experience as dispatcher or similar position
  • Fast typing skills
  • Experience in data entry
  • Hands on experience working in stressful, emergency situations
  • Outstanding organizational and time-management skills
  • Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
  • Team player
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Dispatcher starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Dispatcher job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Dispatcher may also reference it in preparation for the interview.