How to become a Radio Dispatcher
Radio dispatchers provide radio and communications services for the coordination of operational units in transport, courier, emergency, military, security, rescue and road service organisations.
Personal requirements for a Radio Dispatcher
- Good communication skills
- Able to think clearly and act quickly
- Able to stay calm in difficult situations
- Able to multitask
- Aptitude for technical activities
Education & Training for a Radio Dispatcher
You can work as a radio dispatcher without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You may also need to meet typing requirements, including words per minute and accuracy.
Additional information
To work as a civilian radio dispatcher in the emergency services, you will need to have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status, hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate, pass medical and psychological assessments, and undergo a National Police Check.
Duties & Tasks of a Radio Dispatcher
Radio dispatchers:
- Receive and relay radio or telecommunications messages from operational units, customers, the public or organisations such as the police, ambulance and fire services
- Coordinate radio or network communications between operational units
- Record critical information from emergency, routine and administrative calls
- Relay information to enable mobilisation of appropriate resources and personnel
- Start and maintain communications during emergency situations and guide callers until emergency services arrive at the scene
- Prepare accurate and detailed reports of communications traffic
- Coordinate the movements of mobile units.
Tasks
- Monitors equipment and may undertake minor repairs as required.
- Maintains a log of messages sent and received.
- Listens for and answers distress calls.
- May set up telecommunication equipment.
- Works with emergency to find and locate vessels and other persons using radio distress signals.
- Monitors radio frequencies including vhf, hf, channel 16 and other emergency frequencies.
- Sends and receives messages.
- Answers queries.
- Broadcast weather reports and warnings.
Working conditions for a Radio Dispatcher
In some states and territories, radio dispatchers who work in the emergency services sector (police, fire and ambulance) may be required to be uniformed officers, and therefore must meet the selection criteria for that occupation.
Employment Opportunities for a Radio Dispatcher
Radio dispatchers are employed on a full-time, part-time or casual basis, and may be required to do shift and weekend work. Radio dispatchers who have undertaken appropriate training or who have suitable experience are highly regarded and sought after by employers.
Specializations
Radio Dispatcher
Radio dispatchers provide radio and communications services for the coordination of operational units in transport, courier, emergency, military, security, rescue and road service organisations.
Average age
39
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
69% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
76%
Employment Size
3,600
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 23.1%
NT: 2.2%
QLD: 25.2%
SA: 5.4%
TAS: 2.8%
VIC: 28.9%
WA: 11.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.4%
20-24: 6.6%
25-34: 29.5%
35-44: 25.2%
45-54: 23.8%
55-59: 7.2%
60-64: 4.9%
65 and Over: 2.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 16%
Bachelor degree: 12.4%
Certificate III/IV: 27%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.6%
Year 10 and below: 11.5%
Year 11: 5.7%
Year 12: 24.8%
