How to become a Radio Dispatcher

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
    Average age
    40 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Moderate
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    54% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    45 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,383
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    82% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    3,800 workers
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
Is the information on this page correct? Request update

Become a member

Already a member? LoginForgot password?

Join the conversation