Dispatchers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Schedule or dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations, according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.95
Prepare daily work and run schedules.92
Confer with customers or supervising personnel to address questions, problems, or requests for service or equipment.91
Relay work orders, messages, or information to or from work crews, supervisors, or field inspectors, using telephones or two-way radios.91
Oversee all communications within specifically assigned territories.88
Receive or prepare work orders.87
Record and maintain files or records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, or other dispatch information.85
Arrange for necessary repairs to restore service and schedules.85
Monitor personnel or equipment locations and utilization to coordinate service and schedules.84
Determine types or amounts of equipment, vehicles, materials, or personnel required, according to work orders or specifications.79
Advise personnel about traffic problems, such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, or other hazards.68
Order supplies or equipment and issue them to personnel.64

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination72
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management69
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control6
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service84
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security76
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management72
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative69
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language63
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Transportation62
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Personnel and Human Resources56
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Computers and Electronics52
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology38
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Mathematics35
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Geography30
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

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Law and Government30
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sociology and Anthropology26
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting25
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Production and Processing24
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sales and Marketing23
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language20
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical19
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology16
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design15
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Physics12
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Philosophy and Theology11
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry9
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Therapy and Counseling6
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry2
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity31
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Mathematical Reasoning31
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility31
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness19
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception16
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Trunk Strength16
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information92
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events84
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers78
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems73
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates72
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others71
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships70
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information67
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People67
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings67
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others66
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work62
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public62
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization61
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Training and Teaching Others61
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge58
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information57
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Analyzing Data or Information56
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards55
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Developing Objectives and Strategies53
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates53
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing Administrative Activities51
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others50
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Thinking Creatively50
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information49
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Assisting and Caring for Others47
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials47
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Developing and Building Teams45
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others38
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Selling or Influencing Others36
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Controlling Machines and Processes34
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Staffing Organizational Units32
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment31
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources28
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects25
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities21
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment18
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment12
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance65
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control59
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity57
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness51
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Social Orientation49
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Perseverance45
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Leadership Orientation44
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Achievement Orientation38
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

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Self-Confidence37
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Tolerance for Ambiguity37
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism35
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative32
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Empathy27
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity25
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility14
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity3
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional73
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic71
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising32
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social28
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative7
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day98%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others92%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day91%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important81%
- Very important17%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results75%
- Important results21%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility79%
- High responsibility15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important69%
- Very important31%
E-Mail
- Every day83%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important67%
- Very important23%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom62%
- Some freedom27%
- Limited freedom11%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important71%
- Very important15%

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Time Pressure
- Every day76%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day69%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom49%
- Limited freedom11%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours75%
- 40 hours11%
- Less than 40 hours14%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility66%
- High responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually59%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day59%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Conflict Situations
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important34%
- Very important37%
- Important17%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually55%
- About half the time13%
- Never14%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)41%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)36%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)13%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually55%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never29%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never25%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive14%
- Highly competitive17%
- Moderately competitive34%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never44%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated38%
- Slightly automated24%
- Not at all automated25%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious19%
- Very serious13%
- Fairly serious12%
- Not serious at all54%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time33%
- Less than half the time41%
- Never19%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day22%
- Never58%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time15%
- Less than half the time69%
- Never16%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never45%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never61%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important14%
- Not important at all64%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never40%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)61%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never72%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never59%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never57%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day16%
- Never81%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never75%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never82%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never82%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never83%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never91%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never89%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never91%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never83%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never83%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never84%
Exposed to High Places
- Never89%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never83%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time17%
- Never83%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never94%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, SAP software, TMW PowerSuite
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Mobile location based services software
Dr. Dispatch, Global positioning system GPS software, Resource management software, Situation resource tracking software
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Tangier Sky Scheduler View
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Aviation ground support software
Bornemann Associates Flight Plan, Sabre travel agent software
Expert system software
Computer aided dispatching auto routing software, Rail Traffic Track Warrant Control System
Customer relationship management CRM software
Command Alkon COMMANDconcrete, Digital Gateway e-automate
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcIMS
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Route navigation software
Routing software
Data base reporting software
Locomotive distribution software
Time accounting software
Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Schedule operational activities.
Prepare employee work schedules.
Relay information between personnel.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Coordinate operational activities.
Maintain operational records.
Track goods or materials.
Select resources needed to accomplish tasks.
Provide information to coworkers.
Distribute materials to employees or customers.

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Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Dispatcher, Service (Alternate Title: Transportation Management Coordinator)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology