Job Duties
In many instances, the job of a dispatcher will be similar to work in police dispatching and, in some cases, almost identical to the work done by customer service representatives in other fields. While one of the only companies that hires for this position nationwide is AAA, there are a number of more local options that are always looking for new workers for this job title.
While working for an employer like AAA, it will be your responsibility to politely and calmly handle difficult customers, fill out incident reports, concisely note accident details, and dispatch trucks to assist your clients. Other insurance and roadside assistance companies will be looking for people like this to work as dispatchers for their businesses as well. Some of the larger tow truck companies will also have dedicated dispatchers. As a dispatcher, it will be your job to schedule and send out workers, equipment, and service vehicles to handle each and every case.
Job Qualifications and Compensation
While the job for a dispatcher is entry level, there are certain qualifications that will put you ahead of your fellow applicants. On-the-job training is provided, but prior experience in dispatching or customer service is a huge bonus as is familiarity with computers. The training provided usually takes a couple of months, and applicants may be expected to be 18 or older and have a high school degree.
Average salaries for the position tend to be in the neighborhood of $16 an hour for any company not involved in emergency assistance. Benefits will vary depending on the employer, but full-time workers should receive the same company standards as other employees, including a 401(k), paid vacation, and healthcare.
