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Caltrans Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Caltrans Dispatcher information

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$11

$22

$33

How much do caltrans dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for caltrans dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Caltrans Dispatchers face and how can they prepare for them?

Caltrans Dispatchers often encounter high-pressure situations, such as coordinating emergency responses to accidents or road hazards, and must remain calm and organized under stress. They also handle multiple communication channels simultaneously, requiring strong multitasking skills and attention to detail. To prepare, candidates should develop a solid understanding of Caltrans procedures, practice effective communication, and stay updated on the latest dispatch technology and protocols. Building resilience and the ability to prioritize tasks will help new dispatchers excel in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltrans Dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Dispatcher, you need strong organizational abilities, multitasking skills, and knowledge of transportation operations, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant experience. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications equipment, and incident reporting software is essential. Outstanding communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help dispatchers effectively coordinate responses and relay critical information. These skills ensure efficient traffic management, rapid emergency response, and public safety across California's roadway system.

What are Caltrans Dispatchers?

Caltrans Dispatchers are professionals who coordinate and manage the communication and logistics for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) field crews, maintenance workers, and emergency responders. They monitor radio and telephone communications, dispatch personnel and equipment to incidents such as traffic accidents, road hazards, or maintenance needs, and keep detailed records of all field activities. These dispatchers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of California's highways by providing timely information and support to both Caltrans staff and the public.

What is the difference between Caltrans Dispatcher vs Traffic Control Coordinator?

AspectCaltrans DispatcherTraffic Control Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication skills, sometimes CDLHigh school diploma, safety certifications, communication skills
Work EnvironmentCaltrans offices, field dispatching for highway maintenanceConstruction sites, traffic management areas
Employer & Industry UsageState transportation agencies, public sectorConstruction companies, public works departments

Caltrans Dispatchers and Traffic Control Coordinators both coordinate traffic and maintenance activities, often requiring similar certifications and working in related environments. While dispatchers focus on communication and coordination within Caltrans, traffic control coordinators manage on-site traffic safety and signage. Both roles are essential for highway safety and maintenance operations, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

More about Caltrans Dispatcher jobs
What states have the most Caltrans Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Caltrans Dispatcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Caltrans Dispatcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Caltrans Dispatcher jobs are:
Caltrans Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caltrans Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

Dispatcher-Field Coordinator Sacramento/Rancho Cordova, CA

Certerra-RMA Group

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Certerra's Northern CA office, near Sacramento, CA is seeking an experienced Dispatcher/Field Coordinator to join our team!!

Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Resource Allocation: Lead the daily coordination of inspectors and technicians across Northern California, optimizing schedules to maximize technician utilization and minimize travel overhead.
  • Complex Project Oversight: Serve as the primary dispatcher for high-priority or complex projects (e.g., HCAI hospital expansions or Caltrans paving operations) requiring specialized certifications.
  • Certification Management: Audit and verify that dispatched personnel hold the specific credentials (ICC, ACI, AWS, or NACE) required for project-specific scopes.
  • Process Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in the dispatch workflow and implement improvements within Salesforce or internal communication protocols to increase department efficiency.
  • Escalation Handling: Act as the first point of contact for resolving scheduling conflicts, technician callouts, and urgent client requests that require high-level problem-solving.
  • Mentorship: Provide guidance and training to junior dispatchers on industry standards, geographic routing, and client relationship management.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience: Construction dispatching, logistics coordination, or field operations management.
  • Technical Knowledge: An understanding of construction testing and inspection scopes, including familiarity with DSA/HCAI requirements.
  • Systems Expertise: Knowledge in Salesforce preferred (or similar ERP/CRM) with the ability to generate reports and manage complex data entries.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage a functional team or lead department-wide initiatives.
  • Geographic Mastery: Expert knowledge of the Northern California geography to strategically manage a fleet across multiple counties.
  • Problem-Solving: Good problem-solving skills and experience working in a fast-paced environment

Elk Grove, Rosemont, Florin, La Riviera, Mather, Gold River, Fair Oaks, Northern California

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.