Dispatcher Jobs at WS?

[SteveToms]

Does anyone know if WS will be hiring dispatchers soon?

[SMP]

I can't say for sure, but I have noticed a number of new dispatchers on the flight releases.

These dispatchers could be in-house trained and hired though.

SMP

[jeollanamdo]

WestJet started a new program a few years ago where they hire from within the company, and provide full Flight Dispatcher training. It has become a good program and has had great success. I don't think we will see any new positions in the next few months, possibly closer towards the end of the year. I think they still consider external applicants who meet the requirements and have relevant experience.

[SteveToms]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will have to wait to get a job.

[jetsetfly]

[quote="SteveToms"]Thanks for the info. I guess I will have to wait to get a job.[/quote
even if they post the job its like westjet recrutment team has zombies working there they are super slow and yes to get into westjet you will have to know someone inside thats how you will get in

[jeollanamdo]

Do not listen to Jetsetfly. The only group within WestJet that requires internal referals is the Pilot Group. The rest of the posts are free game. There are many who entered WestJet without knowing someone on the inside, myself included.

[conehead]

Job Description
Flight Dispatcher B-YYZ10700

Description

Performing one of aviation's most important roles, flight dispatchers share with pilots the ultimate responsibility for a flight's safe commencement and completion under a Type A Operational Control System.
Responsibilities:

* Responsible for developing, reviewing, authorizing, issuing and revising, as required, Operational Flight Plans, on a co-authority basis with the Pilot In Command.
* Performing Operational Flight Watch and for determining if changes to operational and meteorological conditions may affect the safety of flights within a prescribed area or on assigned routes, and for communicating those changes to the pilot-in-command, as required.
* Analyzing operational conditions and identifying any opportunities that may benefit, constrain or impede operational capabilities, inclusive of, but not limited to, weather, facilities, Air Traffic Control, and aircraft performance.
* Communicating to Air Traffic Control Services all Operational Flight Plan requirements.
* Ensuring that all aircraft are dispatched in accordance with the provisions set out in the Aircraft Operating Manual, Minimum Equipment List, Flight Operations/Flight Dispatch Manual and governing Regulations.
* Ensure that the pilot-in-command is furnished while en route, by appropriate means, with all information that may be necessary for the safe conduct of the flight.
* Maintain a thorough knowledge of the serviceability of airports, runways, airways and navigational aids used by the Company for assigned workload areas. Maintain a thorough knowledge of all applicable Company publications, including the Flight Dispatch Manual, Flight Operations Manual and Jeppesen Enroute and Airport Charts.
* Soliciting, interpreting, and maintaining current flight and field condition reports to provide flight crews with the latest operational information.
* Communication with the Chief Duty Dispatcher and other positions within System Operations Control to ensure that adequate information flow is maintained with respect to any beneficial or operational problems associated with flights or operating areas.
* Communicating information to the Chief Duty Dispatcher with regard to Incidents and / or Categories as per the Flight Dispatch Manual and the Emergency Response Manual.
* Perform duties in accordance with established policies and procedures while giving primary consideration to personal safety, the safety of coworkers and customers.


Qualifications


* All Air Canada Flight Dispatchers are required to be qualified in accordance with CAR 705 and CASS 725
* Must be at least 21 years of age
* Hold a radiotelephone operator's restricted certificate
* Have a current valid passport
* Good decision-making ability in high pressure situations
* Strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills.
* Demonstrated ability to keep and monitor records effectively.
* Capable of working under pressure without close supervision
* Experience with conflict resolution and problem solving.
* Previous airline operational experience, an asset.
* Must work shifts, including midnights.
* Good communication skills, verbal and written
* Proficiency with PC (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)an asset

LINGUISTIC REQUIREMENTS

* Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

At Air Canada, we want to fly higher when it comes to employment equity. We therefore encourage applications from Aboriginal peoples, women, members of a visible minority and persons with a disability.
Only the candidates chosen to continue on the process will be contacted.

http://aircanada.taleo.net/careersectio ... detail.ftl

[Dispatch]

I see that Westjet is hireing 3 position in Dispatch, Chief Duty Dispatchers, any idea on pay for dispatchers at Westjet

[Pogo Guy]

Is YYC the only base for dispatchers?

[5dayer]

Yes,its a Calgary based company

[gulfan]

WestJet is currently hiring dispatchers, but they are from internals that have competed the Flight Dispatcher Preparatory Course.

[waseemsz]

Hi Kevin,
You said they have trained the guys from company. Does that mean, they are not going to hire guys from outside. If not then why the put the add on their website. Do you have an idea of salary they offer to dispatchers..Plz..
Regards

[jeollanamdo]

There are two job postings:

1. Internal Prep Course
2. Dispatcher

The first is a prep course for internal candidates who would like to become dispatchers. If they want to become a dispatcher they apply, do the interviews, and then commence a hellish course that is very difficult, however has a 100% success rate. Once the course is complete they become a dispatcher. If they do not succeed which has not happened yet in the two courses that have gone through, then they could be out of a job. It is very clearly stated in the job description, that if you do not succeed then your employ with WestJet may end.

The second is for those individuals who already meet the requirements to become a Flight Dispatcher. You have writen all the tests, have your radio license and some relevant experience.

I know that in the past they hire from both. They hire a pool of internals, and some externals. The internals do their prep course, and when finished the externals and internals meet up, and start the WestJet Dispatcher Training whch is 8 weeks or so, and then begin on the job training for 6 months.

The reason there are two postings is because they hire internally for career progression and as well externally for those with experiece who would be an asset to the company. Sometimes, the later just does not happen, and internals is the way to go. They have the company culture, they know how things work, and they have demonstrated loyalty. It all boils down to what can each candidate offer the company.

I know some of the most recent externals were from ATC, so the had a great deal of experience to bring to the comapny, others were experienced pilots, and some dispatchers for other carriers who had alot of experience. If someone applies to the dispatcher position, however has only writen the tests and has no experience, then what is the difference from hiring someone from outside, payithing the HR costs for a new recruit, when you may have someone from inside the company who is just as capable of passing the tests...

As well... Starting salary is in the mid $40K range... and goes up in steps from there.

Good luck to all who apply!

[waseemsz]

Thansk Kevin..
I apprecitate your help..

[waseemsz]

Hi Kevin,
Any details about the travel benifits for westjet employee on other airlines. I see westjet is not a member of flyZED.. Do you have a list of airlines on whcih westjet employees can travel at discounted fare.. Plz..
Regards

[5dayer]

Kevin you seem to be in the know.Do you know when they will contact internals that meet all qualifications?I know a few that have all the requirements and have not been contacted.

[gulfan]

Sorry I'm not in the know, although it looks like the internal posting has closed.

[stratcat]

[rjak707]

Hello Everyone,
I just joined this forum and this is my first post.

I am looking for opinions on the chances of Westjet hiring me as a Dispatcher.

I just passed the Transport Canada exams for dispatch and I am presently enrolled with Sheffield School in Ft. Lauderdale taking their course for FAA dispatcher as well as an extra ETOPS course.
I have a Private Pilot License and have many years of experience with a freight airline. I have worked ramp, load planned and calculated wt. & balance on B737, B727,CV-580,DC8 and held Dangerous Goods certificate.

I have a friend that is a Westjet Captain and he has offered to take me on a tour of the dispatch department once I have completed my FAA Dispatcher course.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Westbeach]

I hear they just hired the dispatchers for the year...with your experience your best bet unless you wait till next year would probably be to get in via load plan or something in the OCC.

[genelon]

Save your money rjack707.
I know of 3 internals that have that FAA course you speak ( Sheffield)of and none of them got interviews.
The course at Sheffield is a great course, but it seems it is not regarded highly at Westjet.

[canuckjetsetter]

Alot of people in OCC have started in various positions. Most notably TAC (ramp), the call centre, or as a CSA. As long as you have the knowldege, education, and certification behind you sometimes it's best just to "get your foot in the door" and work your way up from there. It may take up to a year depending on their growth plans for that particular year but it all comes down to what your willling to invest to get what you want.