NGS_DispatchFAQ

Dispatch personnel (aka ‘Dispatchers’) are the key elements that coordinate and implement the work plan created for the day of the call at the pier, ensuring that day runs smoothly and safely. The dispatch team represents ECS on the pier and it is the responsibility of the team to plan the operation, support guides and find timely and proper solutions to any irregularities that arise during the call, always informing all involved parties. A dispatcher acts as a mediator between the ship’s Shore Excursions Team and ECS managers, to make sure everything runs efficiently, it is within a dispatcher's duty to keep both parties always informed. You will be part of a small team, either working together or separately depending on the complexity of the day.

Do I need to be Norwegian or from Bergen to become Dispatch personnel?

Some of our team are Norwegian while others are from different parts of the world. You do not need to be Norwegian or from Bergen to become a Dispatcher with Norwegian Guide Service (NGS) but you do need to be genuinely in love with Bergen and Norway. Working as a Dispatcher means working in an international environment, and we see the cultural diversity of our Dispatchers as an asset.

Do I need to know Norwegian to become Dispatch personnel?

You don’t need to know Norwegian to become Dispatch personnel, as the core educational literature and training is in English and daily working language is English. Norwegian is however useful, since many guides, drivers and suppliers speak Norwegian. We warmly encourage you to learn and use it if you don’t already.

What is the season in Bergen?

The season is defined by the tourist activity in Bergen. Cruise ships start arriving in January and the last are leaving Bergen in December. However, the high season in Bergen is from the end of April to October, with June usually being the busiest month of the season. Refer to Bergen Havn’s website for data on cruise calls at https://bergenhavn.no/en/cruise-en/call-schedules-cruise/

How can I apply?

Firstly, take your time to carefully read the job description on our website to familiarise yourself with our offer and the job requirements. After you have decided that becoming a Dispatcher with NGS is something for you, you need to apply via Willo, an online platform for interviews. Visit our main web page to find the link. After you submit your Willo application, a member of our team will contact you and we will take it from there together.

What do I get in return for working with NGS?

We are passionate about Dispatching, and we view it as a profoundly human experience. Working with Dispatchers gives us a chance to help them become better and do the best work they can. Working as a dispatcher will help you develop your professional skills and competencies like time management, teamwork, decision making, planning and leadership among others. We operate over 80% of the cruise calls, which means our Dispatchers have a large percentage of the work in Bergen. You will also benefit from an international environment of professionals to work with and a chance to develop and certify skills to build a career.

Can I develop a career with NGS?

Once you become Dispatch personnel you also have the possibility to return to the Dispatch Team for NGS the following seasons. NGS is also a part of a larger network of companies all over Norway and Northern Europe. Working as Dispatch personnel with NGS might just be the stepping stone towards a future career in the service industry. Our network is continuously growing, and should you apply for other positions, starting as a Dispatcher is a great way to get noticed.

What are the steps towards becoming Dispatch personnel?

You will find details of the application process on our website.

Training

Do I need to do the training to become Dispatch personnel?

Yes; everyone who wants to become Dispatch personnel with NGS must complete an online and on-site training. This is because there are specific tasks, routines, procedures and techniques as well as quality standards required by our company and our clients.

Is training provided free of charge?

The dispatch training is provided free of charge for all new team members. This comprehensive training course is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of the tasks associated with the role of a dispatcher. Upon completion of the training, you will have the necessary skills to effectively manage a dispatch operation not only in Bergen but also in other ports.

How is the training organised?

Training is a mix of theory and on-site practice. In order to be certified as a dispatcher, you need to complete the online course and the on-site training.

What do I need to bring for the on-site training?

You will need to invest the time and attention necessary to get as much out of it as you can. You will however be required to come dressed smartly and appropriately for the weather - please refer to our FAQ on uniform.

Am I guaranteed work after the training?

We will then endeavour to give you as many working hours as possible, as per your availability, requirements, skills and the needs of our clients. You will find more details on working hours and expected work in the Employment section of this FAQ.

If I want to come and work next summer with NGS, do I have to go through the selection process again?

No. Once you have received your dispatch certification you are qualified to work for NGS in the future. From year-to-year, we may update our training.

Is there further training during the season?

After your initial experience from the online training, you have the possibility to join your fellow Dispatchers as observers (trainees) during the on-site training.

We also provide Dispatchers with opportunities to gain a better insight into the scope of their responsibilities by going on tour with real Guides and guests as an observer.

Employment

Will I be employed as Dispatch personnel?

Dispatch personnel are hired through a temporary employment contract and are paid at a set hourly rate, which is multiplied by the hours worked during a pay period.

Do I have to pay tax?

Yes, you will have to pay tax. Unless you are registered as self-employed in Norway, NGS is legally required to automatically pay tax for you in accordance with your registered Norwegian tax card. You must make sure you apply for and have the correct tax card registered with the Norwegian tax office (Skatteetaten).

Tax deducted by our accounting department before you are paid your net salary for each working month. If you do not have a valid tax card, you are taxed at a rate of 50%.

Do I have the right for paid sick-leave?

Yes, as an employee you get the right to sick pay according to the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Do I have to stay and work the entire season?

To plan the season, it is important for us to agree on the period during which you are available to take on work hours. NGS will prioritise Dispatch personnel who can and show the desire to work consistently. A Dispatcher’s availability is a large factor in the number of possible hours they will be offered during the season. Candidates who are available throughout the season are prioritised during the recruitment process.

Is this a full-time job? How much can I expect to work?

Dispatching is a part-time job and as a Dispatcher, you accept hours that NGS will offer, based on the demand for each ship that calls Bergen.

May, June, July and August are the peak months, with June being the busiest month. We do not guarantee a minimum or maximum number of hours. Many of our Dispatchers based in Bergen work around 35 to 40 hours per month in the high season while others work less.

Dispatchers are paid per hour. Duration of workdays varies between 5 and 10 hours, with the average being 9 hours over the season. Overtime is paid as per Norwegian Working Environment Act.

How are work hours assigned to Dispatch personnel?

Work hours are allocated based on the demand from NGS’ clients. Dispatch personnel will be assigned according to skills, attitude and dedication. We aim to assign Dispatch personnel as fairly as possible throughout the season. You will receive a work schedule as far in advance as possible.

How much can I expect to earn?

It is difficult to calculate what you will earn. June, July and August present the most opportunities for earning. Your income will mostly depend on the number of cruise calls and your availability during the season.

A newly-qualified Dispatcher who is fully available may earn around 25-30,000 NOK per month in the most demanding months. Returning Dispatchers are paid at a higher rate for their loyalty and experience, and may earn around 32-38,000 NOK per month in the most demanding months.

Can I do other paid work while working as Dispatch personnel?

Due to the level of the demand over the season, Dispatch personnel should consider this as their primary occupation particularly during the peak season.

When do Dispatch personnel get paid?

You will get paid on the 15th every month for the hours completed the month before. For example, all hours worked in May will be paid on the 15th of June. Please bear this in mind when applying to make sure you have enough funds to support yourself until your first income.

Administration

Do I need a mobile phone and Norwegian phone number?

You should have a contactable mobile phone to work in Norway. We provide phones for dispatch use on the pier.

Is there a uniform? Do I have to pay for it?

Our Dispatch personnel are required to dress smartly:

- A white or black shirt/polo shirt

- Black trousers

- Black or dark shoes

You will also receive a weatherproof jacket to wear when you are on the pier. You will receive a yellow visibility vest, which is obligatory on certain piers in Bergen.

Are there any other clothing requirements?

Since Bergen can be such a rainy city, we recommend that you are prepared for the weather with rain boots, rain trousers, wool underwear, etc.

Application

I have worked with a different Dispatch/Guide agency in the past. Can I still apply?

We welcome Dispatch personnel that have worked with sister companies within our network.

The deadline has passed. Can I still apply?

If the deadline for applications has passed you can apply, but you might get a delay or not answer until next year. This is because once the season starts it is hard to keep track of training for new dispatchers.

I am not available throughout the whole season. Can I still apply?

You can still apply but Dispatch personnel who are available for the whole season have an advantage in the recruitment process.

I do not have enough funds to support myself during the guide course and training until my first salary. Can I still apply?

After the training period you will start working and the first salary will be paid on the 15th, the month after. It is your responsibility to provide for yourself during the training period. If you cannot manage this season, we hope you can try again next season.

I do not have any previous work experience. Can I still apply?

Not having work experience does not mean you cannot become fantastic Dispatch personnel. But you must prove in the application process that you have experience of being committed to work as an employee or volunteer in a charitable or non-governmental organisation, and that you have people that can endorse you as a worker.

I do not live in Bergen. Can I still apply?

Yes. But you do have to be in Bergen and available for the on-site training so that you can start working as Dispatch personnel. You must also have the right to live and work in Norway (see below).

I do not live in the city centre. Can I still apply?

Yes, although we have experienced that those living outside the city centre have a higher chance of being late because of trouble with their means of transportation (bus, tram etc.)

I do not have a passport and I live outside of Norway. Can I still apply?

You must make sure to obtain a passport by the time you travel to Norway. Those who have come to Norway and did not have a passport, have had difficulties with the paperwork (opening a bank account, getting a tax card etc.)

I am not an EU/EEA citizen. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately not, unless you already reside in Europe and have the appropriate documentation to live and work in Norway. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/

I don’t currently live in Bergen. If I get invited for an interview how will that work?

All interviews will include an online interview video first using the Willo platform, from which we will make a preliminary selection of candidates. We will then invite you to an in-person interview in Bergen, from which we will make our final decision.

Therefore, you will need to be available for the in-person interview in Bergen, but we will try to schedule a date that fits both our schedules.

I don’t have a visa for Norway. Can I still apply?

You must be entitled to work and live in Norway by the time you apply. This includes the visa. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/

I don’t have a work permit for Norway. Can I still apply?

You must be entitled to work and live in Norway by the time you apply. This includes the application for a work permit. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/

Norwegian Guide Service AS

Business reg. no. 961 107 393

www.norwegianguideservice.no

Skoltegrunnskaien 1, 5035 Bergen, Norway