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Cal Fire Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Paso Robles, CA

Dispatcher

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$34.83 - $44.15/hr

... Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This ... hour dispatch and radio communications support for the Police and Fire & Emergency Services ...

City of Paso Robles

Dispatcher

Paso Robles, CA

$34.83 - $44.15/hr

... Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This ... hour dispatch and radio communications support for the Police and Fire & Emergency Services ...

MyMichigan Health

Switchboard Operator

Midland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Responsible for entering all physician whereabouts information into the Medi-Cal system ... Monitor and page all fire codes as received on the fire monitor/computer system located in dispatch ...

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Cal Fire Dispatch information

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How much do cal fire dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire dispatch in the United States is $56,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire Dispatch?

A Cal Fire Dispatch job involves answering emergency calls, dispatching fire crews, and coordinating resources for wildfire and emergency incidents. Dispatchers use radio, phone, and computer systems to communicate critical information to firefighters and other emergency responders. They must stay calm under pressure, multitask efficiently, and ensure rapid response times. This role plays a vital part in protecting lives, property, and natural resources across California.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cal Fire Dispatch?

As a Cal Fire Dispatch professional, your typical day involves answering emergency calls, gathering vital information, and rapidly deploying appropriate fire and emergency response resources. You will operate communication systems, monitor radio traffic, provide critical updates to field crews, and maintain detailed incident records. Teamwork is key, as you'll coordinate closely with fellow dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel. This fast-paced environment requires quick thinking, accuracy, and adaptability to ensure effective emergency response for the communities you serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire Dispatch position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cal Fire Dispatch professional, you need strong multitasking abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of emergency response protocols, often supported by prior dispatch or emergency services experience. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and state certifications such as the California POST Dispatcher Certificate are typically required. Outstanding candidates possess composure under pressure, situational awareness, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm and compassionate when interacting with distressed callers. These skills are crucial for ensuring rapid, accurate dispatch of resources and safeguarding public and responder safety during emergencies.

Is being a Cal Fire Dispatch hard?

Cal Fire Dispatchers often work in high-pressure environments, managing emergency calls and coordinating responses for wildfires and other incidents. The job requires strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and familiarity with dispatch software. While demanding, proper training and experience help prepare individuals for the responsibilities involved.

Is it hard to get hired as a Cal Fire Dispatch?

Becoming a Cal Fire Dispatch requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant experience, training, and passing written and practical exams. The hiring process can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the role and the need for strong communication and decision-making skills. Candidates often need to demonstrate knowledge of emergency protocols and dispatch software systems.
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Cal Fire Dispatch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Dispatch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,370 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

East Bay Regional Park District

Oakland, CA • On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary : $86,299.20 - $112,902.40 Annually
Location : Public Safety, 17930 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley, CA
Job Type: Full-time (40 hrs)
Job Number: 26-REG-CS-18
Division: Public Safety
Department: COMMUNICATION/RECORDS/EVIDENCE
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Position
This job is posted on a continuous basis, and applications will be reviewed monthly for consideration. Be sure to stay attentive to email communication regarding panel interviews.
ABOUT US:
The East Bay Regional Park District's Public Safety Department serves over 25 million annual visitors. Our area of patrol includes 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres, 1,330 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Our Police Department is a full service POST-recognized law enforcement agency with 76 sworn officers. Our department includes a variety of units and patrol opportunities such as Air Support, Marine, Equestrian, Special Enforcement (including off-road vehicles), Investigations, and a 24-hour per day 911 Communications Center. Our Fire Department provides all typical emergency services, including fire suppression, hazardous materials responses, search and rescue, auto extrication, emergency medical services, prescribed burns for fire hazard reduction and resource management. Working closely with neighboring agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, we provide emergency response services when called upon by CAL FIRE and the Office of Emergency Services. Fire also includes a Lifeguard Services Unit that renders support to 15 different environments including pools, lagoons, lakes, and coastlines. Our LS Unit offers an array of services including public instruction on water safety, rescuing distressed swimmers, and providing first aid.
Looking to start a career in a position that supports emergency services in open spaces? Join an agency that will value your work and professional development and apply to be an entry-level Communications Dispatcher today!
For more information about the District's Public Safety Division, please visit the District's website at:
OUR MISSION:
EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.
OUR VALUES:
  • Respect - We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
  • Resilience - We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
  • Relationships - Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
  • Responsiveness - We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
  • Transparency - We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.
WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?
  • Working with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
  • A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission.
  • Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Click herefordetails regarding additional benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
  • Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Park District is currently recruiting for lateral Communications Dispatchers to work at our Public Safety HQ located in Castro Valley, CA. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.
We're Looking for Individuals Who Are:
  • Passionate about helping others;
  • Great communicators both orally and in writing;
  • Capable of establishing and maintaining positive and cooperative working relationships;
  • Comfortable and confident in making decisions when faced with limited information;
  • Able to exercise authority and take control in emergency situations.
What You'll Be Doing as a Communications Dispatcher: Under supervision, performs a wide variety of dispatch and routine, non-hazardous law enforcement functions in a non-sworn capacity on a rotational basis within the public safety department; performs related duties as assigned.
Application materials for this position consist of four (4) required parts:
1. A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online; and
2. Completed supplemental questions
Example of Duties
  • Performs tasks necessary to effectively dispatch police, fire and park operations resources, as required;
  • Receives telephone calls from members of the public, employees, or other agencies requesting general park information, police or fire assistance, including "911" and other emergency calls;
  • Transmits and receives radio messages;
  • Analyzes situations and dispatches the appropriate units;
  • Dispatches mobile units and other equipment to specified locations as ordered;
  • Makes telephone requests for ambulance, vehicle towing, or other emergency services as requested by officers in the field;
  • Monitors other law enforcement and fire agencies' radio frequencies and rebroadcasts pertinent information;
  • Communicates with other agencies to coordinate a medical response;
  • Operates and makes minor adjustments to radio telephone transmitting and receiving equipment;
  • Responds to in-field requests for communications aid at critical incidents or any aid when requested by a supervisor including: responding to a Mobile Incident Command center or off-site communications center in emergency situations, assists in the facilitation of emergency evacuation of the communications center via patrol vehicle, Mobile Incident Command vehicle, or personal vehicle;
  • Participates in mandatory off-site department trainings including but not limited to out of jurisdiction locations;
  • Performs varied clerical duties such as typing, maintaining message logs, assisting on reports and records, filing, answering phones, and responding to inquiries from the public and other agencies;
  • Processes police (court cases and parking citations), fire, medical, and field reports;
  • Performs data entry and retrieves data;
  • May be required to collect monies from members of the public for the purpose of paying fees for towing, dog permits, copies of reports, other services, or for paying fines;
  • Serves as Communications Supervisor in their absence;
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; ANDExperience: Two (2) years of recent public safety dispatching experience involving heavy call volume while performing multiple tasks utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
AND
License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is a condition of initial and continued employment.
Additional Information
Knowledge of:
  • The purposes and general methods of police and fire dispatching;
  • Routine clerical operations;
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
Ability to:
  • Type 40 net words per minute;
  • Multi-task;
  • File and prepare accurate reports;
  • Manual dexterity to operate telephone, radio, and computer keyboard equipment;
  • Speak English proficiently, clearly and audibly;
  • Memorize and retain information quickly;
  • Meet physical requirements (e.g., eyesight and hearing to satisfactorily complete job tasks); spell correctly;
  • Learn the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to area of assignment;
  • Learn operating procedures and policies of assigned division;
  • Follow instructions, reason clearly, analyze situations accurately, act quickly and effectively in emergency situations;
  • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications;
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers and park users.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Must pass a Level 3 background screening
  • Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts
  • Must wear a Park District uniform
  • Possession of current First Aid and CPR certificates must be obtained within the probationary period of this classification and maintained for continued employment. Failure to obtain and subsequently maintain the required certifications could result in incumbent's removal from position.
Union Affiliation:
POLICE ASSOCIATION: The Park District's Police Association (PA) represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and the PA. The probationary period for this classification is eighteen (18) months.
Application process:
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application via email, generally within two weeks after the closing date. You may also sign into your governmentjobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications. If you have any questions, please reach out to HR Analyst, Christina Souza at csouza@ebparks.org.
Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for interview or testing. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before and after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.
The selection process for Communications Dispatcher will include the following steps:
1. Minimum Qualifications review & confirm required documents (including Skills Testing)
2. Best Qualified Review: Subject matter expert(s) will review supplemental question responses to select those that are best qualified to be invited to the panel interviews;
3. Oral Board Interview: An interview panel will establish final hiring pools;
4. Selection Interviews: A secondary interview with the hiring manager and possibly other Department staff;
5. Background Examination: The candidate(s) selected for this position will undergo a background investigation as outlined in the CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Requirements. Background investigators will contact references, friends, family, former and current employers and other contacts in order to verify information provided by the candidate in a Personal History Statement. In addition, investigators will perform a criminal records check, a credit check and a driving record check. Candidates will have their fingerprints taken to satisfy a CA Department of Justice and FBI official clearance. Candidates will complete a polygraph and psychological examination, as well as undergo a medical examination appropriate to the specific position. Information revealed during the background investigation may be grounds for disqualification during the selection process.
6. Probationary Period: Once hired, the candidate must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period.
Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at 510-544-2154.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to appl

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