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Ems Dispatch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

EMS Provider

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

After receiving the call from dispatch, the Medic responds in an ambulance to the address or ... The Medic will report directly to the Chief of EMS. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

EMS Provider

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

After receiving the call from dispatch, the Medic responds in an ambulance to the address or ... The Highland County Department of EMS reserves the right to modify this description at its ...

Description The Dispatcher receives incoming phone calls to law enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies and on the E-911 system and dispatches the appropriate agency in order to respond to the need for ...

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Ems Dispatch information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do ems dispatch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ems dispatch in Virginia is $23.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do EMS dispatchers do?

EMS dispatchers are responsible for receiving emergency calls, gathering essential information, and dispatching appropriate emergency medical services to the scene. They coordinate communication between callers, emergency responders, and hospitals, often using radio and computer-aided dispatch systems. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and knowledge of emergency protocols are essential for this role.

Is it hard to get hired as an Ems Dispatch?

Getting hired as an EMS Dispatch involves meeting requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent, completing dispatch training, and obtaining relevant certifications like Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). The hiring process can be competitive, often requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. Experience in emergency services or call centers can improve chances of employment.

What are some common challenges EMS dispatchers face during high-pressure situations, and how can they manage them effectively?

EMS Dispatchers often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as multiple simultaneous emergencies or rapidly evolving incidents. Staying calm, prioritizing incoming calls, and using established protocols are crucial in these moments. Effective communication with both callers and field responders, along with strong multitasking skills, help ensure accurate information is relayed quickly. Many agencies provide ongoing training and peer support to help dispatchers manage stress and perform at their best during critical situations.

What is the difference between Ems Dispatch vs Ems Dispatcher?

AspectEms DispatchEms Dispatcher
CertificationsCPR, EMT-Basic, or EMT-Paramedic certifications often requiredSame certifications as Ems Dispatch
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, hospitals, ambulance servicesEmergency call centers, ambulance dispatch units
Job RoleHandling emergency calls, coordinating ambulance responseReceiving calls, dispatching EMS units, managing communication
Industry UsagePre-hospital emergency servicesPre-hospital emergency services

Both Ems Dispatch and Ems Dispatcher roles involve coordinating emergency medical responses, often requiring similar certifications and working in emergency call centers. The main difference is that Ems Dispatch emphasizes the overall dispatch process, while Ems Dispatcher focuses on the direct communication and coordination with EMS units. They are often used interchangeably but may vary by employer.

What is an EMS dispatcher?

EMS dispatchers are professionals who receive emergency calls and coordinate the response of emergency medical services (EMS) such as ambulances and first responders. They are responsible for gathering critical information from callers, providing instructions for immediate care, and dispatching the appropriate emergency personnel to the scene. EMS dispatchers play a crucial role in ensuring that help arrives quickly and efficiently during medical emergencies. Their work requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and knowledge of emergency procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an EMS dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an EMS Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making skills, multitasking ability, and typically a high school diploma, with some positions requiring emergency communications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and relevant emergency protocols is essential. Excellent communication, stress management, and empathy are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations and interacting with distressed callers. These skills ensure rapid, accurate responses to emergencies, improving public safety and the effectiveness of emergency medical services.

How to become an EMS dispatcher?

To become an EMS dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete emergency dispatch training, and obtain certification such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency call systems are essential for this role.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ems Dispatch jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ems Dispatch job openings:
Infographic showing various Ems Dispatch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,721 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DISPATCHER

CNIC Careers

Norfolk, VA

$36K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:GS-04 - Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of general experience at or equivalent to the GS-03 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Operating radio communication equipment; 2) Receiving incoming telephone or alarm systems calls; and 3) Maintaining logbooks/records. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-05 - Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Operating electronic computer-based systems for emergency (Police, fire, and or EMS) dispatching management; 2) Working multiple equipment/systems (e.g., Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, alarm systems, dispatch recording devices, multi-channel radios) during emergency situations; and 3) Disseminating information from incoming callers during emergency situations. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-06 - Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Operating electronic computer-based systems for emergency (Police, Fire, and/or EMS) dispatching management; 2) Operating multiple equipment/systems (i.e., Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch recording devices, multi-channel radios) during emergency situations; and 3) Disseminating information from incoming callers during emergency situations. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-07 - Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Operating electronic computer-based systems for emergency (Police, Fire, and/or EMS) dispatching management; 2) Operating multiple equipment/systems (i.e., Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, alarm systems, dispatch recording devices, multi-channel radios) during emergency situations; 3) Disseminating information from incoming callers during emergency situations; 4) Effectively carrying out several tasks at the same time such as operating radios, telephones, and typing while efficiently communicating with the public, police, fire, and/or medical personnel; and 5) Conducts operational checks of communications and telephone equipment, notes discrepancies in accordance with established procedures. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
At the GS-05 and GS-04 grade level, you may also qualify based upon the education or the combination of education stated in the Education Section of this announcement.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is mainly sedentary. Walking, standing and stooping, reaching and handling/grasping documents may occur in performing duties of the position.
Incumbent must have color vision adequate to distinguish between green, red and yellow lights on alarm and equipment control panels and read information from a multi-colored computer screen.
Incumbent must be able to write and speak English clearly and distinctly so that they are easily understood over the telephone and radio and documentation is easily readable.
Incumbent must be able to clearly hear conversations over the phone and radio regardless of the age or sex of the caller and to distinguish between different audible alarm tones used in dispatch. Incumbent may use hearing correction devices to augment their natural hearing in order to meet the requirements listed.
Although the physical activity of this job is that of an office environment, the emergency nature of the work, the rigid time constraints for response actions, the emotional state of the persons calling for service, and the nature and consequences of the decisions the incumbent is required to make, categorize this position as one of high mental and emotional stress.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Incumbent's normal work site is within an RDC facility. The communications facility is a climate-controlled room. Employees work at consoles equipped with CAD, multiple channel radios, 911 telephone system, computers and other electronic equipment.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:In lieu of general/specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
GS-04
Successfully completed two years of education above high school level.
OR
Have a combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of general experience. The percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience equals one hundred percent of the qualifications requirement.
GS-05
Successfully completed four years of education above high school level.
OR
Have a combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of experience. The percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience equals one hundred percent of the qualifications requirement.
*Transcripts must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education.Employment Type: OTHER