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Fire Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Anaheim

Fire Dispatcher I

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

The dispatch center, Metro Cities Fire Authority serves seven agencies in Orange County. Incumbents are responsible for performing a wide variety of routine to skilled dispatch activities. Fire ...

City of San Diego

Fire Dispatcher

San Diego, CA · On-site

$76K - $92K/yr

... dispatch appropriate fire and/or paramedic units to the incident; and perform other duties as assigned. Fire-Rescue Dispatchers work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary ...

City of San Diego, CA

Fire Dispatcher

San Diego, CA · On-site

$76K - $92K/yr

... dispatch appropriate fire and/or paramedic units to the incident; and perform other duties as assigned. Fire-Rescue Dispatchers work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary ...

Ada County

911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL)

Boise, ID · On-site

$28.61 - $36.50/hr

Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and ...

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Fire Dispatch information

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$37.5K

$56.4K

$73.5K

How much do fire dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 fire dispatcher?

Fire dispatchers are emergency communication professionals who receive and process calls related to fires and other emergencies. Their primary role is to quickly and accurately gather information from callers, determine the nature and location of the emergency, and then dispatch the appropriate fire and rescue units. They also provide critical instructions to callers, coordinate with other emergency services, and monitor the status of response units. Fire dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring timely emergency response and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire dispatcher?

To thrive as a Fire Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure rapid, accurate response coordination and effective communication during emergencies, which can be critical for public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by fire dispatchers during emergency incidents?

Fire dispatchers often work in high-pressure situations where quick decision-making and clear communication are essential. One common challenge is managing multiple emergency calls simultaneously, requiring effective prioritization and multitasking. Dispatchers must also remain calm and composed to relay accurate information to fire crews and coordinate with other emergency services. Additionally, handling emotionally distressed callers can be demanding, making resilience and strong interpersonal skills crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Fire Dispatch vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectFire DispatchEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification often preferredEMD certification required
Work EnvironmentDispatching fire units, handling fire emergenciesDispatching ambulance services, handling medical emergencies
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesAmbulance services, hospitals, emergency call centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Fire Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatcher roles both involve emergency call handling and dispatching services. While Fire Dispatch focuses on fire emergencies and fire department coordination, Emergency Medical Dispatch centers on medical emergencies and ambulance services. Both roles require similar certifications and work in emergency response environments, but they serve different aspects of emergency services.

How much do fire dispatchers make?

Fire dispatchers in California typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in emergency communication centers, using radio and computer systems to coordinate fire response efforts.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatching is a demanding job that requires quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Dispatchers often work in shifts, including nights and weekends, and must stay alert to respond accurately to emergency calls. Training and certification are typically required to ensure preparedness for the responsibilities involved.

Is it hard to be hired as a fire dispatch?

Becoming a fire dispatcher typically requires passing a written exam, background check, and sometimes a physical or psychological assessment. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and familiarity with emergency communication systems are important for the hiring process, which can be competitive depending on the location and agency.

What kind of fire dispatch makes the most money?

In fire dispatch roles, higher pay is often associated with supervisory or lead dispatcher positions, which require additional experience, certifications, and responsibilities. Specialized dispatchers handling complex incidents or working in high-demand areas may also earn higher wages. Advanced training and certifications can contribute to increased earning potential in fire dispatch careers.
More about Fire Dispatch jobs

What cities are hiring for Fire Dispatch jobs?

Cities with the most Fire Dispatch job openings:

What states have the most Fire Dispatch jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Fire Dispatch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Dispatch jobs are:

Fire Dispatch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Dispatch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,370 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

IBC Opportunities | U.S. Department of the Interior

Albuquerque, NM

$58K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-6/7 working in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

1. Prior on-the-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered. This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government, is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Candidates must possess substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires - Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires - Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.

Only experience and education obtained by 09/08/2026 will be considered.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
Minimum Qualification

To qualify for the GW-06 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-05 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: performing wildland fire dispatch duties such as receiving and reviewing fire incident reports; working with wildland fire dispatch computer programs; and determining fire resource needs.

To qualify for the GW-07 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-06 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: performing lead wildland fire dispatch duties such as performing and directing others in wildland fire dispatch office functions; providing incident logistical support information and making recommendations for efficient use of available resources; and determining appropriate resource responses to incidents.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Substitution of Education for Experience: GW-06 and GW-07: Must have completed 1 full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education which is DIRECTLY related to work of the position OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

Physical Demands: The work involves long hours of sitting, intense concentration, and working at peak proficiency/intensity levels with irregular breaks and mealtimes. The duties of this position create a highly stressful environment during peak activity, requiring the ability to keep calm in emergency situations. Must be able to cope with the pressure of meeting timeframes and changing priorities. Mental concentration and accuracy are required.
Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in an office setting. During peak activity, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels, which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. This creates a high stress work environment.

Education:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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