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Fire Dispatch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

It requires public safety dispatch experience, appropriate certificates, and a typing certificate. Under general supervision, receives telephone calls for emergency and non-emergency fire, medical ...

Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification. * Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification. * National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification. * Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Dispatch information

See California salary details

$37K

$55.6K

$72.5K

How much do fire dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatch in California is $55,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $65,600.00 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.

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

The top searched job categories for Fire Dispatch jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Dispatch jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Dispatch job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Dispatch job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Fire Dispatcher I

City of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


City Of Anaheim rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description The City of Anaheim seeks qualified Fire Dispatcher I candidates to experience the challenging and rewarding work of a joint powers authority fire dispatch center. 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 Dispatchers will utilize a Computer Aided Dispatch system to receive, screen and respond to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for fire medical assistance; dispatch appropriate units and maintain necessary communication with units during their response to calls; and perform a variety of clerical, record keeping and general support duties related to communications activities. This classification must be able to work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime when needed. 5% differential to base pay for night shifts An ideal candidate will have: California P.O.S.T.-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course Certificate

Current Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification from the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. Current Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Certificate. Have the flexibility to respond to unexpected/emergency shifts within 60 minutes or a reasonable amount of time.

Knowledge or entry level experience operating a computer terminal and office equipment. The ability to exercise good, independent judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations. The ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distressed and irate callers and communicate emergency medical instructions.

The ability to multitask. The resulting eligible list may be used to fill current and future Part Time Fire Dispatcher I. The Part Time Fire Dispatcher I position is designated to average 30 hours per week with no minimum number of hours guaranteed.

Please visit the following link www.myanaheimbenefits.com for more information regarding part time benefits. Essential Functions The following functions are typical for both classifications. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices

Using a CAD system and a computerized emergency telephone system, receive emergency calls from the public requesting fire services; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priority and dispatch fire units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures. Using an 800 megahertz (MHz) radio system, maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of additional fire units and dispatch as appropriate. Answer non-emergency calls for assistance; dispatch as required.

Test and inspect equipment as required. Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work. Perform duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications Fire Dispatcher I Experience and Training: An equivalent combination of experience and training sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Ability to: Learn to effectively operate a radio, telephone and computer-aided dispatch system; speak clearly and precisely; exercise good judgment; make sound decisions in emergency situations; effectively communicate with and elicit information from callers; identify geographic features and streets through the use of maps; learn department procedures and policies; operate keyboard and other office equipment quickly, accurately and, at times, concurrently; keyboard at a net-corrected minimum speed of 35 words per minute; understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn a wide variety of classification codes and computer commands; spell accurately; maintain accurate and complete files and records, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Certification: Possession of an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification from National Academies of Emergency Dispatch is highly desirable and a EMD certification is required by completion of probation.

Supplemental Information IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

Performance Exam - The performance exam is a computer-based work simulation test that measures the general aptitudes needed to be a dispatcher. No prior dispatch experience is necessary to pass the test. For additional information regarding the performance exam review, please visit their website: CritiCall Candidate Resources Performance Exam Waiver Request - CritiCall exams taken with other agencies, including Anaheim Police Department (APD) will not be accepted.

CritiCall modules can vary from agency to agency. Performance Exam Scoring - This is a pass/fail exam. The test module scores are weighted to account for correct responses to the decision-making scenario prompts.

Applicants must pass all test modules to successfully complete the performance exam and move to the oral panel interview. Further selection steps include a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol screening, psychological evaluation, and background investigation. The interview with the background investigator and completion of the background investigation will include, but is not limited to, verification and evaluation of any present and/or past use of drugs, driving and employment history.

Please review the following common disqualifiers. If any items listed pertain to you, you will be automatically disqualified in the background investigation. You may, at this time, want to screen yourself and withdraw prior to starting the recruitment process.

Any illegal use, sales, or possession of a drug classified as an opiate (heroin, opium, etc.) or PCP. Any use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) within five years of date of application. Any illegal use of anabolic steroids within three years of date of application

A pattern or history of irresponsibility as evidenced by debt collections, civil judgments, failure to pay, late payments, etc. Two or more at-fault traffic collisions within three years of the date of application. Conviction of a hit-and run offense.

Any driver's license suspension within five years of date of application. Conviction of a felony crime. Conviction of any misdemeanor crime within five years of application.

Any conviction as an adult, of any misdemeanor crime involving domestic violence, sexual-related offenses or crimes against children. Any conviction as an adult, of a theft or larceny crime. The following may result in disqualification: Use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) previous to five years of application

Prior nitrous oxide use. Illegal use of anabolic steroids previous to three years of application. Illegal use of a hypodermic needle/ syringe.

A bankruptcy within the past three years of date of application. More than one moving violation in the past 12 months, and/or three or more moving citations within the past three years, and/or five or more moving citations within the past five years of date of application. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional Full Time and Part Time vacancies throughout the Department.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method. Equal Opportunity Employer.


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