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Fire Dispatch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI Fire

Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Dispatcher

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Academy Fire Life Safety offers national one-stop fire and life safety services through our network ... What You'll Do: • Dispatch and coordinate client hood cleaning requests. • Follow-up calls on ...

American Ambulance

Dispatcher

Fresno, CA · On-site

$19.45 - $25.55/hr

Conduct medical and fire interrogation, provide pre-arrival instructions, and accurately enter all pertinent information into the computer system. Work in close coordination with Dispatcher II and ...

City of Hemet

Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor

Hemet, CA · On-site

$83K - $106K/yr

Summary Description DEFINITION Under general supervision, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates public safety dispatch services for police, fire, and emergency medical services, including ...

City of San Diego, CA

Dispatcher II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

... Fire-Rescue Department has dispatch contracts with Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and Poway); elicit essential incident information from callers; determine the nature and ...

City of Chico

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA

$196K/yr

Research and assist in design of Department dispatch, communications, and computer systems ... Serve as Fire Department Health and Safety Officer; supervise and coordinate station duties and ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Fire Dispatch jobs in California?

For Fire Dispatch jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Fire Dispatch jobs near you
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.

Public Safety Telecommunicator

JobsQuest

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

TARGET CLOSE DATE:
08/21/2026
PAY GRADE:
Grade 15
TYPE:
Full time
JOB SUMMARY:
Public Safety Telecommunicators support the Birmingham public safety agency by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer aided dispatch (CAD), and forwarding the information to the Public Safety Dispatcher. Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and employees operate a technological work station to include the simultaneous operation of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, two-way-radios, etc. Work is reviewed by the shift supervisor by playing back recorded calls and checking records for accuracy and correctness.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.
Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing
agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing
agency.
Birmingham: $35,360 - $54,849
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
  • Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and/or a service).
  • No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.
  • Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.
  • Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.
  • Experience as a public safety dispatcher.
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
  • Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.
  • Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.
  • Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.
  • Operates technology-based work station that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards in order to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.
  • Completes and maintains information and tracking data pertinent to law enforcement operations.
  • Enters information from emergency calls into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system while simultaneously communicating with caller to gather information regarding the incident and scene.
  • Transfers calls to appropriate dispatcher and/or agency (e.g., law enforcement, fire, EMS) and monitors relay of call to ensure incident information has been received.
  • Communicates with external agencies (e.g., utility companies, animal control, towing companies) to provide information regarding citizen requests.
  • Monitors local geographical conditions such as major street closings, utility company projects, roads and transportation conditions, road construction projects, accidents, traffic delays, etc. and updates dispatchers and emergency responders through computer aided dispatch system (CAD) to keep them informed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in a call center setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. Job requires working holidays, overtime (e.g., in the morning, during lunch, or after normal working hours), and/or nights.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.
ACCOMMODATION:
To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.org or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.
NOTE:
This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.
DISCLAIMER:
This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

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