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Fire Dispatch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Communications Officer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain Basic Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, NCIC/VCIN, CPR/first aid and National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100 and ...

Monitors alarm system signals that indicate the location of fire or other emergency and be able to accurately dispatch responding units. * Input commands on a computer keyboard to update files and ...

Dispatcher I

Isle Of Wight, VA · On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Dispatch (e-911) Opening Date: 07/28/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description The Dispatcher receives incoming phone calls to law enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies and on the E-911 system and ...

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$76K/yr

Managing and overseeing the administrative of functional elements of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical transport services, emergency dispatch operations, fire alarm maintenance and ...

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$76K/yr

Managing and overseeing the administrative of functional elements of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical transport services, emergency dispatch operations, fire alarm maintenance and ...

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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Fire Dispatch information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$55.9K

$72.9K

How much do fire dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatch in Virginia is $55,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $65,900.00 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.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Dispatch jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Dispatch job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Dispatch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,886 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as a Fire Dispatcher in a dispatch center, managing resource requests for fire and emergency incidents.

  • Receive, fill, and track resource requests related to wildland fire suppression and emergency response.

  • Assist in preparing maps, plans, guides, analyses, and reports for dispatch operations.


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located in a USDA Forest Service Unit.
These positions serve as a Fire Dispatcher located in a dispatch center. This may be a single agency dispatch office or interagency dispatch center located in a fire management organization.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-04: Applicants must have six months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position; OR successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 3 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of experience and education above high school as described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university and include courses that are related to the occupation of the position.
Examples of general experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc. AND Have at least 6 months of specialized experience.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performing the full range of standardized support duties commonly found in the work area, such as receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents. Experience in wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire strategies, tactics, methods and procedures, fire behavior, and weather conditions to effectively dispatch fire management resources.
For the GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-04) in the Federal service; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Filing and retrieving documents in a dispatching office. Assisting in preparing various maps, plans, guides, analyses, and special reports for dispatch use; receiving and processing requests for equipment, personnel, and supplies in conjunction with wildland fire and emergency incidents.
For the GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal service; OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as recreation or physical education); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Serving as a dispatcher, receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents; arranging for ground and air transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment in support of emergency and project activities; collecting, processing and disseminating weather and smoke management information into computer programs or databases.
For the GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal service; OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Determining the appropriate personnel and resource composition to respond to wildland fires or emergencies, as the situation demands and/or reassigning resources to address changing needs, such as in cases of multiple wildland or prescribed fires and/or coordinating aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety) and operating and/or directing the operation of various dispatch telecommunication systems and/or Manages and directs adherence of law enforcement dispatch protocols and procedures and/or Plans and carries out fire program management projects in accordance with fire management objectives and policies.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:
Employment Type: OTHER

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