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Fire Dispatcher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Public Safety Dispatcher

Davenport, IA · On-site

$57K - $79K/yr

Dispatches police, sheriff, and fire departments in accordance with established policies and ... AND some previous customer service or dispatch experience; OR an equivalent combination of ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Davenport, IA · On-site

$57K - $79K/yr

Curious about a career in Dispatch. SECC is holding an open house on August 10th from 5pm-7pm to ... Dispatches police, sheriff, and fire departments in accordance with established policies and ...

E911 Dispatcher

Adel, IA

$28.83 - $33.14/hr

Apply Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols as prescribed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to applicable phone calls. Query, Interpret, and ...

New

E911 Dispatacher

Adel, IA · On-site

$28.83 - $33.14/hr

Apply Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols as prescribed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to applicable phone calls. * Query, Interpret ...

New

Dispatcher

Boone, IA · On-site

$23.85 - $28.06/hr

Dispatching of police, medical and fire services on a county-wide basis. Calls for services received from various police agencies and E911 system. Operate police radio system, national crime computer ...

Monitor security and fire alarm systems, access control, and CCTV cameras. * Document and log all calls, incidents, and officer activity accurately in dispatch records. * Communicate clearly and ...

Monitor security and fire alarm systems, access control, and CCTV cameras. * Document and log all calls, incidents, and officer activity accurately in dispatch records. * Communicate clearly and ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$28.95 - $32.36/hr

Work in this class involves responsibility for assisting police, sheriff and fire departments by ... Dispatch personnel and equipment. Assist in reports and records processing; and computer-aided ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Ames, IA · On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

Directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) to the ... Public Safety Dispatchers must acquire competency in the following areas: Knowledge of computer ...

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Fire Dispatcher information

See Iowa salary details

$35.2K

$52.9K

$69K

How much do fire dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatcher in Iowa is $52,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire dispatcher?

Fire dispatchers are emergency service professionals who receive and process calls related to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents requiring fire department response. They gather critical information from callers, determine the nature and location of the emergency, and dispatch the appropriate fire and emergency personnel to the scene. Fire dispatchers also provide instructions to callers and maintain communication with responding units to ensure a coordinated and efficient response. Their role is essential in ensuring public safety and effective emergency management.

What does a fire dispatcher do?

Fire dispatchers play a critical role in the emergency and non-emergency communications for a given city. Working in a call center, a fire dispatcher will receive calls from individuals, through 911 or a direct phone number. The dispatcher will be responsible for listening to the details and coordinate the appropriate services necessary to help the caller. Along with fire departments, dispatchers may often work with emergency medical services (EMS) and other public safety services. These calls can be for critical and life-threatening situations which will require the fire dispatcher to remain calm and gather the necessary information to get the right help to the right location.

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

To excel as a Fire Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring certification in emergency dispatching. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is crucial. Excellent communication, composure under pressure, and the ability to multitask help set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure rapid, accurate response to emergencies, directly impacting public safety and the effectiveness of fire services.

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

Fire Dispatchers often work in high-pressure environments where they must quickly gather accurate information and dispatch the appropriate resources, all while remaining calm and composed. One common challenge is managing multiple emergencies simultaneously, which requires strong multitasking and prioritization skills. Dispatchers also need to communicate clearly with both callers in distress and first responders, ensuring that instructions are understood and followed. Additionally, coping with the emotional impact of distressing calls can be a significant challenge, but most agencies provide support and training to help dispatchers manage stress and maintain their well-being.

What is the difference between Fire Dispatcher vs Emergency Communications Officer?

AspectFire DispatcherEmergency Communications Officer
CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, dispatcher certificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, dispatcher certifications
Work EnvironmentDispatch centers, emergency call roomsDispatch centers, emergency call rooms
Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Job FocusCoordinate fire response, dispatch fire unitsCoordinate various emergency responses, including fire, medical, and police

Both roles involve emergency call handling and dispatching, often requiring similar certifications. However, Fire Dispatchers primarily focus on fire response coordination, while Emergency Communications Officers handle a broader range of emergencies, including medical and police incidents. The roles are integral to public safety and often overlap in work environment and qualifications.

How much do fire dispatchers make?

Fire dispatchers in New York typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific municipality. They often work in high-stress environments requiring strong communication skills and knowledge of emergency protocols.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers coordinate emergency responses by answering calls, providing instructions, and dispatching fire services. The job requires strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and often involves shift work, including nights and weekends. It can be demanding due to the high-pressure environment and the need for quick decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Dispatcher jobs in Iowa?

For Fire Dispatcher jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Dispatcher jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Dispatcher jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Fire Dispatcher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,946 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Public Safety Dispatcher

Scott County (IA)

Davenport, IA • On-site

$57K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Scott County (Minnesota) rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Under general supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher answers calls at the Scott Emergency Communications Center and dispatches emergency calls to emergency responders and non-emergency call to the appropriate resources or agency in accordance with established procedures. As part of the hiring process, all applicants will need to complete the following steps: CritiCall Applicant Testing-August 21st - August 28th First Interview-held in person at SECC September 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, or 10th. Possibly second interview and Dispatch Sit-Along *Curious about a career in Dispatch.

SECC is holding an open house on August 10th from 5pm-7pm to see what we do and ability to ask questions. Job Responsibilities Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Answers incoming emergency calls; obtains required information for emergency responses and enters related information into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; prioritizes calls for service and notifies outside supervises when officers or deputies are unavailable for immediate response.

Dispatches police, sheriff, and fire departments in accordance with established policies and procedures; utilizes CAD system to track and monitor the status of responding personnel Answers all non-emergency, alarm, and administrative calls; obtains all pertinent call information and enters a call for service into CAD system; refers call to appropriate agency or resource. Monitors and responds to all NCIC/ IOWA tele-messages sent to the NCIC terminal; completes inquiries as requested by officers, authorized personnel, or other authorizes agencies. Enters and clears warrants, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and missing or stolen articles into appropriate system; enters and modifies orders of protection as necessary.

Attends and participates in training and continuing education as required to maintain all required certifications. Operates all radio consoles and support equipment; notifies management of any equipment issues. Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned. Standards For Initial Consideration Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND some previous customer service or dispatch experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Knowledge of: Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinance.

Scott County and surrounding county geography. Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette. Critical thinking principles and practices.

Records maintenance policies, procedures, and practices. Skill in: Maintaining composure in high stress situations. Operating a computer including standard software and some specialized software; using multiple monitors.

Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. Maintaining accurate records and technical documentation. Completing multiple tasks simultaneously and with frequent interruptions.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Supplemental Information License and Certification Requirements Must obtain Emergency Fire Dispatcher, Emergency Police Dispatcher, and NCIC certifications within one (1) year of hire.

Must successfully complete Emergency Telecommunicator training within one (1) year of hire. Physical Demands and Working Environment: Work is performed indoors in the Scott Emergency Communications Center and requires sitting for long periods of time.


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