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Fire Dispatcher Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

DPW Mobile Fuel Dispatcher

Reno, NV · On-site

$1.4K - $1.6K/wk

JOB SUMMARY The Department of Public Works (DPW) Mobile Fuel Dispatcher will collect and dispatch ... Working knowledge of OSHA-compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire ...

DPW Mobile Fuel Dispatcher

Reno, NV · On-site

$1.4K - $1.6K/wk

JOB SUMMARY The Department of Public Works (DPW) Mobile Fuel Dispatcher will collect and dispatch ... Working knowledge of OSHA-compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire ...

Supervise and/or participate in presuppression activities; develop preplans and preattack fire plans; check fire access roads, gates, and water supplies; and review and update dispatch response cards.

Fire Dispatcher information

See Reno, NV salary details

$37.4K

$56.2K

$73.3K

How much do fire dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatcher in Reno, NV is $56,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $66,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are fire dispatchers?

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.

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers coordinate emergency responses by answering calls, dispatching personnel, and providing critical information. 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.

Is it hard to become an emergency dispatcher?

Becoming a fire dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing a written exam, and obtaining certification, which can vary in difficulty depending on the individual's skills and experience. Strong communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency response protocols are important for success in this role.

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 Do Fire Dispatchers 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 do firefighter dispatchers do?

Firefighter dispatchers, also known as emergency dispatchers or 911 operators, are responsible for receiving emergency calls, gathering essential information, and dispatching fire crews and equipment to the scene. They monitor ongoing incidents, provide instructions to callers, and coordinate communication between emergency responders using radio systems. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and knowledge of emergency protocols are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Dispatcher, and why are they important?

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.

How much is a 911 dispatcher paid?

The average salary for a 911 dispatcher varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 annually. Entry-level dispatchers may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas can earn higher pay, often supplemented with shift differentials and benefits.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Dispatcher jobs in Reno, NV? For Fire Dispatcher jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Dispatcher jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Dispatcher jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Fire Dispatcher jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Fire Dispatcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Dispatcher job openings in Reno, NV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,204 per year, or $27 per hour.
Emergency Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

Emergency Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

City of Sparks

Sparks, NV • On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

Other

Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


City Of Sparks rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

739th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Information Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community. If you answered yes, come join the Sparks Police Department. We proudly display Where Community Comes First on the police vehicles, a motto developed by our front lines.

While carrying out the vision to implement innovative strategies to prevent crime, promote excellence in leadership and serve the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary, benefit package, tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plan. People who come to Sparks stay in Sparks. It's more than a job - it's a career that has so much to offer.

Apply here to start the process. Emergency Communications Dispatchers answer calls from the public and communicate via radio with police officers regarding all types of emergencies and non-emergencies. The City of Sparks is seeking individuals who demonstrate the ability to calmly work with the citizens of Sparks and police officers while using a multi-line telephone system, radio network panel, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to receive, prioritize, and process calls for police services.

Are you ready to take the next step. If so, take a look at these Application Tips: COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any new job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting.

HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time. The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage.

It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job. DO attach: licenses/transcripts/certificates that will demonstrate you meet the education or certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents to attach) or preferred experience/education. DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters.

The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application. This is a continuous recruitment. Candidates may only submit one application in a 365 day period.

Please submit a complete application (including any required attachments) as soon as possible in order to be considered. Typing Test: Applicants must attach a valid typing certificate to their application that reflects the candidate's ability to type at 45 net words per minute. Typing certifications may be obtained from a public/private employment agency or school.

Certifications must have been obtained within the last 12 months, the test should be a minimum duration of three (3) minutes and the certificate must possess a signature from the certifying agency. On-line certifications will NOT be accepted. If you haven't completed a typing test/certification as listed above, please see below for ways to obtain one.

Employ NV Career Hubs offers typing tests/certifications. To find a location visit: https://www.employnv.gov/vosnet/ContactUs.aspx?tab=4. Emergency Communication Dispatcher Civil Service Exam: Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will receive an e-mail invitation to schedule the first of a three-part series, Civil Service Exam

Upon successful completion of the first exam, candidates will be moved to the next exam within the series. These exams are self-administered with no proctor, which means candidates will be able to complete them online at their convenience during the designated testing window. These exams only work on desk top or laptop computers.

Tablets and mobile phones are incompatible. Additionally, the Safari browser is not supported on any device. If you do not have access to a desk top or laptop, you can make an appointment with HR to take your test in person.

Candidates who pass the Civil Service Exam: will be placed on an eligibility that will be good for up to one year. The department will consider candidates from that list based on rank order as vacancies become available. Those candidates that successfully complete the interview step will move onto the background step.

The background process constitutes a comprehensive Police Department Investigation in which the Police Department runs a State of Nevada and national fingerprint check as well as a Wants/Warrants check to confirm the candidate has no felony or gross misdemeanor arrests without disposition, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions or to confirm that the applicant is not a fugitive from justice. If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@cityofsparks.us. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DESCRIPTION Receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls. Dispatch assignments according to established police and fire procedures. Operate various communications center equipment simultaneously.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS None. Qualifications Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process: Must be 18 years of age at time of application. Education and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) full years of emergency communications dispatching (or equivalent) experience with a law enforcement agency within the last three (3) years.

Licenses and Certificates: Must possess at time of application a valid typing certificate demonstrating the ability to accurately type forty-five (45) net words per minute. Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid NCIC/NCJIS certification. Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid EFD certification.

Specified positions may require possession and maintenance of the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire. Examples of Essential Duties Receive and evaluate 911, police and fire emergency and business calls. Transfer calls to appropriate parties or create a call to dispatch police and fire units to emergency locations.

Receive non-emergency information from callers, personnel, and outside agencies and disseminate to appropriate department or agency or enter calls for service. Monitor, coordinate, and accurately maintain the status of incidents and personnel and the records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus. Operate computer consoles and computerized phone system for call input, dispatching and continuous updates of suspect information and officer and fire unit locations.

Receive and disseminate information from other law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for police, fire, or medical assistance, or teletype notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants and all points bulletins and maintain confidentiality of information. Place calls for additional units from other agencies for various mutual aid agreements including specialized fire resources, wreckers, coroners, and registered owners of vehicles involved in accidents based upon incident type, location and need. Handle in-house and radio paging, animal control and other after hours' phone lines.

Maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records, files and indexes pertaining to emergency and dispatching activities. Enter, translate, retrieve, update and disseminate information from interstate and intrastate teletype networks. Attend to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously.

Testify in court regarding actions related to events as required. Locate warrants served on NCIC and enter/clear missing persons in NCIC. Update new information on computer systems including missing persons, stolen articles, guns and other pertinent information and broadcast all-points bulletins.

Operate multi-channel radio system. Monitor other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels. Maintain radio contact with mobile and portable units.

Recognize units from other agencies and assist them with city units, supplies or requested information. Respond to officer-initiated radio traffic. Request and disseminate suspect information from call boards, prior calls and bulletins and computer aided systems.

Assess and prioritize emergency situations. Maintain familiarity of area geography, including major buildings, streets, and businesses, and recognize circumstances that may pose a hazard to public safety and to field units. Read and interpret street maps.

Maintain up-to-date understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and other emergency service providers. Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel, and others. Obtain information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand.

Understand and maintain procedures on suicidal subjects. Remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations. Maintain and access business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.

Memorize codes, names, locations and other detailed information. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Work in a team-based environment.

Operate complex radio and telephone systems. Test and inspect equipment as needed. Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances related to the work Knowledge of basic fire and police and terminology Knowledge of organization and operation of Police and Fire and other emergency services Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices Knowledge of basic communication related to emergency radio and telephone and ability to use communication equipment including telephone, radio, paging, computer and related systems Knowledge of and ability to apply interview techniques to elicit information from excited and/or upset persons Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office Ability to type and enter data related to day-to-day duties in a high paced environment, with accuracy and efficiency Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work Ability to train others in work procedures Physical Demands: Requires ability to remain seated for prolonged periods of time with extensive use of computer keyboard and multiple monitors. Visual acuity for reading computer screens and maps. Ability to cope under emergency or stressful situations.

Aside from working in a general office environment, in which the majority of the work is sedentary in nature with major exposure to a computer and/or many computer screens, the person in this position will be expected to cope with and be effective in the face of workplace stressors such as, but not limited to, exposure to information that may be sensitive and graphic and may be emotionally difficult to process, customer service complaints, maintaining the security of information, people and property, competing priorities of reasonable or high significance to the successful function of the department, etc. SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines This position reports to the Emergency Communications Supervisor Supervision exercised: None Required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, evenings, nights, weekends and holiday shifts Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions Required to pass an audio and visual examination Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holiday shifts May be required to work off-site at an alternate emergency communications center location May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation Application and Recruitment Information Human Resources will require prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for Human Resources to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.

Recruitment Communication: Human Resources will be contacting you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please make sure your email address is accurate

Reasonable Accommodation: Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled candidates in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345. Disclaimer: The City of Sparks hires and promotes candidates based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.

Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.


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