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Fire Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Fire

Dispatcher

Hudson, NH · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Established in 2009, Impact Fire Services was the vision of a group of experienced industry ... The Dispatcher will be responsible for having a strong focus on customer service/support. The ...

WCCCA

Police Dispatcher-Lateral

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

A Police or Fire Dispatcher operates complex communications equipment including the radio, multi-line telephone systems, and computer aided dispatch (CAD) to access, input and process emergency and ...

City of San Diego

Dispatcher II

San Diego, CA

$68K - $82K/yr

Dispatcher II positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from ...

City of San Diego, CA

Dispatcher I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$62K - $74K/yr

Dispatcher I positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from ...

City of San Diego

Dispatcher I

San Diego, CA

$62K - $74K/yr

Dispatcher I positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from ...

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Fire Dispatcher information

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$37.5K

$56.4K

$73.5K

How much do fire dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dispatcher in the United States is $56,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $66,500.00 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, providing instructions, and relaying information to firefighters and paramedics. 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 such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or Public Safety Telecommunicator certification. The job demands strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with dispatch software; some agencies also require background checks and a high school diploma or equivalent. The difficulty varies depending on individual aptitude and the specific agency's requirements.

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.

How to start dispatcher with no experience?

To become a fire dispatcher with no experience, focus on developing strong communication and multitasking skills, and consider completing relevant training or certification programs such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). Many dispatch centers hire entry-level candidates and provide on-the-job training, so applying for open positions and demonstrating reliability and calmness under pressure can help you start in this role.

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 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.

What is the highest paying dispatcher job?

The highest paying dispatcher jobs are often in specialized fields such as airline or emergency medical dispatchers, with airline dispatchers earning salaries exceeding $100,000 annually due to required certifications and extensive training. Fire dispatchers typically earn competitive wages, but specialized roles with additional responsibilities or certifications tend to offer higher pay.

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.

More about Fire Dispatcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most Fire Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most Fire Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Dispatcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fire Dispatcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Dispatcher jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Dispatcher jobs? For Fire Dispatcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,370 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903079

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903079

MyFlorida

Davie, FL • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Dispatches fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft, and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents using computer, radio, and telephone.

  • Operates communication systems to approve or deny burn authorizations, update maps, and maintain landowner contact information.

  • Coordinates assistance with other agencies and provides incident locations and wildfire status updates to supervisors and emergency personnel.

State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 874837 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903079

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903079 

Salary:  $18.00/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 06/23/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER

(CLASS TITLE: OPS DUTY OFFICER)

 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

 

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

 

THIS IS A PART-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

 

 

CONTACT:

Michelle Williams, (954) 453-2804

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting or other public contact work.

College education from an accredited institution can substitute at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.

Requires possession of a valid class E driver license.

 ***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

 

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

 

  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
  • Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional to moderate travel required.

Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the headquarters, which is located at 3315 College Avenue, Davie, Florida, throughout employment in this position.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

 

Work shift on a rotating basis.

JOB DUTIES:

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots and law enforcement personnel through the use of a communications center. The Wildland Fire Dispatcher deals with critical situations requiring independent and sound judgment. The incumbent has both operational fire control and other support duties. Work may be scheduled over a variety of shifts and may frequently remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.

Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents.  Follows protocol on 'Smoke on the Highway' issues. Keeps up to the minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment used in fire suppression activities and investigations.  Triggers 209s as needed and enters information available. Requests and coordinates assistance with other state, federal and local agencies as well as area cooperators with wildfire suppression and other emergency situations.  Keeps supervisors, Center Manager, Center Officer in Charge (OIC) and State OIC abreast of wildfire status as necessary.  Reads and uses county maps as well as various websites and/or software programs (FMIS, County Property Appraiser, ArcGIS, Spider Tracks, Mapquest, etc.) to provide incident locations to responding emergency personnel. Has a good general knowledge of the lay of the land (landmarks, highways, major roads, rivers, lakes, power lines). 

 

Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout five counties.  Continually updates map with new burning authorizations.  Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information.  Notates landowner accounts regarding any special burning restrictions.  Advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather. Also gathers information to relay to forest rangers, senior forest rangers and supervisory personnel that is needed to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks.  Tracks landowner assists.

 

Administrative Functions - Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports relating to the Communication Center's responsibilities.  Uses a variety of computer programs, software, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions.  Receives and responds to electronic mail as required. Prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Also orders uniforms, cleaning and office supplies. Reconciles vehicle logs. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 

 

Active member of the Communications Center - Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls.  Regularly gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, cooperators, news media personnel and the general public.  Maintains up to date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies, cooperators, etc.

 

Fire Weather Forecasts - Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and fire weather predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners.   Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.

Performs other related work as assigned, which may include the handling of revenue. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher position, within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

The Following Special Benefits for this Position Include

  • Uniform Allowance

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 

  • Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
  • Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
  • State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
  • Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:

https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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