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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Stafford County

Communications Officer

Stafford, VA

$54K - $94K/yr

... dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.

Stafford County, VA

Communications Officer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$51K/yr

... dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. • Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations. • ...

Fairfax County

Public Safety Communicator I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Answer 9-1-1 emergency and other calls from the community as well as dispatching police, fire and rescue and sheriff's office resources Make lifesaving decisions and provide clear direction and ...

Warren County, VA

Communications Officer

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$44K/yr

Performs intermediate skilled clerical work dispatching law enforcement, fire and rescue and other equipment and personnel usually in response to emergency situations; does related work as required.

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All JobsFire Rescue Dispatcher JobsFire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Virginia

Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

Is being a fire dispatcher hard?

Fire dispatchers play a critical role in emergency response, requiring quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The job often involves shift work, high-pressure calls, and the use of specialized radio and computer systems, making it a demanding but essential role in public safety.

What are Fire Rescue Dispatchers?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers are emergency communication professionals who receive and process calls for fire, rescue, and medical assistance. They coordinate the deployment of fire and rescue units, relay critical information to first responders, and provide instructions to callers during emergencies. Their role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency procedures and technology. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in a crisis and play a vital role in ensuring public safety.

What is the difference between Fire Rescue Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectFire Rescue DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch certification often preferredEmergency Medical Dispatch certification required
Work EnvironmentCoordinate fire and rescue responses, often in fire stations or dispatch centersCoordinate medical emergencies, typically in dispatch centers
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar emergency dispatch rolesRelated but focuses on medical emergencies

Fire Rescue Dispatchers primarily coordinate fire and rescue responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies. Both roles require emergency dispatch certifications and work in similar environments, often within emergency services. The main difference lies in the type of emergencies handled—fire rescue versus medical—making each role specialized within the broader emergency response system.

Is it hard to get hired as a dispatcher?

Getting hired as a fire rescue dispatcher can be competitive, as it often requires passing written exams, background checks, and sometimes psychological evaluations. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and relevant certifications or training in emergency dispatching. Experience in emergency services or related fields can improve chances of employment.

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

To thrive as a Fire Rescue Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by public safety telecommunications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication tools, and emergency response protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and effective problem-solving set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rapid, clear, and accurate emergency response coordination, which can directly impact public safety and outcomes.

How does a Fire Rescue Dispatcher typically collaborate with emergency response teams during high-pressure situations?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers play a crucial role in coordinating emergency response by maintaining clear and constant communication with firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. During high-pressure incidents, dispatchers relay critical information, update teams on changing conditions, and prioritize multiple calls to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. They must remain calm, multitask effectively, and use specialized dispatch software to monitor units in real time. This collaboration is essential for ensuring quick, organized, and effective emergency responses.

What is the highest paid dispatcher?

The highest paid dispatchers are often emergency or fire rescue dispatchers with extensive experience, specialized training, and certifications. Salaries can reach over $60,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with advanced responsibilities. Factors such as location, union membership, and years of service influence compensation levels.

What do firefighter dispatchers do?

Firefighter dispatchers, also known as emergency dispatchers, answer emergency calls, assess the situation, and relay information to firefighters and emergency services. They coordinate response efforts, provide instructions to callers, and use communication tools like radios and computer-aided dispatch systems to ensure quick and accurate response to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia? For Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings:
Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs near you
Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Spotsylvania County

Spotsylvania, VA • On-site

$52K - $89K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.

A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire. General Statement of Job Under general supervision, receives and prioritizes non-emergency and E911 calls from the public for law enforcement, fire, rescue, and other emergency services. Employee dispatches emergency personnel and public safety officials to emergency situations throughout the County.

Employee also receives incoming phone calls to the communications center including emergency and non-emergency calls. This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed.

Applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed. Salary is commensurate on knowledge, skills, abilities and years of experience based on the Public Safety Step Pay Scale. Special Duties & Responsibilities Receives emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, rescue and other assistance; adopts appropriate course of action, in accordance with State and federal laws, local ordinances, policies, procedures, and protocols, as well as within established chain of command.

Interprets and prioritizes E911 calls for appropriate actions; determines nature of call and type of assistance needed; routes calls for expedient handling. Dispatches appropriate Sheriff's department, fire and/or rescue units using E911 radio and telephone systems; provides information on location, type of emergency or any other relevant information; provides geographical information, including subdivision names, cross-streets, landmarks, etc.; provides pre-arrival instructions by telephone as needed. Operates a variety of emergency service communications systems; utilizes two-way radio system in accordance with federal and state laws and guidelines; documents all malfunctions in communication system and related equipment; reports errors in geobase and/or database

Communicates with a variety of public safety officials and personnel, medical personnel, and the media. Monitors and conducts tests of the County's natural warning and alarm systems. Maintains records of calls; logs all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests; maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.

Participates in continuous training program to improve communications and skills, including hazardous materials awareness, CPR, pre-arrival medical instructions, etc. Verifies warrants and accesses computer to provide information to law enforcement personnel; enters information on stolen property and missing persons in national and state computer; transmits computer responses on all hit confirmations. Answers administrative telephone lines for Crime Solvers, Criminal Investigative Division, Civil Process, Warrants Division, Sheriff's Office, and Fire/Rescue after hours.

Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Training & Experience High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by computer keyboard training, and must have served a minimum of one (1) year as a Communications Operator and six (6) months as a released operator and/or commensurate dispatch experience with an outside E911 agency. Must possess valid certification in the following courses: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) communications Basic course and/or Emergency communications dispatch Course, Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center (VCIN/NCIC and CPR certification).

Must have a minimum typing speed of 35 wpm. Must successfully pass a polygraph examination, background check, and drug screening. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must have DCJS Certification as a Communications Officer within two years.

Must have ICS-200 and ICS 800 within one (1) year. Must have successfully completed all on-the-job training standards. Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification.

Employee must receive an "Meets Standards" rating on their previous employee evaluation at the time of application. No disciplinary action within the past twelve (12) months at the time of application.

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