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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Call Taker

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$40K - $63K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and Rescue in emergencies. * Operates a ... Must hold certification or become certified in CPR, EMD, VCIN/NCIC operation, and basic dispatching.

Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and Rescue in emergencies. * Operates a ... Must hold certification or become certified in CPR, EMD, VCIN/NCIC operation, and basic dispatching.

Call Taker

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$40K - $63K/yr

Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and Rescue in emergencies. Operates a ... Must hold certification or become certified in CPR, EMD, VCIN/NCIC operation, and basic dispatching.

Responds to hazardous events involving other special units such as EMS rescue and Fire Department; renders first aid when needed. Fills in for dispatchers. Escorts prisoners to and from court ...

Police Officer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$69K/yr

Responds to hazardous events involving other special units such as EMS rescue and Fire Department; renders first aid when needed. Fills in for dispatchers. Escorts prisoners to and from court ...

Showing results 41-54

Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

What is a fire rescue dispatcher?

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.

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 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

911 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

City of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


City Of Lynchburg rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

621st of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career. Consider a position as an Emergency Communications Officer. Base rate: $21.50 per hour $5,000 bonus to be paid after completion of initial training

The Emergency Communications Officer is a critical part of accomplishing the public safety mission for the City of Lynchburg. This is a fast-paced, 24/7 operation and requires applicants to be available to work any shift, including holidays, evenings, and weekends. Applicants must also be able to multi-task and prioritize demands.

Applicants must be able to type a minimum of 38 words per minute. To see if you can type 38 words per minute (or to practice), click here. The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

The 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. This position plays a critical role in public safety by gathering accurate information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and composure. Essential Duties Process 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, rescue, and public works Assess calls by obtaining crucial and pertinent information, frequently from hysterical or irate callers, in order to classify and prioritize problems and to determine and coordinate the appropriate response by emergency personnel and equipment Provide necessary Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions to callers experiencing medical crises Monitor public safety units and maintain status of each to effectively coordinate response Handle and determine dissemination of time-sensitive and confidential information Operate various complex communications equipment, such as NCIC, 800 MHz regional radio system, and computer aided dispatch system Send, receive, and disseminate messages to and from other agencies and jurisdictions through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Execute extensive file searches and updates relative to location history, hazard information and record management data Administer appropriate notifications, such as alarm notifications, wrecker service, etc., as requested by public safety responders' performance outcomes

Additional Duties Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery Provide testimony in criminal court proceedings Coordinates daily with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the National Warning System (NAWAS) Supervision This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Education and Experience Required QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED, and customer service and/or telemarketing experience required. Associate's degree with major coursework in communications and/or public safety preferred.

Additional Requirements Must pass a thorough background examination, a polygraph, and a credit investigation. Ability to be certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Dispatcher through successful completion of state-mandated training Ability to obtain NCIC/VCIN certification This position requires eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is eligible for naturalization.

Ability to be certified in CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) during the initial training period Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.


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