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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Public Safety/Fire & Rescue Departments at Saint Michael's College are inviting applications for a full time Dispatch Switchboard Operator to dispatch radio calls andoperatethe College ...

Communicates with dispatch, fire officers and related personnel for the accurate and efficient ... Hazardous Material Technician Technical Rescue Rope Technician VMR Technician Trench Technician ...

Communicates with dispatch, fire officers and related personnel for the accurate and efficient ... Technical Rescue * Rope Technician * VMR Technician * Trench Technician * Confined Space Technician

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour

Dispatcher

Centennial, CO · On-site

$61K - $89K/yr

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled ... Dispatcher I $42.95 /hour Dispatcher II $37.42 /hour Dispatcher III $32.82/hour Equal Opportunity ...

Dispatcher

Rialto, CA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Dispatcher class is distinguished by its critical role in receiving, evaluating, and processing emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, medical, and rescue ...

Communications Officer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$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.

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR

Danbury, NC · On-site

$19.34 - $31/hr

Operates two-way radio and/or other communications equipment to dispatch law enforcement, fire, Rescue, medical and other personnel, and equipment and to relay instructions or information to remote ...

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Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

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$11

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$33

How much do fire rescue dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire rescue dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.
Dispatcher

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Public Safety/Fire & Rescue Departments at Saint Michael's College are inviting applications for a full time Dispatch Switchboard Operator to dispatch radio calls andoperatethe College switchboard. The successful candidate willbe responsible foranswering all incoming calls and directing calls to theappropriate partyquickly, accurately, and professionally. This role receives all emergency calls forSMCcampus and the surrounding community. Dispatch, switchboard, emergency services experience desirable, but we will provide training for a motivated and dependable person withdemonstratedaptitude.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Answers all incoming calls and directs to the appropriate party quickly, accurately, and professionally
  • Receives all calls for Public Safety, Facilities, Fire and Rescue, Student Life, and KnightSafe
  • Oversees the key sign-out for the Saint Michael's College vehicles and vendors
  • Monitors alarms for the HVAC department, fire detection systems, panic and intruder systems, emergency call boxes, and airport emergency communication system. Notifies appropriate resources when alarms are received
  • Monitors door access system
  • Monitors camera system and reviews archived camera footage
  • Receives calls from online tip service and responds to them accordingly
  • Enters all the log reports for Public Safety, SMC Fire and Rescue, and LiveSafe accurately and professionally; retrieves information for these units as requested
  • Questions callers to determine nature of problem, type of response needed, and dispatches appropriate units
  • Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people. Helps to create an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences

The salary range for this position is $20.00-$22.00/hr. For the full job description,clickhere

Schedule: This position follows a rotating schedule consisting of 12-hour shifts.

We recognize that people assess their skills and experience differently. Studies have shown that some candidates may hesitate to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification listed. However, many of the skills and responsibilities in this role can be developed on the job. If you believe you could bring value to our students and community and meet most of what we're looking for, we encourage you to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary life, critical illness and accident insurance options, parental leave, flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), 401(k), generous paid time off, paid holidays, employee and dependent tuition benefits, employee and family assistance program, well-being programs and opportunities, discounted gym membership, paid volunteer time, use of the athletic facilities and the library, and countless opportunities to attend presentations, lectures, and other campus activities.
Qualifications:

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Prior working experience preferred

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products
  • Reads and interprets documents such as operating instructions, procedure manuals, and College policies to guide own behavior

An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of background checks.

Application Instructions:

Please be prepared to attach the following documents after clicking on Apply Now button:

~Resume/CV

Review ofapplications will start immediately. The position will remain open until it is filled.

For a complete job description, benefits information, and to apply online, please visit:Saint Michael's College Careers.