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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saint Michael's College

On Call-Dispatcher

Colchester, VT · On-site

$17.25/hr

Responsibilities The Public Safety/Fire & Rescue Departments at Saint Michael's College are inviting applications for a per diem Dispatch Switchboard Operator to dispatch radio calls and operate the ...

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. • ...

City of Fairhope, AL

DISPATCHER - FULLTIME

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$18.91 - $20.33/hr

Dispatch Opening Date: 08/29/2025 Closing Date: 7/15/2026 12:01 PM Central FLSA: Non-Exempt ... Relays complaints and requests for assistance to patrol units, fire/rescue, ambulances, and other ...

City of Fairhope (AL)

DISPATCHER - FULLTIME

Fairhope, AL

$18.91 - $20.33/hr

Relays complaints and requests for assistance to patrol units, fire/rescue, ambulances, and other ... Ability to complete Dispatcher training within ninety (90) days of employment. Ability to obtain ...

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Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

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How much do fire rescue dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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:
What job categories do people searching Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs are:
Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs near you

Communications Officer

Spotsylvania County, VA

Spotsylvania, VA • On-site

$52K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary: $52,657.29 - $89,517.39 Annually
Location : Spotsylvania, VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 02761
Department: Sheriff
Division: Communications
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
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.

The following programs offered by Spotsylvania County provide our employees with benefits that promote employee health, well-being and financial stability, now and in the future. The County's variety of comprehensive and competitive benefit programs* include:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance
Opt-Out Program
Paid Holidays
Paid Leave
Sick Leave Bank
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Tuition Assistance Program
Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation - 457 Plans
*Some benefits are exclusive to full-time employees. To learn more, please contact the Department of Human Resources.
01
Full Name (Last, First and Middle):
02
Permanent Address (Street, City, State and Zip Code):
03
Home Telephone Number (Include Area Code):
04
Business Telephone Number (Include Area Code):
05
Date and Place of Birth:
06
Social Security Number:
07
Are you a U.S. Citizen?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you, or have you ever formerly been associated with any subversive organization? If yes, please explain:
09
Operator's License Number and State:
10
Has your operator's license ever been suspended or revoked? If yes, please provide date and jurisdiction:
11
Have you ever been charged and/or convicted of any type of alcohol or drug related driving offense? If yes, please provide date and jurisdiction:
12
Have you ever held an operator's license in another state? If yes, please list all locations:
13
Have you ever been convicted of driving while your license was suspended or revoked? If yes, please provide date and jurisdiction:
14
Have you ever been arrested and/or convicted of a felony? If yes, explain in detail:
15
Have you ever been arrested and/or convicted of domestic assault? If yes, explain in detail:
16
Have you at any time in the past five years used or possessed any illegal drugs? If yes, please list the drug, last date of use, and location.
17
Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Have you ever used or possessed any of the following substances illegally which may include, but are not limited to, the following? (Select all that apply.)
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Crack
  • LSD
  • Heroin
  • Ecstacy
  • Steroids
  • PCP
  • Mushrooms
  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • None of the above

19
If you used or possessed any of the above-stated substances, or any others, illegally please explain.
20
Have you ever been charged and/or convicted of any crimes of moral turpitude which would include, but are not limited to, crimes involving lying, cheating or stealing? If yes, please explain.
Required Question

Apply