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Public Safety Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Marysville, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

Job Summary The County of Yuba is actively recruiting to fill current vacancies and establish an employment list for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher within the Sheriff's Department. The ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Clovis, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $94K/yr

Work is reviewed by the Lead Public Safety Dispatcher, Communications Supervisor, or the Watch Commander while in progress. Incumbents are expected to refer most variations in dispatch work to the ...

NEW HIRE PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER LATERAL INCENTIVE PAY RECEIVE A SIGNING BONUS OF $15,000 DOLLARS!!. RECEIVE UP TO ADDITIONAL $25,000 FOR SPECIALIZED DETAIL For more information go to: The City of ...

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

CA ยท On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

Public Safety Dispatcher Minimum: Equivalent to graduation from high school, one (1) year of office support or customer contact experience and type 35 net words per minute. Preferred: In addition to ...

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$5.9K - $7.9K/mo

NEW HIRE PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER INCENTIVE PAY RECEIVE A SIGNING BONUS OF $10,000 DOLLARS!!! NEW HIRE PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER LATERAL INCENTIVE PAY RECEIVE A SIGNING BONUS OF $15,000 DOLLARS!

Public Safety Dispatcher Department: Mercer Police College/Division: General University Primary Job Posting Location: Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations: (Other locations that this ...

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the ...

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the ...

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the ...

Public Safety Dispatcher Department: Mercer Police College/Division: General University Primary Job Posting Location: Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations: (Other locations that this ...

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the ...

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the ...

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Public Safety Dispatcher information

See salary details

$21K

$56.5K

$92.5K

How much do public safety dispatcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for public safety dispatcher in the United States is $56,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public safety dispatcher?

Public Safety Dispatchers are trained professionals who receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. They are responsible for quickly assessing situations, prioritizing calls, and dispatching the appropriate emergency responders. Dispatchers also provide critical instructions to callers, offer reassurance, and help coordinate response efforts to ensure public safety. Their role is vital in maintaining communication between the public and emergency services, often serving as the first point of contact during crises.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public safety dispatcher?

To thrive as a Public Safety Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional specialized training in emergency communication. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and sometimes certifications like APCO or NENA are commonly required. Excellent communication, composure under pressure, and strong listening skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate information relay, timely emergency response, and public safety during critical situations.

What are some common challenges faced by public safety dispatchers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Public Safety Dispatchers often face high-pressure situations where quick, accurate decision-making is critical. Common challenges include managing multiple emergency calls simultaneously, remaining calm under stress, and effectively communicating with both distressed callers and emergency responders. New hires can prepare by developing strong multitasking and active listening skills, practicing stress management techniques, and familiarizing themselves with local protocols and geography. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training are also valuable resources for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Public Safety Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectPublic Safety DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
CertificationsCPR, E911 certification, dispatcher trainingCPR, E911 certification, dispatcher training
Work EnvironmentPolice, fire, emergency services centersEMS call centers, emergency response centers
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, law enforcement, fire departmentsEMS agencies, hospitals, emergency response services
Primary ResponsibilitiesCoordinate emergency responses, dispatch police/fireProvide pre-arrival medical instructions, dispatch EMS

While both roles involve emergency communication and require similar certifications, Public Safety Dispatchers handle a broad range of emergencies including police and fire, whereas Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus specifically on medical emergencies and providing pre-arrival instructions. Both are vital in ensuring quick, effective emergency responses within public safety services.

How much do public safety dispatchers make?

Public safety dispatchers in California typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and agency size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced dispatchers with certifications can earn higher wages. The role often requires skills in communication, multitasking, and familiarity with dispatch software systems.

Is it hard to become a public safety dispatcher?

Becoming a public safety dispatcher typically requires completing a training program, passing a written exam, and obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR or emergency medical dispatch. The job demands strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and often involves shift work, but the difficulty varies depending on individual aptitude and training availability.

What disqualifies you from being a public safety dispatcher?

Disqualifications for a public safety dispatcher typically include a criminal record, especially for serious offenses, a history of substance abuse, or poor communication skills. Candidates must usually pass background checks, a medical exam, and sometimes a psychological assessment, and must meet age and education requirements. Inability to handle high-stress situations or work irregular hours can also be disqualifying factors.
More about Public Safety Dispatcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Safety Dispatcher jobs?

Cities with the most Public Safety Dispatcher job openings:

What states have the most Public Safety Dispatcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Safety Dispatcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Public Safety Dispatcher jobs?

For Public Safety Dispatcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Public Safety Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,492 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

$135K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and the San Ramon Police Department jointly invite qualified applicants to submit an application for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. Under the supervision of a Public Safety Dispatch Lead, the Public Safety Dispatcher processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches fire, police, medical, and/or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as Computer Aided Dispatch systems (CAD); and performs other related duties as required. The ideal candidate will possess a California P.O.S.T.- certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate, EMD Certificate, EFD Certificate, and knowledge in all disciplines of Police/Fire and EMS dispatching and one year of experience dispatching law enforcement, fire, and/or EMS services using a CAD system

Note: The California P.O.S.T.- certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate is required at time of application. Candidates without the California P.O.S.T.- certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate at time of application will not be considered. Work Schedule: Public Safety Dispatchers work a 48 hours on/96 hours off schedule

Compensation: Base Salary includes holiday, EMD, and FLSA pay. To qualify for holiday pay, you must be on a 56-hour schedule and to qualify for EMD pay, you must have passed the EMD course. DUTIES Receives and processes 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance, evaluates the information provided and creates CAD system events; provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to the caller or relays information to other jurisdictions; processes and prioritizes incoming calls.

Dispatches Police/Fire and EMS personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing a CAD system, multiple video display terminals, radio dispatching consoles, and related equipment. Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment; analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help ensure officer and firefighter safety; handle the reassignment of fire equipment to ensure adequate district-wide fire protection. Provides operational support for police, fire, and medical operations; facilitates outside agency assistance and mutual aid requests; as requested, enters, updates, and retrieves information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles; handles tow requests and other information.

For the full job description go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/srvfire/classspecs ABOUT THE DISTRICT ABOUT THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER The San Ramon Valley 911 Communications Center is equipped with the latest advances in emergency telecommunications technology, and is a Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the City of San Ramon and a secondary PSAP to the Town of Danville, the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, the southern area of Morgan Territory, and the Tassajara Valley, all located in Contra Costa County. Dispatchers process all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatch Police/Fire and EMS. The San Ramon Valley 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center is an EMD Accredited Center of Excellence, certified by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch

The Communications Center is equipped with state of the art voice, data, and wireless technology utilizing CentralSquare public safety software (CAD/RMS), Vesta 4.0, and Motorola MCC 7500 Elite. ABOUT THE DISTRICT The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District provides all risk fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, the Town of Danville, Diablo, the City of San Ramon, the southern area of Morgan Territory, and the Tassajara Valley, all located in Contra Costa County. The District's service area encompasses approximately 155 square miles and serves a population of 193,259

The District maintains nine career fire stations and one volunteer staffed station, and other supporting facilities located throughout the jurisdiction. ABOUT THE SAN RAMON POLICE DEPARTMENT The San Ramon Police Department provides the full spectrum of law enforcement services, including Patrol, Traffic, Investigations, Records, Crime Prevention, and more. The San Ramon Police Department employs 69 sworn officers and 22 civilian employees, serving a resident population of 80,000 and a daytime population of 100,000.

The City of San Ramon is one of the Bay Area's most desirable areas to live and work. Located in Contra Costa County, San Ramon is approximately 25 miles east of the City of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. The City spans an area of more than 18 square miles.

For more information regarding the City of San Ramon, the San Ramon Police Department or the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, please visit the following websites: www.sanramon.ca.gov www.sanramon.ca.gov/police http://www.firedepartment.org MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED EDUCATION Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate. REQUIRED SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES California P.O.S.T.- certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate - required at time of application REQUIRED EXPERIENCE One year of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher dispatching any combination of law enforcement, fire, and/or emergency medical services (EMS) in a primary or secondary PSAP using a CAD system

HIGHLY DESIRABLE BUT NOT REQUIRED Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certifications from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. APPLICATION PROCESS Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/srvfire

Candidates must include a resume and a copy of their California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate with the application. Candidates considered for employment will be required to undergo an extensive background investigation, a thorough medical examination, psychological examination, and a pre-employment drug screening. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications and competence.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming), color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), age (40 and over), genetic characteristics and information, reproductive health decision-making, or any other basis prohibited by law. The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract or offer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at (925) 838-6628 or via email at hr@srvfire.ca.gov.