COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,340 - 81,534; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job security in a permanent position

Job summary

The State of California is seeking multiple Fire/EMS Dispatchers for the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This role requires effective coordination of emergency response efforts and the ability to work various shifts, including nights and weekends.

Applicants must complete the CAL FIRE ECC Academy and pass background checks. Desired qualifications include knowledge of communication protocols and proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid California driver license.
• Background investigation and medical clearance required.
• Ability to work various shifts, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate communications equipment to receive and dispatch emergency calls.
• Coordinate response units and provide critical information to responders.
• Maintain accurate records of dispatch activities.

Skills

Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize IROC

Knowledge of CAL FIRE hired equipment policies and procedures

Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize HEMS

Ability to utilize various computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

Ability to proofread written material and make necessary grammatical and spelling corrections

Job description

Job Posting: Fire/EMS Dispatcher

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Job Code #: JC-511093

Job Title: Fire/EMS Dispatcher (Communications Operator)

Salary: $4,690.00 - $7,306.00 per month (New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.)

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

*This is a new advertisement for 2026. If you have applied previously please be sure to reapply and get an application in if you are still interested.

• April 9, 2026
• May 8, 2026
• June 9, 2026
• August 10, 2026

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire.

Additional information is available in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Short and long‑term travel for meetings, training, or emergency assignments may be required.

May be required to work various shifts and overtime including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Will be required to successfully complete the CAL FIRE ECC Academy within 1 year of permanent hire.

The incumbent must pass background and medical clearance prior to appointment.

The incumbent must be absent of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of this classification.

Persons unsuccessful in the required medical exam cannot be appointed.

Minimum Requirements

Details can be found in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-511093
• Position #: 542-061-1670-VAR
• Working Title: Fire/EMS Dispatcher
• Classification: COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR ($4,690.00 - $7,306.00)
• Number of Positions: Multiple
• Work Location: Sacramento County
• Telework: In Office
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The mission is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

Special Requirements

• Background Investigation must be cleared prior to being hired.
• Medical Clearance must be obtained prior to being hired.

All job applicants must provide employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678). Applicants must not include confidential information such as SSN, birthdate, etc.

Minimum qualifications can be found in the Communications Operator classification specifications.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize IROC.
• Knowledge of CAL FIRE hired equipment policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize HEMS.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to proofread written material and make necessary grammatical and spelling corrections.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR and CalPERS websites.

Contact Information

Hiring Unit Contact: Karen Sullivan (email: [e-mail])

EEO Contact: Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator (phone: [phone], email: [e-mail])

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective.