Emergency Fire Dispatch & Communications Specialist

County Emergency Communications; Ponsford (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Paid leave

Job summary

Ponsford Fire Department seeks skilled Fire Dispatchers to coordinate responses to fires, rescues, and other emergencies. You will receive incident information, log details, alert resources, and maintain radio contact with responding crews.

Requires strong data entry and communication skills, ability to follow procedures, and readiness to work rotating shifts including overnights, weekends, and holidays. Some agencies offer certification training and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or recognized equivalency credential is commonly required. Some employers provide entry-level instruction; others seek experienced dispatchers with fire communications training.
• Applicants should be comfortable with computer systems, accurate data entry, maps, and radio communication. Fire dispatch certification, emergency medical dispatch training, or incident-management coursework may be required for particular assignments.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazardous conditions
• Verify incident locations, access information, and reported risks
• Alert stations and dispatch apparatus using approved response assignments
• Monitor radio channels, unit availability, and incident status
• Relay information about occupants, hazards, and changing conditions
• Process requests for additional resources through established procedures
• Coordinate mutual-aid communications when assigned
• Record dispatch times, unit movements, and significant incident updates

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Ponsford Fire Department seeks skilled Fire Dispatchers to coordinate responses to fires, rescues, and other emergencies. You will receive incident information, log details, alert resources, and maintain radio contact with responding crews.

Requires strong data entry and communication skills, ability to follow procedures, and readiness to work rotating shifts including overnights, weekends, and holidays. Some agencies offer certification training and ongoing professional development.