Fire Department Emergency Dispatcher

City of Phoenix; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,346,000 - 118,686,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

401(a) and 457 plans

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Free transit pass

Paid parental leave

Job summary

City of Phoenix seeks a Fire Emergency Dispatcher to operate CAD systems, receive and transmit critical information for Phoenix and nearby communities. You will handle 911 calls, assess needed fire or EMS responses, and guide units with pre-arrival instructions.

The role requires excellent oral communication, multi-tasking in a fast-paced setting, and strong judgment under pressure. Training and benefits accompany a 24/7 operation based in Phoenix.

Qualifications

• One year in public contact and clerical work with typing experience.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch program and CPR training within six months of hire.
• Must be able to operate multiple computer monitors for long shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate CAD equipment to receive and transmit emergency information.
• Answer 911 calls and determine appropriate fire/EMS response.
• Dispatch units and provide pre-arrival instructions when needed.
• Maintain composure and communicate clearly in high-pressure situations.

Skills

Typing 35 wpm

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Education

High School diploma or GED

EMD/EMT coursework desirable

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatching

Job description

About This Position

The Phoenix Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services to our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster services, fire prevention, and public education. Our members will Prevent Harm, Survive and Be Nice!

Fire Emergency Dispatchers are responsible for operating Computer-Aided Dispatching equipment to quickly and accurately receive and transmit information of an emergency nature for Phoenix and surrounding communities. Work involves answering and evaluating incoming 911 calls to determine the appropriate level of fire or emergency medical assistance required, dispatching units, giving medical pre-arrival instructions and transmitting information and messages according to established procedures. Employees are expected to demonstrate excellent oral communication skills, multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced environment, handle emergency situations sensitively, and exercise considerable judgment under pressure.

Learn more about the Fire Emergency Dispatcher job requirements, hiring process, training, what to expect during the first six months of employment, and work hours by viewing the Fire Emergency Dispatcher Page.

Location: 2425 West Lower Buckeye Building 8, Phoenix, AZ, 85009

This is a 24-hour per day, 7-day per week operation.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Ability To

• Spell accurately.
• Multi-task using different forms of technology.
• React under time-sensitive, stressful and critical situations.

SALARY

Pay Range: $28.04 to $41.42 per hour.

Hiring Range: $28.04 to $32.46 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long-term disability.
• Free Bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.

For more details, visit: Unit 003 Benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in public contact and clerical work including experience in general typing.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Emergency Medical Technician training is desirable.
• Must be able to do the following:
  • Type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
  • Pass the Emergency Medical Dispatch Program and the CPR training course within six months of hire and must maintain throughout employment.
  • Sit or stand while on the telephone and use multiple computer monitors for 8-10 hours per day.
  • Perceive the full range of the color spectrum.
• Vacation and shift assignments are determined by seniority. New hires and employees are required to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays until assigned to a permanent shift.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• The City job description can be found here.

Preferred Qualifications

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Completion of Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Medical Technician coursework.
• Data Entry experience.
• Public Safety Dispatch experience.
• High volume call center experience.
• Experience working in a fast-pace environment.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes September 17, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

REFERENCE

Fire Emergency Dispatcher, JC:01820, ID# 62956, 09/04/2026, USM, CM, Benefits:003

Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.

#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork

City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.