Fire Dispatcher

County Emergency Communications; Drummonds (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Tennessee seeks a dedicated Fire Dispatcher to receive, document, and relay critical emergency information. You will verify locations, coordinate units, and monitor radio channels to ensure rapid response and safety.

The role requires calm under pressure, attention to detail, and strong data-entry skills, with ongoing training in dispatch protocols and incident management. Evening and overnight shifts are common in this public-safety environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Ability to learn dispatch software and radio procedures.
• Comfort with data entry and maps.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazards.
• Verify incident locations and dispatch units accordingly.
• Monitor radio channels and incident status in real time.
• Coordinate mutual aid and resources during incidents.
• Record dispatch times and unit movements.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer systems

Radio communications systems

Job description

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Drummonds, TN
• Employer: The hiring fire service or communications agency identified in the official vacancy
• Pay: {salary_min}-{salary_max} per year
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Fire communications operations may require staffing at all hours. Work schedules can include overnight assignments, weekends, holidays, overtime, and additional coverage during major incidents.

What You May Do

• 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

Experience and Education Requirements

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.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the hiring agency's eligibility and minimum age requirements
• Complete required background screening and employment assessments
• Pass additional pre-employment evaluations when specified
• Complete required fire dispatch training and supervised instruction
• Maintain certifications and continuing education required for the assignment
• Remain available for assigned shifts and emergency staffing requirements

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Fire Dispatchers usually work indoors at communications workstations with continuous headset, keyboard, and screen use. Major incidents may involve heavy radio traffic and prolonged concentration. The employer determines essential functions and applicable accommodation procedures.

Benefits

Eligible employees may have access to insurance coverage, retirement programs, paid leave, employee-support services, and professional development. Overtime, shift premiums, and other benefits depend on the hiring agency and position classification.