Fire Dispatcher

County Emergency Communications; Oscoda Township (MI); 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 Oscoda, MI is seeking a skilled dispatcher to receive and document emergency reports, verify locations, alert units, and coordinate responses. The role requires comfort with computers, maps, and radio systems, plus relevant dispatch training.

Dispatchers monitor multiple radio channels, manage unit availability, and relay critical information to responders, maintaining accuracy under pressure. Indoor desk work and shift readiness are essential for this position.

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

Position Details

Duty Location:
{airport_name}, Oscoda, MI
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:
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Application Deadline:
{closing_date}

What You May Do

Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazardous conditionsVerify incident locations, access information, and reported risksAlert stations and dispatch apparatus using approved response assignmentsMonitor radio channels, unit availability, and incident statusRelay information about occupants, hazards, and changing conditionsProcess requests for additional resources through established proceduresCoordinate mutual-aid communications when assignedRecord 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 requirementsComplete required background screening and employment assessmentsPass additional pre-employment evaluations when specifiedComplete required fire dispatch training and supervised instructionMaintain certifications and continuing education required for the assignmentRemain 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.