Fire Dispatcher

911 Emergency Communications; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

911 Emergency Communications in Los Altos is seeking qualified fire dispatchers to coordinate responses to fires, rescues, and hazardous incidents. You will receive incident information, verify locations, alert stations, and monitor multiple radio channels to ensure accurate, timely communications.

The role requires holding or pursuing fire dispatch credentials, proficiency with computer systems, and the ability to document events precisely.

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.

Skills

Clear radio communication

Data entry accuracy

Maps

Incident documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Fire Dispatcher Opportunities in Los Altos

Fire Dispatchers help coordinate responses to fires, rescue incidents, hazardous conditions, and other emergencies handled by fire services. They receive incident information, alert appropriate resources, and maintain communication with responding crews.

This role requires organized information handling and clear radio communication. Dispatchers must keep incident details current while following established response plans and directions from authorized personnel.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Los Altos, CA
• 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