Fire Dispatcher

911 Emergency Communications; Short Hills (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

911 Emergency Communications in Short Hills is seeking a Fire Dispatcher to coordinate fire incidents and maintain radio communications for responding units. The role requires careful information handling, attention to data entry, and adherence to established response plans while coordinating with authorized personnel.

Fire dispatch operations may require staff to work across all hours, including overnights, weekends, and holidays during major incidents.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is commonly required; some employers provide entry-level instruction.
• Candidates should be able to use computer systems, perform accurate data entry, and work with maps and radio.
• Fire dispatch certification or emergency medical dispatch training may be required for some 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

Radio communication

Data entry

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer software

Maps

Job description

Fire Dispatcher Opportunities in Short Hills

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}, Short Hills, NJ
• 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