Fire Dispatcher: 24/7 Critical Communications

911 Emergency Communications; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Job summary

911 Emergency Communications in Portsmouth, VA is seeking Fire Dispatcher candidates to coordinate emergency responses and maintain clear radio communication. Responsibilities include documenting incidents, verifying locations, and alerting responding units while adhering to established procedures.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, comfort with computer systems and data entry, and knowledge of dispatch protocols.

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.

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 accuracy

Maps

Computer systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Dispatch software

Radio equipment

Job description

911 Emergency Communications in Portsmouth, VA is seeking Fire Dispatcher candidates to coordinate emergency responses and maintain clear radio communication. Responsibilities include documenting incidents, verifying locations, and alerting responding units while adhering to established procedures.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, comfort with computer systems and data entry, and knowledge of dispatch protocols.