Fire Dispatcher: 24/7 Emergency Communications Specialist

Emergency Telecommunicator Services; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required; some roles include training.
• Fire dispatch certification or EM dispatch training may be required for certain assignments.
• Comfort 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

Computer literacy

Data entry

Maps

Radio communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Fire dispatch software

Job description

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.