Fire Dispatcher - Full-Time & Part-Time

County Emergency Communications; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Paid leave

Employee-support services

Professional development

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Blue Mound, IL seeks a Fire Dispatcher to coordinate responses to fires, rescues, and hazardous conditions. You will receive incident information, alert resources, and maintain radio communication with responding crews.

The role requires organized information handling and adherence to established plans, with potential night shifts, weekends, and overtime during major incidents.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or recognized equivalency credential is commonly required.
• 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

Fire Dispatcher Opportunities in Blue Mound

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}, Blue Mound, IL

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
• Remain 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.