Fire Dispatcher - Local Openings

911 Emergency Communications; Galena (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

911 Emergency Communications in Galena, MD seeks skilled fire dispatchers to receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazards. You verify locations, alert stations, dispatch units, and monitor statuses to support rapid incident responses.

Candidates should be comfortable with computer systems, data entry, maps, and radio communication; fire dispatch or EMS training may be required for certain assignments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some roles need fire dispatch training.
• Comfort with computer systems, accurate data entry, maps and radio communications.
• Fire dispatch certification or EMS/incident-management coursework may be required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazards.
• 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

Data entry

Computer systems

Maps

Radio communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Fire dispatch certification

Emergency medical dispatch training

Incident-management coursework

Job description

Position Details

Duty Location:
{airport_name}, Galena, MD

Employer:
The hiring fire service or communications agency identified in the official vacancy

Pay:
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Schedule:
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Appointment Type:
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Who May Apply:
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Application Deadline:
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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 instructionMaintain 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.