Fire Dispatcher - Paid Training Provided

County Emergency Communications; Salem (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Spencer, SD, seeks a Fire Dispatcher to coordinate emergency responses, verify incident details, and maintain clear radio communications with responding units. The role requires accuracy in data entry, proper use of dispatch software, and adherence to established response plans.

Applicants should be comfortable with computer systems, maps, and radio procedures; some agencies require fire dispatch or EMS training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some agencies provide entry-level instruction.
• Applicants should be comfortable with computer systems, maps, data entry, and radio communication.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazards.
• Verify incident locations and access information.
• Alert stations and dispatch apparatus using approved 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 and significant updates.

Skills

Organizational skills

Data entry accuracy

Radio communication

Computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Fire dispatch software

Job description

Fire Dispatcher Opportunities in Spencer

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}, Spencer, SD

Employer:

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

Pay:

{salary_min}–{salary_max} per year

Schedule:

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Appointment Type:

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Who May Apply:

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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.