Fire Dispatcher - Urgent Need in Salinas, CA

County Emergency Communications; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County Emergency Communications is seeking Salinas-based Fire Dispatchers to coordinate responses to fires, rescues, and hazardous conditions. You will document incident details, alert resources, and maintain radio contact with responding crews while following established procedures.

Attention to detail, accurate data entry, maps literacy, and solid computer-system skills are essential. Some roles may require fire dispatch or EMT-related training and the ability to work varied shifts, including

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some employers provide entry-level instruction.
• Comfort with computer systems, accurate data entry, maps, and radio communication.
• Fire dispatch certification or related coursework may be required for some assignments.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazardous conditions.
• Verify incident locations and access information and report risks.
• Alert stations and dispatch apparatus using approved response assignments.
• Monitor radio channels, unit availability, and incident status.
• Record dispatch times, unit movements, and incident updates.
• Coordinate mutual-aid communications when assigned.

Skills

Radio communication

Data entry

Maps literacy

Computer systems

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Radio equipment

Job description

Fire Dispatcher Opportunities in Salinas

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}, Salinas, CA
• 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 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.