Fire/EMS Dispatcher

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE); Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is seeking a Communications Dispatcher to support statewide emergency operations from Sacramento. The role focuses on resource coordination, information flow, and dispatch responsibilities to protect California communities.

The position requires knowledge of CAL FIRE systems, ability to work varied shifts, and readiness for training. Join CAL FIRE to contribute to critical fire response and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and effective use of HEMS, IROC, and other CAL FIRE systems.
• Understanding of CAL FIRE Hired Equipment and Command & Control policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications.
• Strong proofreading skills with high attention to grammar and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Provide Hired Equipment dispatch support via HEMS and apply departmental policy to dispatch resources.
• Serve as a Hired Equipment ordering specialist and support ECCs.
• Assist Units with record maintenance, audits, and supplier onboarding.
• Develop Hired Equipment Program user guides, business practices, agreements, and system enhancements.
• Fill resource orders through IROC and make required notifications.
• Process mission tasking between CAL FIRE and Cal OES.
• Coordinate requests for National Guard and EMAC resources including tracking.
• Generate reports using IROC and HEMS for programs.

Skills

Proofreading

Attention to grammar

Tools

HEMS

IROC

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe applications

Job description

Want a great Job Opportunity as a Communications Dispatcher with a great State agency?

Join us at Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE)!

Applications will be processed in rounds with the following cut-off dates:

• July 9, 2026
• August 10, 2026.

This is in Sacramento County, CA

CAL FIRE is seeking a highly organized, adaptable, and mission‑driven Communications Operator to support statewide emergency operations. This role plays a critical part in resource coordination, information flow, and dispatch operations that help protect communities across California.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Hired Equipment dispatch support via the Hired Equipment Management System (HEMS) and apply departmental policy to dispatch appropriate resources
• Serve as a Hired Equipment ordering specialist and support Unit Emergency Command Centers
• Assist Units with record maintenance, audits, and new supplier onboarding
• Support development of Hired Equipment Program user guides, business practices, agreements, and system enhancements
• Fill resource orders received through the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system and make required notifications
• Process mission tasking requests between CAL FIRE and Cal OES
• Coordinate requests for National Guard and EMAC resources, including assignments, tracking, documentation, and activation records
• Generate reports using IROC and HEMS for internal and external programs
• Monitor Sacramento Command Center phones, radios, and electronic communications; relay urgent and routine information to Duty Chiefs and headquarters staff
• Write, generate, and distribute reports for Headquarters, the Governor’s Office, state legislators, and other agencies
• Lead or assist with instructing classes; participate in teaching cadres, committees, and working groups
• Provide Hired Equipment dispatch training to command centers and ECC Support Teams
• Support Units, ECC Support Teams, and Incident Management Teams as subject matter experts
• Facilitate interagency coordination while carrying out Command and Control responsibilities
• Notify relevant personnel of Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, PSPS events, and related threats
• Track statewide aircraft operations and coordinate with FAA and regional staff
• Update and maintain key documents, including SharePoint content, phone lists, emergency directories, radio call plans, and travel guides
• May be assigned to emergency incidents and operate state‑owned equipment
• Other duties as requires

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge and effective use of HEMS, IROC, and other CAL FIRE systems
• Understanding of CAL FIRE Hired Equipment and Command & Control policies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications
• Strong proofreading skills with high attention to grammar and accuracy

Additional Requirements

• Short‑and long‑term travel may be required for training, meetings, or emergency assignments
• Must be available to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• Successful completion of the CAL FIRE ECC Academy within 1 year of permanent hire
• Must pass background and medical clearance prior to appointment
• Must be free of any medical condition that would hinder safe and efficient performance