Fire District Dispatcher (lateral)

Fire District Dispatcher

The Position

Bargaining Unit: IAFF Local 1230

Salary: $8,033.38-$10,765.49 monthly $96,400.57-$129,185.97 annually

FLSA Overtime: In addition to base pay, Dispatchers receive FLSA overtime pay, which varies between 10%-18%, depending on the FLSA hours for that month. FLSA overtime is the extra dollar amount paid to Dispatchers when their regular work schedule exceeds 40 hours in a workweek.

Shift: 24-hour Kelly schedule

Location: Pleasant Hill, CA

Hybrid/Remote: No

This is a continuous recruitment

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately

Why join the Contra Costa County Communications Division?

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is a full-service, all-hazards district that operates with a highly trained team of more than 670 firefighters and professional staff, responding from 37 strategically placed fire stations across 582 square miles. Our operational strength includes a diverse fleet of fire engines, ladder trucks, rescues, boats, dozers, and specialized hazardous materials units. We are further supported by elite teams, including FEMA Urban Search & Rescue, Cal OES hazardous materials response, a Type 2IA hand crew, and a paramedic on every response unit.

The Communications Division operates the 911 system for nearly all fire, emergency, and medical calls County-wide and manages the dispatch of first responders to 141,000 fire and EMS incidents annually. The Fire District Dispatcher is responsible for providing general information to the public and screening calls using established Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols and dispatching fire apparatus staff to emergency situations.

The Position

We are looking for someone who is:

• Able to multi-task and triage incoming calls and radio communications.
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills who knows how to talk to people, elicit pertinent information, and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Committed to career-long learning, and has the ability to receive constructive feedback and apply it in your future work.
• Adaptable to learning new technology and has excellent computer skills.
• Flexible, highly motivated, mature, and willing to work 24-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• A team player who understands and embraces TEAMWORK!

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Receiving routine and emergency calls for Fire and Medical services.
• Processing calls using Medical Protocol Dispatch Systems (MPDS).
• Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers (i.e. CPR, childbirth, choking).
• Transmitting messages by operating telecommunications and computer equipment.
• Maintaining an accurate record of the location and current status of emergency response field units.
• Maintaining radio contact with field units and enforcing proper channel control, with discipline and courtesy.
• Selecting emergency response field units in accordance with established user agency policies and procedures.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You'll be a part of an AMAZING team of dispatchers that take pride in their work.
• The 24-hour work schedule allows for more time with your family.
• We are a team of the "best of the best" dispatchers in Northern California.
• You'll have the opportunity to respond to the field as a part of our Incident Dispatch Team.
• New communications center facilitycoming soon

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Getting acclimated to the 24-hour Kelly schedule.
• Adjusting to a new or different way of dispatching fire and medical units.
• Learning a new CAD system, EMD protocols, and new geographical area.

Competencies Required:

• Decision Making Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Innovative Problem Solving Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Professional & Technical Expertise Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Adaptability Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Informing Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Interpersonal Savvy Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Teamwork Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Certificate: Within three (3) months of employment, must possess and maintain the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience operating 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public safety emergency services.

Performance Requirement: Ability to type at a speed of not less than 40 words per minute at a PC terminal.

Other Requirement: Must pass a thorough background investigation and medical screening prior to employment. Desirable:

• Certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)

Selection Process

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. Completion of a Supplemental Questionnaire is required. In addition, candidates must attach a typing certificate documenting that they possess the ability to type at a speed of not less than 40 words per minute at a PC terminal. Locations for typing tests can be found here.
2. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
3. Training and Experience Evaluation: A Training and Experience Evaluation may be used to rank candidates on the eligible list. This will be included in the supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application. (Weighted 100%)

For applications received between 3/7/25 - 4/6/25 Training and Experience Evaluation: 4/14/25

For applications received between 4/7/25 - 5/4/25 Training and Experience Evaluation: 5/12/25

For applications received between 5/5/25 - 6/1/25 Training and Experience Evaluation: 6/9/25

For applications received between 6/2/25 - 6/29/25 Training and Experience Evaluation: 7/7/25

For applications received between 6/30/25- 8/5/25 Training and Experience Evaluation: 8/14/25

For applications received between 8/6/25- 8/3