Fire District Dispatcher (lateral)

County of Contra Costa • Pleasant Hill, CA

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Fire District Dispatcher works in Contra Costa County Communications Division, which operates the 911 system for nearly all county fire, emergency, and medical calls and dispatches first responders to approximately 141,000 fire and EMS incidents annually. The dispatcher provides general information to the public, screens calls using established Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, and dispatches fire apparatus staff to emergencies. The Fire District provides fire suppression, First Responder Advanced Life Support emergency medical services, 911 emergency ambulance transport, technical rescue, marine firefighting, and water rescue.

This role follows a 24-hour Kelly schedule in Pleasant Hill, California, and requires in-person work. The dispatcher receives routine and emergency fire and medical calls, processes calls using Medical Protocol Dispatch Systems (MPDS), provides pre-arrival instructions, and coordinates response units through telecommunications and computer equipment. The position requires two years of full-time or equivalent experience operating 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public safety emergency services. Within three months of employment, the employee must obtain and maintain National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Requirements

• Possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License; a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator’s license is accepted during the application process.
• Possess a high school diploma, GED equivalency, or high school proficiency certificate.
• Within three months of employment, obtain and maintain National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
• Have two years of full-time or equivalent experience operating 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public safety emergency services.
• Be able to type at least 40 words per minute at a PC terminal and provide a typing certificate with the application.
• Pass a thorough background investigation and medical screening before employment.
• Be willing to work 24-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Complete a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process.
• Affirm the required loyalty oath as a County Disaster Service Worker.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD).

Responsibilities

• Receive routine and emergency calls for Fire and Medical services.
• Process calls using Medical Protocol Dispatch Systems (MPDS).
• Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, including CPR, childbirth, and choking instructions.
• Transmit messages by operating telecommunications and computer equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of the location and current status of emergency response field units.
• Maintain radio contact with field units and enforce proper channel control with discipline and courtesy.
• Select emergency response field units in accordance with established user agency policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned Disaster Service Worker training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED