Fire District Dispatcher - Pleasant Hill - Contra Costa County, CA

Description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Pleasant Hill, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: REWA-2025A
Department: Fire District - Contra Costa
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 4N
The Position
Bargaining Unit: IAFF Local 1230
Salary: $8,033.38-$10,765.49 monthly
$96,400.57-$129,185.97 annuallyFLSA 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***
Recruitment can close at any time
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.
Behind every response is the vital work of our Regional Fire and EMS Communications Center, robust training and wellness programs, and the committed professionals in fleet services, administration, and prevention. Our proactive Fire Prevention Bureau plays a key role in investigations, public education, plan review, and code enforcement-ensuring safety before the emergency ever begins.
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.
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 facility-coming 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

To read the complete job description, please visit the website:
This is a continuous recruitment process; eligible candidates may remain on the eligible list for twelve months.
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 40words per minute ata 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

• Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at 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
• 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.
• 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 12/1/25-12/31/25
Training and Experience Evaluation: 1/12/2026
For applications received between 1/1/26-1/31/26
Training and Experience Evaluation: 2/9/2026
For applications received between 2/1/26-2/28/26
Training and Experience Evaluation: 3/9/2026
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Holly Trieu at For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Fire District Dispatcher position and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I understand

02
Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03
Please select your highest level of education:

• High School Diploma/GED and/or some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• None of the above

04
How many years of full-time experience do you have answering 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public safety emergency services?

• I do not possess any experience as described
• Less than 2 years
• 2 or more, but less than 5
• 5 or more, but less than 10
• 10 or more

05
How many years of full-time experience do you have answering 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public emergency FIRE services?

• I do not possess any experience dispatching for fire services
• Less than 2 years
• 2 or more, but less than 5
• 5 or more, but less than 10
• 10 or more

06
How many years of full-time experience do you have as a Lead Dispatcher or Supervising Dispatcher in a center where staff are operating 9-1-1 telephones, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and radio communications equipment while dispatching public safety emergency services?

• I do not possess any Lead Dispatcher or Supervising Dispatcher experience as described
• Less than 2 years of Lead Dispatcher or Supervising Dispatcher experience as described
• 2 or more years of Lead Dispatcher or Supervising Dispatcher experience as described

07
Explain your experience with the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.Write "N/A" if you do not possess this type of experience.
08
Describe any training you have had with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or fire service.Write "N/A" if you do not possess this type of training.
09
What is your Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification status?

• I am currently EMD certified
• I was previously EMD certified
• I have never possessed an EMD certification

10
If your past employer utilized EMD, describe how the system was used during the dispatch of fire and/or EMS units in your jurisdiction.Write "N/A" if you do not possess this type of experience.
11
Do you possess certification as an ENP (emergency number professional)?

• Yes
• No

12
Which P.O.S.T. Dispatch certifications have you completed?

• I have not completed any P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certifications
• Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Certificate
• Public Safety Dispatchers' Intermediate Certificate
• Public Safety Dispatchers' Advanced Certificate
• P.O.S.T. Dispatch Supervisor Certificate

13
I understand that I must have 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

• I understand

14
I understand that I am required to attach copies of the following, and if I do not attach them my application will be disqualified.- Typing certificate (required)- EMD certificate (if you possess it)- ENP certificate (if you possess it)- P.O.S.T. Dispatcher certifications (if you possess them)

• I understand

15
I understand that Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center operates on a 24 hour Kelly schedule.

• I understand

16
By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.

• Yes