The Riverside County Fire Department is seeking candidates for the Fire Communications Dispatcher positions in Perris. Dispatchers receive emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency requests for service from the public and other agencies. Incumbents will operate and control radio dispatching equipment, and dispatch to appropriate County, allied agencies, and other emergency units. Emergency call-taking and dispatching is fast-paced and can be high-stress. The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure, be an expert multi-tasker, and possess strong typing and data entry skills. The Emergency Command Center is a 365 day and 24/7 operation. Selected candidates will be expected to work weekends, holidays, and graveyard and/or swing shift hours. Additionally, unforeseen emergency incidents may necessitate the need for overtime.

The Fire Communications Dispatcher I is a natural progression underfill for the Fire Communications Dispatcher II classification. Incumbents are eligible to promote to the Fire Communications Dispatcher II upon successful completion of their probationary period, which would include a satisfactory performance evaluation and any additional qualification requirements.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Fire Department is one of California's largest integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection organizations. The Department, a unique partnership between State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the County of Riverside, serves 19 partner agencies and 1 community service district. The Department has five core values: Leadership, Competence, Integrity, Safety, and Customer Service.• Operate a variety of communications equipment including radio systems, enhanced 9-1-1, various telephone systems, telecommunications device for the deaf, recording equipment, and computer systems in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations, department policy, and standard operating procedures.

• Receive emergency calls and obtain essential information to determine locale and assess urgency, provide instructions, and determine appropriate action to be taken.

• Determine jurisdiction, notify other agencies as required and transfer calls to other agencies when appropriate; dispatch emergency equipment and personnel to various locations to respond to calls; ensure necessary coverage behind deployed assets.

• Transmit information and orders to, and receive messages from County, agency/allied agency, and other emergency units, typing all radio transmissions received and sent.

• Make inquiries to local, state and federal national computer systems to obtain information and data as needed.

• Read and interpret maps to locate emergency incidents, determine jurisdiction, and locate the closest available units; may respond to an emergency in the field with communications equipment and set-up and operate such equipment.

• Participate in call critiques, a variety of training courses, and/or certification sessions.Fire Communications Dispatcher I

$26.28 - $35.57 Hourly

$4, 555.41 - $6, 165.74 Monthly

$54, 664.86 - $73, 988.86 Annually

Experience: One year involving a substantial amount of public contact, preferably in a public safety agency.

Fire Communications Dispatcher II

$30.09 - $40.74 Hourly

$5, 216.16 - $7, 062.35 Monthly

$62, 593.88 - $84, 748.25 Annually

Experience: One year in the operation of emergency radio dispatch equipment in a fire or civilian law enforcement agency.

Knowledge of: The functions, operations, rules, and regulations of the Fire Department; modern office practices and procedures including filing, recordkeeping and operating standard office equipment; proper English language usage and grammar; the codes, techniques, and procedures in dispatching and operating radio transmitters and receivers, telephones, teletype, teleprocessing equipment, and CAD equipment; Riverside County geography including the location of principle cities, highways, streets, and buildings; applicable regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

Ability to: Learn the codes, techniques and procedures in dispatching emergency units; operate radio, telephone, Call Director, telecommunications device for the deaf equipment, multi-channel recorders, playback machines, alarm systems, CAD systems, and teleprocessing equipment; accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working in a stressful environment; follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, law enforcement and fire personnel, and the public; complete assigned clerical tasks with accuracy and speed. Testing Information

Candidates who are successful during the initial screening process will be required to complete our CritiCall exam.

Previously, our CritiCall exam was offered as an in-person proctored exam, but it is now being offered only as an un-proctored exam for candidates to complete at home. The CritiCall link will be emailed to all candidates within two weeks after the posting deadline. Please continue to check your email (inbox and spam folder) for an email from Test Genius.

We do not accept CritiCall scores from other agencies.

If you have previously tested with Riverside County Fire and have a current passing CritiCall score on file ( within the last 12 months), please email bmathis@rivco.org with the date you completed the exam.

Environmental Conditions

Fire Communications Dispatchers wear headsets to answer emergency and non-emergency calls while viewing multiple computer displays for the duration of their shift. Work is performed primarily in a seated position at ergonomic consoles. The dispatch center is at times a loud, fast-paced, and challenging environment to work in.

Other Requirements

Prior to employment, candidates must successfully complete all steps of the pre-employment process including a background investigation, psychological examination, and medical examination.

Minimally qualified candidates will be required to pass an un-proctored, computerized assessment to be considered for this position.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Brittney Mathis at bmathis@rivco.org or 951-955-5358.