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Fire/EMS Dispatcher

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Fire/EMS Dispatcher

Salary

See Position Description

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25-Fire/EMS Dispatcher (NOV)

Department

Fire

Opening Date

11/21/2025

Closing Date

12/9/2025 4:30 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

114

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Nature of Work

Are you calm under pressure, a quick thinker, and passionate about helping others? The Prospect Communication Center (PCC) is looking for dedicated individuals to become the vital link between the public and emergency responders. As a Fire/EMS Dispatcher , you’ll be the first voice people hear in their moment of need — guiding them through emergencies and coordinating life-saving responses. Apply today to join our team!

The Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatcher processes and dispatches all requests for Fire and EMS response. Receives transferred calls from What-Comm Communications Center, various other agencies and directly from the public for Fire/EMS, public assistance, and hazmat responses. Gathers information from calling parties; prioritizes and triages emergency and non-emergency requests for various types of assistance. When appropriate, transfers the caller to another appropriate agency. Fire/EMS Dispatchers located in the Prospect Communication Center (PCC) dispatch fire, rescue, medical, hazmat and other support units according to established policies, procedures and training. PCC dispatchers use a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and Medical/Fire triage platform to triage information from the caller to determine the most appropriate apparatus to send, the level of coverage required and manage deployment of available units. PCC dispatchers monitor current status of Fire/EMS Department resources and assist in making recommendations for temporary or permanent changes to fire response standards. PCC dispatchers are responsible for protecting and upholding the Washington State HIPAA/Confidentiality Laws as they relate to the dispatch work.

PCC is the primary answering point for the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Whatcom County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and dispatches all hazmat incidents. As the secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in Whatcom County, PCC has the capability and equipment necessary to receive all 911 calls directly in the event that What-Comm Communications Center needs to be evacuated.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Entry Level Dispatcher (Dispatcher in Training):

Newly hired dispatchers will begin at Step 1 of Dispatcher in Training. Upon successful completion of training, the dispatcher will be placed at step 1 of the fully qualified pay scale, effective the first day of the following month. Employees are eligible for step increases according to the collective bargaining agreement.

+ Starting 2025 hourly rate is $30.44 per hour. The full hourly range for this position is $30.44 - $38.17.

Experienced Dispatchers:

To be eligible, Experienced dispatchers must have a minimum of 24 months of full-time paid experience as an emergency services dispatcher within the last 36 months. The experience must be in a jurisdiction of at least similar size and call volume. Human Resources will evaluate the eligibility of experienced dispatchers based on the posted closing date.

+ Starting 2025 hourly rate is $30.44 per hour. The full hourly range for this position is $30.44 - $38.17. Upon successful completion of training, the experienced dispatcher will be placed at Step 1 of the fully qualified pay scale, effective the first day of the following month. Subsequent step movement will be granted at six-month intervals until the new employee achieves step placement commensurate with their continuous experience at hire. Sick leave bank and vacation leave bank adjustments will be provided according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the AFSCME Local 114 Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page (https://cob.org/about/employment/benefits) and labor agreements page. (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

+ 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time

+ 12 paid designated holidays + 2 floating holidays per year

+ 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly

+ Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

+ Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program

+ Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

+ Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security

+ Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Tues. 12/9/2025 4:30PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

+ Receives, prioritizes, and routes emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, transferred calls and calls received directly from other agencies. Based on established procedures, enters non-emergent caller's information and dispatches according to priority or transfer/refers to the appropriate agency. Gathers information from calling parties and enters the type, location, source and all information for emergency calls into CAD. Triages emergency requests for assistance, and dispatches fire, rescue, medical, hazmat and other support units based on established protocols. Relays pertinent information between responders via radio.

+ Provides pre-arrival emergency and non-emergency instruction to the caller, including but not limited to, CPR, childbirth instruction and other life-saving instructions. Continually updates the status of patients and responders to apparatus responding to the incident.

+ Retrieves and evaluates information from computers based on knowledge of dispatch and emergency response protocols, status of available apparatus and familiarity with county and city geography. Dispatches and relays call information to responding personnel and apparatus.

+ Manages multiple radio frequencies and radio communications simultaneously per established policies and procedures.

+ Communicates and coordinates closely with field units and command officers to support and meet the needs of the incident and to accurately monitor incident status and unit response availability. May work closely with other fire service personnel assigned to assist dispatch operations.

+ Checks the Fire/EMS dispatch consoles on a scheduled basis by running maintenance tests and monitors all other dispatch equipment as needed. Reports problems to the Fire/EMS Dispatch Supervisor or Communications Division Chief for facilitation of repair service for malfunctioning system components.

+ Provides vehicle routing information to responding units as needed. Establishes and maintains current road closure information in a local database.

+ Appropriately monitors city-wide webcams, weather, local and national news during active incidents or weather-related emergencies for safety and scene information and relays that information to responders and other agencies as staffing and workload allows.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

+ Generates routine reports daily such as the incident history reports, incident shift summaries, informational reports, etc.

+ In specifically defined situations, provides and/or coordinates on-site radio and telephone communications at the scene of an incident.

+ Faxes and mails daily reports and information reports to appropriate agencies. Maintains various files, such as premise information, location information, reference maps, business phone numbers, personnel phone numbers, etc. Assists in the evaluation of dispatch systems, operations and practices.

+ Regularly participates in fire service drills, training and emergency ride-alongs.

+ Participates in the training of probationary Fire/EMS dispatchers.

+ Performs other duties within the scope of the classification.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work is performed in an office environment at a computer/telecommunications work station, in close proximity to co-workers. PCC Fire/EMS Dispatchers use different computer systems, a multi-line telephone system utilizing a headset and complex radio communications system to receive, input and process information. PCC Fire/EMS Dispatchers frequently take calls from people in various emotional states requesting an emergency response. The workload intensity varies considerably and requires frequent swings from emergency calls for service to less emergent assistance calls all dependent on cooperative teamwork. Specifically defined circumstances may require the response to an emergency scene to provide and coordinate on-scene emergency communications.

The work includes shift work and the need to keep current with changing operational policies and procedures. It also includes the requirement to attend and participate in fire service drills and certain fire trainings, as well as the requirement to maintain specialized training certifications as determined by policy and union contract. The work environment requires long periods of sitting or standing.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

+ Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time;

+ Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone and fax;

+ Receive and communicate accurate information in a stressful or confrontational environment;

+ Visual acuity (correctable) to accurately read information from a computer screen and printed materials at varying distances, while multi-tasking.

+ Hearing within (or correctable to) normal limits across the speech frequencies and recognition of speech in the very good to excellent range.

Experience and Training

+ Minimum of one year of experience in a position with intensive public contact.

+ Minimum keyboarding skill of 40 wpm net.

+ Experience or training in the use of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management or other business/educational software preferred.

+ Experience using multi-line phone systems preferred.

+ Previous experience in public safety dispatching preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

+ Must obtain Washington State EMT Certification during training period and maintain throughout employment.

+ Must obtain EMD, EFD, certification within one year of hire or the time period specified by policy or contract.

+ Must obtain and maintain Telecommunicator I & II certifications within twelve (12) months of hire.

+ Must have a telephone at place of residence or a cell phone.

+ Must pass a hearing evaluation prior to hire.

+ Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check.

+ Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

+ Willingness and ability to work 12 hour shifts, weekends and holidays, including responding to callouts and overtime needs.

+ Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Selection Process

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Application Review Process:

+ Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around December 12, 2025.

+ Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Applicant status will be updated on or around December 22, 2025.

+ Oral Board Interview: The top sixteen (16) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview tentatively scheduled for January 6-7, 2026. Applicants must have a passing score of 60% or higher to be placed on the eligibility register.

+ Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Experience and Training Rating (30%) and Oral Board Interview (70%).

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of January 19, 2026.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill 1 current vacancy and any future vacancies as they become available. This position is represented by a union.

If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity: The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices: The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.

+ The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.

+ The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.

+ The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.7

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is represented by the AFSCME 114 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the AFSCME 114 labor agreement (https://www.cob.org/employment/Pages/labor-agreements-pay-schedule.aspx) .

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems LEOFF plan. LEOFF requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on LEOFF.

Civil Service Information

This position is subject to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. When a vacancy occurs, the top fifteen candidates or the top 25% of the register will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. All new Civil Service employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. A candidate may challenge the scope, content, or method of an examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days following the date of the challenged examination. A candidate may also challenge the scoring of an examination or test, failure of the candidate on any part of an examination, or clerical error in examination results of any examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days of notification of the challenged result. The Examiner shall consider all timely filed protests and make appropriate corrections if an error is demonstrated.

Veteran's Scoring Criteria

Applicants who have been honorably discharged from active military duty may be eligible to receive veteran's scoring criteria points as provided by Washington State Law (RCW 41.04.010). Candidates who would like to claim Veteran's Preference points must include a copy of their DD214 with their application.

01

Thank you for your interest in this position at the City of Bellingham! To ensure a consistent review, only the City of Bellingham job application and required supplemental documents will be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are not reviewed unless they are required as part of the process. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete each section of your application, and provide a thorough response to each of the supplemental questions. Please do not indicate "see resume" or copy content that is unrelated to the position being applied for from your resume when answering these questions.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a minimum of one year experience in a position(s) that required intensive public contact (e.g. collections, medical emergency, customer service)?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have the ability to type 40-wpm net?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you have any of the preferred qualifications? (Mark all that apply)

+ Experience or training in the use of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management or other business/educational software

+ Experience using multi-line phone systems

+ Previous experience in public safety dispatching

05

Are you willing and able to obtain the following certifications within the specified periods:

- Washington State EMT Certification during the training period and maintain it throughout employment

- EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher), EFD (Emergency Fire Dispatch) certification within one year of hire or the time period specified by policy or contract

- Telecommunicator I & II certifications within twelve (12) months of hire

+ Yes

+ No

06

Are you willing and able to work 12-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays, including responding to callouts and overtime needs?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Are you willing to accept that you may not be allowed to leave your workstation during your shift except in an emergency?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Are you willing to agree that the integrity of the information you deal with is vital and any breach of confidentiality can result in immediate dismissal?

+ Yes

+ No

09

All workstation telephone lines and radio traffic are on a 24 hour tape which is reviewed as part of our quality assurance process. Are you willing to have your calls monitored and recorded on tape for evaluation?

+ Yes

+ No

10

Are you able to work in a disciplined environment and carry out orders even when you do not agree with them?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Are you willing to participate in an intensive training program to learn and develop techniques and skills required of a dispatcher?

+ Yes

+ No

12

Are you willing to accept the responsibility of making a decision that could affect the lives of others knowing that a mistake in judgment could cause irreparable harm?

+ Yes

+ No

13

Are you able to maintain your composure when talking with people who are emotionally upset, angry, frightened or depressed?

+ Yes

+ No

14

Are you able to deal effectively and not get discouraged or frustrated when others use abusive or threatening language or who take out their emotions on you because of their immediate emergency?

+ Yes

+ No

15

Are you able to remain emotionally detached in order to respond to situations in a positive, professional and helpful manner?

+ Yes

+ No

16

Are you able to handle a very heavy volume of calls and other assignments in a minimum amount of time without agitation and nervousness?

+ Yes

+ No

17

A pre-employment drug test is required. Are you willing to submit to this test?

+ Yes

+ No

18

Describe the skills that have prepared you to process and dispatch requests for Whatcom County Fire and EMS responses, and explain how you developed or acquired these skills.

19

Describe your experience that involves frequent or intensive interaction with the public.

What kinds of situations did you regularly encounter? How did you approach emotionally charged or challenging interactions, and what strategies did you use to maintain professionalism and build trust?

20

Provide an example where you had to quickly learn and apply a large amount of new information. How did you ensure accuracy and retention, and how did it impact your performance?

21

Provide an example where you were juggling multiple responsibilities or tasks and were also approached by an emotionally distressed or upset customer. How did you manage your workload while addressing the customer’s needs? What steps did you take to stay composed and ensure a positive outcome for both the customer and your other responsibilities?

22

Describe your experience working cooperatively within a group to achieve a common goal.

23

If you are requesting Veteran's Preference points, a completed Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration is required along with a copy of your DD214. The required form is in the Selections Process section of the Job Posting. Check "YES" here if you are attaching a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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