Fire Dispatcher; Lateral

Overview

The Ontario Fire Department, Fire Communications Division is currently accepting applications for the position of Fire Dispatcher (Lateral). The Fire Dispatchers are the first to act in an emergency and are the most valuable link between the public and the fire personnel who serve and protect the community. Fire Dispatchers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; provide appropriate emergency medical directions;

identify and dispatch fire units using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software and equipment; gather and relay critical information to fire personnel; document calls and responses and comply with Department policies and procedures to assure the safety of City personnel and the public. Fire Dispatchers are eligible for promotion to Senior Fire Dispatcher upon successful completion of a probationary period with the City of Ontario, a minimum of two years of experience as a Fire Dispatcher, satisfactory performance evaluations, and a recommendation from management.

Note:

A new state-of-the-art administration facility is under construction and is expected to open in mid-2026.

The City of Ontario will review applications on a continuing basis and may close recruitment at any time. A first review of applications will occur on July 11, 2025.

The position includes a general salary increase of 9.5% effective July 2025.

• Receives, identifies, and records calls for assistance related to fire and/or medical services.
• Calms distressed callers, uses interview techniques to gather incident information, and enters requests for service in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provides pre-arrival medical instructions to callers.
• Provides information to callers, prepares requests for assistance, assigns incident numbers, and refers callers to other staff/agencies as appropriate.
• Dispatches proper public safety staff and equipment based on CAD recommendations and procedure guidelines, and coordinates with field personnel and other agencies.
• Maintains status of calls via computer screens and other communications equipment; tests emergency communication equipment as needed.
• Coordinates use of multiple radio frequencies and performs routine radio paging for administrative staff.
• Prioritizes safety-related information and analyzes data for situational changes; applies knowledge of regional geography for all areas served.
• Retrieves information from local, state, and federal databases as requested for investigative purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education
:
High school diploma or recognized equivalent.

Experience
:
One (1) year of continuous experience in public safety emergency communication, two-way radio operations & techniques, and emergency (9-1-1) call-taking experience within the last three (3) years.

License
: A valid California Class “C” driver license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Certifications
:
Obtain California Law Enforcement Teletype Systems (CLETS) certification within six (6) months of employment; obtain Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification prior to the end of the probationary period; CPR/First Aid certification prior to the end of the probationary period.

Special Requirements
:
Ability to work any shift in a 24-hour/day, 7-day/week operation on a rotational basis including weekends and holidays; wear mandatory uniform and communication headset; work in an underground location; be able to provide a typing certificate of 40 words per minute if selected to move forward in the recruitment process.

Desirables
:
International Academy of Emergency Dispatch EMD certification; CPR certification; knowledge of geography and major road networks of Ontario, Corona, and surrounding service areas.

Background Check
:
All appointments are subject to a thorough background investigation and a physical examination including a drug screening. The process may take several months and includes interviews, criminal background check, polygraph examination, and physiological evaluation. Applicants may be disqualified for reasons including arrests/convictions, substance abuse history, or thefts from a previous employer.

Supplemental Information
:
Career progression may include promotion to Senior Fire Dispatcher after meeting minimum experience, performance, and management recommendations. Sample career progression and salary ranges are provided for reference.

How to Apply
:
Apply online through the Apply link. If using , create or log into an account and complete all sections, including work history and supplemental questions. Include relevant certifications when attaching documentation. Resumes are optional but do not substitute the application form. Transcripts from outside the United States must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a NACES service; failure to provide may result in rejection.

Application Process
:
Submit required certifications or documentation as outlined in Qualifications Guideline. Attach…