CONNECT with the CityApplication Process for Fire Dispatcher
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*Age, ethnicity, and gender are completely OPTIONAL. This information will only be used for data collection purposes and will not be used in any way to evaluate or screen applicants.
Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
2 Meet the minimum requirements
You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.
AGE: You must be at least 18 years old to apply (no maximum age).
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) or General Education Development (GED) examination.
CITIZENSHIP: You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
DISPATCHER I – Entry Level, no dispatching experience required. Learn more and apply for Dispatcher I position
DISPATCHER II – Six months as a Dispatcher I with the City of San Diego OR one year dispatching for a law enforcement or fire agency. Learn more and apply for the Dispatcher II position
FIRE DISPATCHER – One year of experience dispatching for a fire or emergency medical services agency. Learn more and apply for the Fire Dispatcher position
If you pass the application phase, you’ll be invited to take the CritiCall Exam. This is a computer-based performance test. Helpful information about the test:
If you receive a passing score on the CritiCall exam, you’ll be notified by the Personnel Department and placed on the eligible list. SDFD will contact you to request a résumé. Interviews will be offered to qualified applicants and scheduled prior to the start of the next dispatcher academy.
If you have questions about any portion of the process, please contact the Personnel Department by email at Personnel@sandiego.gov or 619-236-6400.
Applicants who successfully complete the interview process will be given a conditional job offer and scheduled for a medical evaluation and Department of Justice background check.