Become an Orlando Fire Department Emergency Communications Specialist

Do you want to be a 911 Specialist? 

Apply to become an Emergency Communications Specialist with the Orlando Fire Department. As a 911 Specialist, you will answer calls for both Fire and Medical Emergencies.

Salary: Starting pay is $18.93 hourly/$39,374 annually. The probationary period lasts one year. Employees receive a 7 percent salary increase after completing training.

Shifts: Employees work rotating shifts that include day, evening, and overnight hours. Employees are required to work holidays and weekends.

Personal leave: Three weeks of vacation per year and seven paid holidays.

Training: Classroom and on-the-job training is provided, including required certifications.

Insurance: The City of Orlando offers medical and dental insurance. Coverage for eligible family members is available at an additional cost.

Retirement: The city offers a 401(a) plan and pays certain costs. Employees become fully vested at six years of service. Early retirement is available after 55 years of age or 10 years of service.

Uniforms: Provided after training is completed.

Online

Step 1.Check your eligibility

Successful applicants excel at multi-tasking and teamwork under pressure.

 Applicants must:

  • Be willing to work holidays, weekends and nights.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Have at least one year of experience or more with computers, communications systems or dispatching.
  • Have no felony convictions.

Step 2.Gather your information

You will need some or all of the following documents for your job application:

  • Driver’s license or state ID card
  • Email address
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • References
  • Certifications (optional, but extra pay is available for some certifications like EMT/paramedic)
  • License(s)
  • Transcripts

Step 3.Apply online

We only accept applications submitted through our job portal. We do not accept paper applications.

 Apply Online

Step 4.We will review your application

We will notify you if you are chosen to begin the interview and testing process.

Step 5.Prepare for the interview and testing process

If you are selected, we will schedule you to complete the following:

  • Multitasking test
  • Formal in-person interview
  • Polygraph
  • Background check
  • Medical exam (includes drug screening) 

The entire process can take up to 90-days before a final hiring decision is made.

Step 6.Prepare for special training requirements

Employees must pass and maintain certain certifications within six-months of employment:

  • Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certificate
  • Public Safety Telecommunicator's (PST) Exam from the Florida Department of Health

Important: Employees must also complete 24-hours of Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) every two years.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Orlando provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Orlando complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Orlando expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Orlando’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Click here(PDF, 217KB) to view the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) Utilization Report.

Click here(PDF, 755KB) to view the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. 

Veterans’ preference

Veterans' preference is given according to Florida Law. Submission of a DD214 form and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) is required for consideration. Call 407.246.2235 if you have questions.

E-Verify

The City of Orlando participates in E-Verify. For more information about E-Verify and your rights, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.