Communications Operator

Position: COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
Job Description and Duties

Please see the attached duty statement for details on this postion.

Candidates may be selected by resume review.

* This is a new advertisement for 2026. If you have applied previously please be sure to reapply and get an application in if you are still interested.

Hires may be made in the following counties:
Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Riverside, San Benito, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Ventura, and San Bernardino.

Applications will be processed in rounds with the following cut-off dates:

* December 8, 2025

* January 8, 2026

* Februrary 6, 2026

* March 9, 2026

* April 9, 2026

* May 8, 2026

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Successfully completes required training as a condition of employment. The incumbent must pass background and medical clearance prior to appointment. Will be subject to working nights, weekends and holidays to complete duties.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the

Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

* COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Additional Documents

* Job Application Package Checklist

* Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-497982

Position #(s):

-XXX

Working Title:

Fire/EMS Dispatcher

Classification:

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

$4,690.00 - $7,306.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

United States

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Southern Region

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Special Requirements

* The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

* The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

TAU applicants are encouraged to apply.

What is TAU? TAU appointments to this classification are made under temporary authorization. In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more positions under a temporary appointment longer than 9 months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments (for example, CAL FIRE's Firefighter I) during the 12 consecutive month period will count towards this 9 month maximum.

An employee gains no status or rights as a result of the TAU appointment and an employee who has had only a TAU appointment has no reinstatement eligibility. Persons who do not possess the minimum qualifications for the classification are ineligible for appointment as a TAU.

If you are offered and accept a TAU appointment, you will be required to take the next exam administered for this classification. If you do not apply to take the exam, score too low to be in a reachable rank, OR if you fail the test, your TAU appointment will be terminated within 48 hours of the exam results being released.

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date:
Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the

Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your Cal Career Account at  When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an…