What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinator 1 - Assistant Center Manager position at State of Alaska?
What You Will Be Doing
Are you passionate about travel and public service? Imagine getting paid to travel across Alaska and the U.S. while playing a vital role in protecting communities from wildfires! The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, and Northern Forestry Dispatch Center (NFDC) is looking for a Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinator 1.
Join our dedicated team and support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to combat wildfires in Alaska and beyond.
Mission and Culture
The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is committed to safeguarding Alaskans and their communities through effective wildland fire suppression, management, and control. We’re seeking a motivated individual to join our dedicated team in protecting millions of acres of forests, communities, and natural resources.
The Northern Forestry Dispatch Center is a dynamic, fast-paced environment where safety is our top priority. As a member of our dispatch team, you’ll provide crucial support to firefighters and personnel, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to safely combat wildfires. The skills and experience you gain in this role can serve as a strong foundation for a rewarding career within the Division or with other fire suppression agencies. This position offers fantastic opportunities for training, travel, and career growth.
Core Responsibilities
Responsible for managing daily functions, including dispatching and procurement of overhead, crews, equipment, supplies, local purchases, transportation, meals and lodging, flight following, and safety in the workplace. Has similar responsibilities when a Mobilization Center is activated.
Evaluate statewide operations, adjust priorities, and give direction to ensure the timely mobilization of all resources in support of large DOF incidents, Area Offices, and cooperating agencies.
Under direction, for daily routine technical operation, exercise independent judgment, make independent decisions and take independent action, in compliance with policy, during both routine and emergency situations, determining priorities and anticipating needs.
Evaluate workload and recommend additional personnel requirements for all NFDC functions including supervisory dispatchers, support dispatchers, dispatch recorders, drivers and other support personnel.
Audit and review of all Division of Forestry fire reports for completeness and accuracy including latitude and longitude, township range and section, topography, aspect, slope and elevation, allocated initial attack resources, landowner and administration, suppression timeframes and costs before submission to AICC.
Evaluate statewide operations, adjust priorities, and give direction to ensure the timely mobilization of all resources in support of large DOF incidents, Area Offices, and cooperating agencies.
Under direction, for daily routine technical operation, exercise independent judgment, make independent decisions and take independent action, in compliance with policy, during both routine and emergency situations, determining priorities and anticipating needs.
Evaluate workload and recommend additional personnel requirements for all NFDC functions including supervisory dispatchers, support dispatchers, dispatch recorders, drivers and other support personnel.
Audit and review of all Division of Forestry fire reports for completeness and accuracy including latitude and longitude, township range and section, topography, aspect, slope and elevation, allocated initial attack resources, landowner and administration, suppression timeframes and costs before submission to AICC.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
We offer comprehensive training, with opportunities for travel and career advancement in dispatch. At the Northern Forestry Dispatch Center, we’re committed to fostering a culture that supports a complete dispatch organization, promotes work/life balance, and provides a clear, fulfilling career path for new dispatchers.
As a consolidated dispatch center, we create enhanced opportunities for training and mentorship, both locally and out of state, while helping dispatchers develop essential leadership skills. We also offer robust health and life insurance benefits, including employer contributions toward medical, vision, and dental coverage.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The Northern Forestry Dispatch Center is a state-of-the-art facility located in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a focus on staying ahead of the curve, we continually evolve our technologies, equipment, and staff to meet the demands of the job. We prioritize teamwork and camaraderie, fostering an environment where trust and friendship thrive. These strong, supportive relationships inspire our team members to work collaboratively, stay motivated, and help one another succeed. Our diverse team brings a variety of talents, strengths, communication styles, and experiences, creating a dynamic and well-rounded workforce.
The position-specific competencies needed to be successful in this position include:
- Thorough knowledge of logistics and dispatch operations to meet the needs of overhead; obtaining supplies, lodging, equipment; and dispatching personnel.
- Thorough knowledge of multi-channel radio and phone system communications procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of organizational structures, workflow, staffing plans, guides, and procedures.
- Working knowledge of the principles of supervision and training.
- Ability to determine work priorities, allocate work, train and/or supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinate dispatchers.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field
And
Certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in any three of the following:
Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP)
Substitution:
Three years in any combination of post-secondary education from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field will substitute for the required experience (2.67 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of post-secondary education are equal to one month of experience). There is no substitute for the required certifications.
Special Note:?
Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinators must receive red card training and certification under the National Incident Qualification System.
Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Resume
- A list of two (2) professional references with current contact information, with at least one (1) being a current or former supervisor.
- A copy of any forestry and/or fire-related training certificates.
- A copy of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations or a letter of reference if evaluations are unavailable.
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For assistance with your password, please visit the reset password page.
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Teresa Rose
Title: Dispatch Center Manager
Phone: 907-451-2664
Fax: 907-451-2763
Email: teresa.rose@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
- Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
- Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
