What are the responsibilities and job description for the Initial Attack Dispatcher/Logistics Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (WFD2) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Initial Attack Dispatcher/Logistics Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (WFD2)
Recruitment #2025-2-7781/7787/8446
Full-time, Non-permanent, Seasonal, Represented positions
Anticipated employment is April - October 2025
Location: Northeast Region- Colville, WA
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/11/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you motivated and passionate about helping people and protecting the environment? Wildland Fire Dispatchers are vital members of the public service and fire suppression efforts. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking two Initial Attack Dispatchers and one Logistics Dispatcher to join the team at the Northeast Washington Interagency Communications Center (NEWICC) for this upcoming fire season.
As an Initial Attack Dispatcher you are responsible for tracking personnel, equipment, and aircraft for fire suppression, as well as providing intel and administrative support to the firefighters and resources on the ground. During the season, Dispatchers will be tasked with a wide variety of duties, such as mapping out possible fire locations based on reports, broadcasting via radio to field personnel, and coordinating with Incident Command. Dispatchers at NEWICC work with numerous federal, state, and local agencies (US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife, rural fire districts, etc.) to accomplish the mission of wildfire suppression. Dispatchers will also need to communicate with the public when receiving reports of fire and will be responsible for timely and accurate documentation and reporting of wildfire incidents.
Logistics dispatchers are responsible for creating and filling resource orders for equipment, overhead, crews, and supplies while following national, regional, and local mobilization standards and agency guidelines. They also assist the Logistics and Intel Coordinators with daily tasking, including recording weather data, compiling and distributing daily weather forecasts, and disseminating staffing plans and resource availability to cooperating agencies, among other duties.
The team at NEWICC works in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment during the fire season. This position requires the ability to be flexible and prioritize time and duties, as well as be organized and attentive to detail. Wildfire is a demanding profession at every level; as a Dispatcher you will likely be requested to work overtime or extended hours during periods of increased fire activity – e.g. during wind events, lightning storms, or when managing multiple incidents on the landscape – and may be scheduled to work holidays. The dispatch center is staffed seven days per week during peak fire season (mid-May through mid-October), so workweeks do not follow a typical Monday-Friday schedule.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Emergency Fire Dispatch and Phone Communications – to include facilitating communications between field resources (both DNR and Federal agencies) and the dispatch center, its cooperators, and private contractors; monitoring multiple radio frequencies, providing safe and reliable communications for field resources; dispatching resources to incidents; and providing support in the management and control of incidents.
- Fire Reporting – to include processing and completing fire reports, focusing on detail and accuracy, thus supporting the integrity of national fire data and statistics.
- Administrative Support/Other Duties as Assigned – to include answering and directing phone calls; providing accurate information to the public regarding burn restrictions and current fire danger ratings; scanning and filing documents; placing and filling orders to help support the needs of the center and field staff; and assisting the center in maintaining reference materials.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED equivalent.
- Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite.
- Experience involving public contact or communication such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work including interacting with the public.
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DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- The position’s assigned duty station is the Northeast Washington Interagency Communications Center (NEWICC) located in Colville. Work is performed in an office setting. Must be able to pick up and carry appropriate office supplies (up to 25 lbs.) as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, and reactive environment.
- One season experience as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 1, other dispatch experience, wildland fire suppression experience, or clerical experience.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as a Radio Operator (RADO), Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), or Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee (IADP-T).
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Questions? Please contact Cameron Kenworthy at Cameron.Kenworthy@dnr.wa.gov or Hayley Elliott at Hayley.Elliott@dnr.wa.gov/509-685-6900 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
- Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
- Leadership that empowers and supports employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational and career development aid
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
- A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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Salary : $3,477 - $4,632
