What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher-Lead Dispatcher, (WFD3) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Wildland Fire Dispatcher-Lead Dispatcher, (WFD3)
Recruitment #2025-2-A241
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: South Puget Sound Region- Enumclaw, WA
Salary: $3,643.00 - $4,865.00 Monthly
Please Note: In addition to the salary range advertised, the incumbent will receive an additional 5% King County duty station pay.Recruitment #2025-2-A241
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: South Puget Sound Region- Enumclaw, WA
Salary: $3,643.00 - $4,865.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you detail-oriented? A confident communicator, and an active listener? Do you want to gain experience in high-stress situations while supporting emergency work? As a Wildland Dispatcher, you will perform a critical role in emergency management by dispatching and tracking agency resources. You will complete additional tasks, such as fire detection, logistics, documentation, records management, and other wildfire-related support. This is your opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-functioning team, develop lasting relationships, and contribute to the safety and protection of our region’s residents and natural resources.
To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:
- Service-oriented;
- Calm under pressure;
- Attentive to detail;
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
Duties
Responsibilities:
This position activates an emergency response when life, property or natural resources are threatened due to wildfire.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Receive and prioritize communications from agency staff, 911 dispatch centers, and the general public via telephone and radio transmissions;
- Document, evaluate, and disseminate reports of wildland fire, smoke complaints, accidents/incidents, and all-risk incidents on DNR protected lands;
- Accurately document agency resource status and logistical availability in support of incident response or preparedness;
- In coordination with incident command staff, initiate the response to local incidents following agency protocols and guidelines;
- Provide vital in-flight data to aviation assets such as latitude and longitude of an incident, air-air and air-ground radio frequencies, ground contacts, and flight hazards or restrictions;
- Track aviation assets within the SPS Region while in transit through the region and during incident response;
- Additional clerical duties include tracking and documenting resource availability, resource or incident locations, weather forecasting, fire reporting and incident orders;
- Process daily fire weather information, intelligence and distribute to agency resources;
- Works with the Wildland Fire Management Division and the Northwest Coordination Center to dispatch local resources to support wildfires statewide, nationally, and internationally using the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system;
- Processes and completes Fire Reports and Burn Permits;
- Assist in maintaining, updating, and improving reference materials utilized in Mobilization Guides, databases, manuals, and handbooks which are instrumental in streamlining emergency responses;
- Serves as a mentor and provides invaluable leadership to seasonal staff.
- Leads the SPS Dispatch Center in the absence of senior management.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED equivalency.
-
One season as a WFD2;
OR an equivalent combination of experience and/or education. - Competent in the basic use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn new programs.
-
Demonstrated experience with:
- Effective and professional written and verbal communication
- Project and task management
- Record Keeping
- Data analysis
- Ability to type 40 words per minute.
- Willingness to work in a high-pressure environment independently and as a team.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
-
DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- The position is located in a communication center. This may be a single agency DNR communication office or an interagency communication center. 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.
- No Travel Requirements.
- Knowledge of and ability to explain the Forest Fire Protection Laws/Rules – i.e., Violations, Silvicultural Burning/Permits, Forest Closures/Suspensions, Fire Protection Regulations, Hazard Abatement.
- Trained in IROC (Interagency Resource Ordering Capability System) and WildCAD (Wildland Fire Computer-Aided Dispatch).
- Working knowledge and ability to utilize the ICS (Incident Command System).
- Two seasons as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2, Other dispatch experience, wildland fire suppression experience. Qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP), Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher-Trainee (EDSD-T) or Aircraft Dispatcher Trainee (ACDP-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.
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 : $3,643 - $4,865