Launch Your Career: Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service

Are you looking to pivot your wildland firefighting experience into a high-impact administrative role? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently hiring for a permanent Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position is a critical component of our nationwide efforts to manage fire-resilient landscapes and coordinate emergency response across 500 million acres of public and tribal lands.

Job Responsibilities

As a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch), you serve as the central point of contact for fire incidents in your area. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Incident Coordination: Determining the necessary resource response to field incidents.
Aviation Dispatch: Managing complex aviation operations and logistics.
Data Management: Inputting critical data into fire management software and interpreting live weather data.
Communications: Handling high-volume radio traffic and phone inquiries during peak fire activity.
Leadership: Directing others in dispatch office functions and recommending efficient resource usage.

Comparison: GW-06 vs GW-07 Roles

Feature	GW-06 Level	GW-07 Level
Scope of Responsibility	Tactical support and data entry	Lead duties and resource directing
Experience Level	1 year equivalent to GS-05	1 year equivalent to GS-06
Performance Expectations	Proficiency in standard dispatch tasks	Mentoring and advanced logistical planning

Requirements

This is a specialized role that requires a "Selective Placement Factor": proven, on-the-line wildland firefighting experience. Because this position involves managing personnel and resources in an emergency, you must be able to demonstrate a clear history of fire suppression, containment, or control work.

Additional requirements include:

U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to pass a drug test and background check.
Maintaining a valid driver's license.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, especially during fire seasons.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $58,295 to $82,225 per year. Pay is determined by the General Wildland Firefighter (GW) pay plan and may be influenced by location and individual qualifications. As a career-ladder position, you may have the potential to grow within the role, with a full performance level set at GW-07.

Benefits

Federal employment with the USWFS comes with a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance options.
Exceptional retirement planning via federal systems.
Opportunities for specialized training.
Moving expense reimbursement for eligible candidates.

Application Tips

Detail Your Experience: Your resume must include the month/year of each job, the number of hours worked per week, and a specific list of duties performed.
Be Concise: Stick to a maximum of two pages. Use clear formatting to make your fire-line experience jump off the page.
Transcripts: If using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts include all necessary details (GPA, major, institution name).

If you have the firefighting experience and the drive to help us manage our nation's resources, this role is an excellent opportunity to transition into a vital administrative and logistical capacity. Ensure your application is submitted by September 1, 2026, to be considered for this mission-critical team.

Why This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Matters

Join the front lines of wildland fire management as a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) and coordinate critical emergency responses for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) to join our team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this vital role, you will act as the nerve center for fire management operations, coordinating resources, managing telecommunications, and providing logistical support during high-stakes wildfire and prescribed fire events. This is a permanent, career-ladder position offering a unique opportunity to play a foundational role in protecting public and tribal lands.

Requirements for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Possess mandatory prior on-the-line wildland firefighting experience.
Must be able to pass a background investigation.
Must be able to pass a pre-appointment drug test and participate in random drug testing thereafter.
Possess a valid state driver's license.
Willingness to travel frequently (up to 50%) during fire season.
Must obtain and maintain a government charge card.
Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-05 grade level for the GW-06 role.
One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-06 grade level for the GW-07 role.
Completion of 18 semester hours (one academic year) of graduate education directly related to the position.
Demonstrated expertise in fire dispatch computer programs and telecommunications systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal career ladder progression
✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance plans
✓Retirement coverage under the Civil Service Retirement System or Federal Employees Retirement System
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional training and career development

💡 How to Apply Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Review the specific eligibility criteria for this position.
Prepare a federal-style resume that includes specific dates, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties.
Gather supporting documents, including official or unofficial college transcripts.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the announcement.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on September 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifies 'full-time' or includes the number of hours worked per week for every position to ensure you receive credit.
Double-check that your resume is no more than two pages long and uses at least 10-point font.
Be very explicit about your fire-line experience; documentation of this is a mandatory selective placement factor.
Do not include personal information like Social Security Numbers or photos in your resume.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard rather than waiting for email updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines 'wildland firefighting experience' for this role?

It is defined as experience gained through direct work on the fire line involving containment, control, suppression, or the use of wildland fire. This includes both wildfires and planned prescribed fires (planning stage experience does not count).

Can I qualify with education alone?

No. Education can supplement your experience, but you must possess substantial, hands-on wildland firefighting experience as a prerequisite for this position.

Is this position remote?

No. The role is based in Albuquerque, NM, and telework is limited to emergency or natural disaster scenarios.

What is the career ladder?

This is a career-ladder position, meaning you may be non-competitively promoted from the GW-06 level to the GW-07 level as you meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate satisfactory performance.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior (DOI), manages the full spectrum of wildland fire operations. We coordinate closely with the USDA Forest Service, tribal partners, state foresters, and private stakeholders to protect natural resources and communities. Working with the USWFS means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to the safety, efficiency, and scientific management of fire on public lands.