Become an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager: A Career in Wildland Firefighting

Are you looking to take your wildland firefighting career to the next level? The USDA Forest Service is currently recruiting dedicated professionals for the role of Assistant Dispatch Center Manager. This position is vital to the safety and success of our fire suppression efforts across the nation, placing you at the heart of incident coordination and resource management.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager, you will serve as a linchpin in emergency operations. Key duties include:

Coordinating the complex mobilization and demobilization of firefighting crews and heavy equipment.
Evaluating operational needs during active incidents to ensure the right assets are in the right place.
Maintaining emergency disaster and mobilization plans.
Facilitating air transportation for personnel and critical fire-suppression supplies.

Comparison of Key Focus Areas

Focus Area	Responsibility
Resource Management	Prioritizing and distributing aid during simultaneous fires
Logistics	Managing mobilization and aircraft transportation
Policy Development	Maintaining dispatch guides and fire management plans
Interagency Liaison	Coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies

Requirements

To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate previous wildland firefighting experience. You must also hold the Primary NWCG Core Requirement for Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD). All candidates are subject to background checks and random drug testing.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from $67,617 to $87,899 per year, depending on the duty location and locality pay scale. Employees are eligible for:

Federal retirement contributions (CSRS/FERS).
Recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified individuals.
Support for government-provided housing in certain remote areas.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this limit.
Documentation is Key: Attach your IQCS Master Record clearly showing your IFPM selective placement factors.
Formatting: Ensure your documents are in standard formats like PDF or Word and are not encrypted.

Joining the Forest Service as an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager allows you to make a tangible impact on forest health and fire safety. If you have the experience and the drive to manage complex emergency operations, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job Matters

Take command of emergency response operations and serve on the front lines of forest protection with the USDA Forest Service.

Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job Overview

The USDA Forest Service is seeking skilled Wildland Firefighters to serve as Assistant Dispatch Center Managers. These critical roles are responsible for coordinating complex mobilization and demobilization activities during wildland fire incidents and daily operations. You will ensure resources and machinery are deployed efficiently, manage emergency disaster plans, and facilitate communication across interagency boundaries to support fire suppression efforts.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is mandatory.
Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement for Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
Must meet IFPM/FS-FPM selective placement factors.
Must submit IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documentation.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)

Demonstrated experience in prioritizing aid and supplies during simultaneous fire incidents.
Expertise in developing and maintaining mobilization and staffing guides.
Proven ability to coordinate communication between federal, state, and local fire/law enforcement agencies.
Advanced education (Master’s degree or higher) in forestry, range management, or agriculture.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Federal retirement coverage under CSRS or FERS.
✓Access to government housing in select locations.
✓Opportunities for federal career advancement.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package including health, life, and leave programs.

💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job

Review the full job announcement and qualification standards.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather your IQCS Master Record and college transcripts.
Log into the online portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents in a compatible format (PDF, DOC, etc.).
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure all Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) records are attached.
Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted, as these cannot be opened by the system.
Clearly highlight experience related to fire dispatching and mobilization in your work history.
Apply early to allow time for troubleshooting any technical issues with the application portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for this position?

There is no age limit for entry into these secondary firefighter positions.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Applicants who submit a resume exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

What happens if I don't meet the current NWCG qualification requirements?

If you are not currently qualified, you must provide proof that you were qualified in the past and can regain currency within one year of hire.

Do I need a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Some locations may require a valid driver's license or a CDL. Check specific site requirements.

Is there relocation assistance?

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized by the hiring official.

Job from Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public land. Beyond managing forests and grasslands, the agency conducts critical research and provides technical support to private and state forestry partners. Working here is not just a job; it is a commitment to the stewardship of our nation's most magnificent natural resources.