Become a Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) with the USDA Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that combines emergency management with the vital task of protecting America's natural landscapes? The USDA Forest Service is currently hiring for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) positions across the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5). These roles are essential to the success of our fire suppression and resource management missions.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fire Dispatcher, you will serve as the eyes and ears of the regional fire program. Key duties include:
- Coordinating the movement of firefighters and equipment during wildland incidents.
- Operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to track resources.
- Managing aviation dispatch, including tracking aircraft capabilities and safety.
- Inputting critical fire data into agency databases.
- Supporting law enforcement and all-risk incident activities.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
- Pass a mandatory background check and drug screening.
- Be prepared to work in potentially remote and unpredictable environments.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary based on the Rest of U.S. (RUS) locality pay scale.
| Pay Grade | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GW-05 to GW-07 | $52,957 - $81,343 |
Benefits
- Special federal retirement coverage (5 USC 8336(c) / 8412(d)).
- Career progression and training.
- Health, life, and disability insurance options.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages. Clearly list your work experience, including the number of hours worked per week, as this is critical for verifying your qualifications. Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and in the correct format.
Serving as a Fire Dispatcher is a high-stakes, high-reward role. If you are ready to make a difference in fire management, apply through the official federal portal today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job Matters
Join the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter Dispatcher and become the central nerve center for emergency operations in the Pacific Southwest.
Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals to fill essential Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) roles across multiple locations in California. As a key member of the incident response team, you will manage vital communications, coordinate resource allocation, and provide critical logistical support during wildland fire and emergency incidents. This position is vital to protecting our nation's natural resources and ensuring the safety of fire crews and the public.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing thereafter.
- Must pass the Work Capacity Test if applicable to the specific position.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
- Must be willing to live and work in potentially remote, unpredictable environments.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Subject to a satisfactory background investigation and fingerprint check.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher)
- Experience operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate aviation dispatch operations, including flight planning and safety.
- Experience tracking resource requests and managing fire-related databases.
- Graduate-level coursework in forestry, range management, or related agricultural fields for higher grade levels.
- Strong logistical planning and organizational skills in emergency management settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) special retirement provisions for firefighters.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Career development and promotion potential up to the GW-07 level.
- ✓Direct deposit for all federal payments.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a resume that specifically details your relevant experience, including dates and hours worked per week.
- Gather necessary documentation, including college transcripts (if using education to qualify).
- Click the Apply button on the official vacancy announcement to enter the Agency's staffing system.
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire accurately.
- Upload all required supporting documents in a format under 5MB (PDF, DOC, etc.).
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages; longer resumes will be removed from consideration.
- Ensure your work history clearly maps to the 'specialized experience' examples listed in the announcement.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have transferred correctly into the Agency's specific staffing system.
- Avoid using Adobe Portfolio formats as they are not compatible with the system.
- Start your application well before the deadline to allow time for troubleshooting technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior firefighting experience required?
Yes, prior wildland firefighting experience is mandatory for these secondary positions.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
The position has a promotion potential up to the GW-07 level.
Are there age limits for this job?
No, there is no age limit for entry into these specific secondary fire positions.
How do I know if I qualify?
Review the 'Specialized Experience' section of the announcement and ensure your resume reflects these exact duties.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation incentives may be authorized at the discretion of the hiring official.
Job from Forest Service
The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of the nation's most beautiful and critical lands. By joining our team, you contribute to a mission that includes research, state and private forestry assistance, and active disaster response. It is a rewarding career that offers unique challenges and a sense of purpose that is hard to find elsewhere.