Become a Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) with the USDA Forest Service
Are you an experienced wildland firefighter looking to leverage your field expertise in a critical support role? The USDA Forest Service is currently recruiting for Fire Dispatchers in various locations across California. This role is a vital component of the Forest Service’s firefighting mission, serving as the nervous system for incident response.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fire Dispatcher, your primary responsibility is the orchestration of resources during fire incidents. You will:
- Coordinate the movement of equipment, aircraft, and personnel.
- Monitor telecommunications systems during high-stakes emergency scenarios.
- Manage and update resource tracking systems.
- Process incident reporting, including spot weather forecasts and prescribed fire requests.
Requirements
This is a specialized role with strict entry requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have previous wildland firefighting experience. Candidates must pass drug testing and background checks, as well as the Work Capacity Test.
Comparison Table: Qualifications by Grade
| Requirement | Grade GW-04 | Grade GW-05 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 6 months | 1 year |
| Education | 2 years study | 4 years study (Bachelor's) |
| Primary Focus | Support/Maintenance | Full Dispatch Operations |
Salary Overview
This position offers a base salary range of $48,424 to $68,844 per year. Locality pay varies by your specific duty station in California.
Benefits
Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance options, and opportunities for long-term career growth within the agency.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume under two pages; this is a strict requirement.
- Explicitly mention your firefighting background and how it applies to dispatch operations.
- Ensure all documents are non-encrypted and properly formatted.
This position is ideal for someone with fire management experience who is ready to take the next step in their career. Apply today to help us manage and protect our national forests.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job Matters
Take your wildland firefighting experience to the command center and serve as a vital link in emergency response operations.
Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) positions within the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5). This role is essential to managing the movement of personnel, equipment, and aircraft during emergency incidents. You will work within high-pressure dispatch environments, ensuring that resources are deployed safely and efficiently across federal, state, and tribal lands.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is a mandatory prerequisite.
- Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-59).
- Pass a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Willingness to participate in mandatory random drug testing.
- Successfully pass the Work Capacity Test as required.
- Ability to work in remote locations and manage unpredictable schedules.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher)
- Experience operating telecommunications equipment in emergency dispatch settings.
- Prior experience processing fire incident reports and resource tracking.
- Strong data entry and computer application skills related to fire management systems.
- Ability to interpret weather data and smoke permit requirements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits
- ✓Career advancement and promotion opportunities
- ✓Training and development within the wildfire management field
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dispatcher) Job
- Review the full job announcement on the official career portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your wildland firefighting background (must not exceed two pages).
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts if applicable.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your application package electronically before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the online applicant portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Clearly link your past experiences—including volunteer work—to the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, DOC, TXT) and are not encrypted.
- Apply well before the closing deadline to avoid technical issues.
- When claiming experience, include specific dates of employment, hours worked per week, and grade levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior firefighting experience required?
Yes, this is a mandatory prerequisite for this position as it falls under specialized fire management duties.
Can I work remotely?
No, this position requires you to work on-site at a designated dispatch center in California.
What is the probation period?
You will be required to complete a one-year probationary period to evaluate your performance and suitability for the role.
Are there multiple locations available?
*A: Yes, we are hiring at various duty stations throughout California.*
What if I have questions about the application?
*A: Contact the Forest Service Human Resources Management center at 1-877-372-7248.*
Job from Forest Service
The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public lands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for present and future generations. As a Fire Dispatcher, you will play a key role in protecting these resources and the communities that surround them.