Become a Wildland Firefighter: Aviation Dispatcher in Redding

Are you ready to elevate your career in wildland fire management? The U.S. Forest Service is currently recruiting for a specialized Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatcher) to join the Pacific Southwest Region. This role is essential for the safety and efficiency of fire suppression efforts, acting as the nerve center for regional aviation operations.

Job Responsibilities

As an Aviation Dispatcher, your duties will include:

Dispatching & Mobilization: Executing 24-hour fire suppression actions, including on-call support.
Operational Coordination: Analyzing fire situations to prioritize aircraft and resource deployment based on travel time and availability.
Planning: Developing and implementing regional aircraft coordination plans.
Safety Compliance: Ensuring all flight-following systems and agency standards are strictly adhered to.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
Education: Graduate-level coursework in forestry or related fields may substitute for some experience.
Physical/Legal: Must pass background checks, drug screenings, and potentially a Work Capacity Test.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GW-08 Level	GW-09 Level
Focus	Operational Support	Advanced Coordination
Contract Management	Routine Support	Independent Management
Promotion Potential	Yes	Full Performance

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $67,617 to $94,687 per year. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including retirement plans (FERS), health insurance, and potential recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume MUST be two pages or less. Submitting more will disqualify you.
Be Specific: Use clear, professional language to describe your experience with aviation dispatching or fire management.
Use the Portal: Always apply through the official USAJOBS interface.

Serving as an Aviation Dispatcher in Redding, California, is a high-stakes, rewarding opportunity to protect lives and public land. If you possess the experience and the drive to excel in a fast-paced environment, start your application today.

Why This Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc) Job Matters

Take command of the skies in the fight against wildland fires—join the Forest Service as an Aviation Dispatcher and coordinate the critical resources that keep our forests and communities safe.

Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc) Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking a dedicated Wildland Firefighter to serve as an Aviation Dispatcher within the Pacific Southwest Region (GACC) based in Redding, California. This role serves as a vital communications and coordination hub, managing the complex logistics of aircraft, equipment, and personnel needed for wildfire suppression across the region. You will be at the forefront of aviation management, balancing urgent operational needs with safety standards to support ground crews and protect the nation's natural resources.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required due to the nature of this secondary firefighter position.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Must pass the Work Capacity Test if applicable to the specific role requirements.
Ability to work in remote locations and manage unpredictable, high-stress situations.
Possession of a valid driver's license (and potentially a CDL).
Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc)

Master's degree or two years of graduate-level education in fields such as forestry, agriculture, or range management.
Prior federal service experience at the GS-07 or GS-08 level demonstrating specialized dispatch or aviation management skills.
Demonstrated experience in contract management and aviation safety program support.
Proven track record in emergency mobilization planning and operational resource coordination.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal retirement benefits (CSRS/FERS)
✓Competitive salary based on locality pay
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Opportunity for professional growth and promotion potential to GS-09
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to natural resource stewardship

💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch Gacc) Job

Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your experience and qualifications.
Gather necessary documentation, including college transcripts (if applicable).
Complete the online application via the USAJOBS portal.
Answer the assessment questionnaire honestly and thoroughly.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.
Submit all materials by the closing date of September 22, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties listed in the job description.
Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and are in a compatible format (PDF, DOC, etc.).
Start your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Reach out to the HR contact if you require reasonable accommodations or face technical hardships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Aviation Dispatcher actually do?

You are the central point of contact for regional fire aviation. You manage the scheduling of aircraft, track flight paths, interpret emergency mobilization plans, and ensure that the right personnel and equipment arrive where they are needed most.

Is this a remote or telework position?

This position is not indicated as eligible for full-time remote or telework; it requires onsite coordination in Redding, California, to handle 24-hour dispatching responsibilities.

Job from Forest Service

The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public lands. Working here means more than just a job; it is a commitment to the conservation and protection of our nation’s most magnificent landscapes. Employees are tasked with the awesome responsibility of protecting natural resources while providing support to local and state forestry agencies.