Become an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager with the U.S. Forest Service

Are you ready to play a critical role in the management of our nation’s wilderness? The U.S. Forest Service is currently hiring for the position of Assistant Dispatch Center Manager. This is a high-stakes, rewarding opportunity to lead logistics, coordinate emergency resources, and provide critical support during wildland fire events. If you possess a strong background in firefighting and operational dispatch, this role offers a pathway to impactful federal service.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of wildfire communication and logistics. Your duties at the GW-09 level will include:

Resource Management: Setting priorities for personnel, equipment, and aircraft response.
Dispatch Coordination: Directing air and ground resources and performing aircraft flight following.
Operational Planning: Developing and maintaining complex mobilization and dispatch operating plans.
Strategic Communication: Liaising with state, local, and federal agencies to ensure efficient resource exchange.

Comparison: Grade Levels

Feature	GW-08	GW-09
Scope	Developmental/Specialized	Full Performance
Required Experience	1 Year at GW-07	1 Year at GW-08
Primary Focus	Support & Maintenance	Operational Leadership

Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold previous wildland firefighting experience.
Meet the IFPM/FS-FPM selective placement factors.
Successfully pass a background investigation and drug screening.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $67,617 to $94,687 per year, based on the locality pay for the Rest of the U.S. (RUS) area. Final compensation depends on your specific duty location.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Federal retirement programs (FERS).
Health and life insurance options.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Potential recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Highlight the specific duties and series/grade of your previous roles.
Document Organization: Ensure all training records, including your IQCS Master Record, are clearly labeled and legible.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hour. Submit your application early to avoid system congestion.

Serving as an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager is a unique challenge that places you at the center of critical land management and emergency operations. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for public safety and the outdoors, apply today to start your career with the USDA Forest Service.

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

Take command at the heart of wildfire operations and help safeguard our nation's forests as an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager.

Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job Overview

The USDA Forest Service is seeking experienced professionals for the Assistant Dispatch Center Manager role. You will operate within high-pressure interagency dispatch centers, managing critical communications and coordinating the distribution of resources—including personnel, aircraft, and equipment—during complex wildfire incidents. These positions are vital for ensuring operational safety, logistical efficiency, and effective crisis management across diverse locations throughout the United States.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in random testing programs.
Documented previous wildland firefighting experience (Secondary Firefighter status).
Must provide valid proof of Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) status or equivalent training records.
Completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
Ability to work in remote locations with unpredictable and sometimes volatile conditions.
Must undergo a satisfactory background investigation and fingerprint check.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)

Graduate-level education in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a closely related field.
Proven history of coordinating resource mobilization across interagency, state, and local fire departments.
Experience in aviation flight following, flight plan preparation, and emergency aircraft dispatching.
Proficiency in developing complex dispatch operating plans and unit mobilization strategies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or CSRS.
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Promotion potential to the GW-09 level.
✓Access to government housing in specific locations.
✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

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

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

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather your IQCS Master Record and/or signed Agency Certified task book.
Visit the online application portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
Submit your application package electronically before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status through your personal account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your work history to the major duties listed in the announcement.
Verify that your uploaded documents are under 5MB and in accepted formats like PDF or Word.
Do not use Adobe Portfolio files; these are not readable by the hiring system.
Contact the regional representative listed for your specific area if you have technical questions or need hardship assistance.
Ensure all transcripts clearly display your name and course details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager?

The manager coordinates the movement of personnel, equipment, and aircraft during emergencies, maintains resource availability records, and implements complex fire management and mobilization plans.

Is prior experience required for this role?

Yes, prior wildland firefighting experience is mandatory for this secondary firefighter position.

Can I apply if I am not currently NWCG qualified?

You may still apply if you can provide documentation that you were previously qualified and can demonstrate the ability to regain currency within one year of your hire date.

Job from Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service (USDA) manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. As part of our team, you contribute to a legacy of conservation and emergency management.