Become a Public Safety Dispatcher with the National Park Service
Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill, emergency response, and a passion for our nation's great outdoors? The National Park Service is currently accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatchers under a local hiring authority. This is a unique opportunity to provide critical life-safety support within our national parks.
Job Responsibilities
Dispatchers serve as the central hub for emergency operations. Key duties include:
- Coordinating initial emergency responses and evaluating incident severity.
- Operating complex CAD systems, NCIC, and NLETS.
- Managing multi-jurisdictional radio traffic for police, fire, and medical services.
- Troubleshooting communication equipment and suggesting operational improvements.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet local residency requirements. Please ensure your resume is limited to two pages.
| Level | Specialized Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | 1 Year comparable to GS-4 |
| GS-6 | 1 Year comparable to GS-5 |
| GS-7 | 1 Year comparable to GS-6 |
| GS-8 | 1 Year comparable to GS-7 |
Salary Overview
Positions are available starting at the GS-5 level and ranging up to the GS-8 grade level, with an annual salary range of $40,736 to $72,644 depending on experience and location.
Benefits
Employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement options, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume includes the number of hours worked per week for every entry. Proof of residency is non-negotiable—submit your utility bill or lease agreement immediately.
This role is essential for park safety. If you have the skills to remain calm under pressure and coordinate complex logistics, apply today.
Why This Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher Job Matters
Be the calm voice in the chaos! Join the National Park Service as a Public Safety Dispatcher and play a vital role in protecting our nation's most iconic landscapes.
Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Public Safety Dispatchers. In this high-stakes, critical role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for emergency communications, coordinating responses for search and rescue, law enforcement, fire, and medical incidents. Whether you are working in the scenic beauty of Page, Arizona, or the majestic environment of Springdale, Utah, you will be the bridge between those in need and the teams on the ground.
Requirements for Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher
- U.S. Citizenship
- Valid driver's license
- Must pass a background investigation and suitability/fitness check
- Must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings
- Must reside within a 100-mile radius of the duty station (Page, AZ) or designated counties in UT/AZ (for Zion NP)
- Minimum 18 years of age (or 16 with specific educational credentials)
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher
- Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
- Proficiency with NCIC and NLETS database systems
- Previous dispatch experience in complex, multi-agency environments
- Experience in wildland fire, law enforcement, or EMS dispatching
- Strong technical aptitude for troubleshooting communication software
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (Ful) - Public Safety Dispatcher Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS if you haven't already.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather proof of residence documentation, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Ensure your transcripts (if applicable) are ready for upload.
- Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this will cause your application to be automatically rejected.
- Clearly state hours worked per week for every position on your resume.
- Do not include personal photos in your application documents.
- Double-check your proof of residency against the specific geographic requirements for your desired location.
- Use the resume builder tool in USAJOBS to ensure you capture all necessary federal formatting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a career-seasonal appointment mean?
You are a permanent employee, but the position is not year-round. Typically, you will work 25 pay periods and be in a non-pay status for a few weeks each year, usually during the winter months.
Are there specific residency requirements?
Yes. Due to the local nature of this position, you must provide proof that you reside within the designated commuting area, such as a 100-mile radius for the Page, AZ location.
Can I apply if I live outside the 100-mile radius?
No, residency in the local commuting area is required.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are dedicated to preserving our natural and cultural resources. As a dispatcher, you are the frontline of this mission, ensuring that field personnel and park visitors remain safe in some of the most beautiful, yet challenging, environments in the country.