A Career in Coordination: Becoming an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager
In the high-pressure world of wildland fire management, the success of the boots on the ground often depends on the strategic decisions made in the dispatch center. The U.S. Forest Service is looking for skilled professionals to fill the role of Assistant Dispatch Center Manager. This position is a bridge between administrative planning and on-the-ground emergency response.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager, your daily responsibilities will revolve around the complex coordination of resources during fire incidents. Key tasks include:
- Directing the movement of personnel, specialized equipment, and supplies.
- Coordinating flight plans for fire suppression aircraft.
- Maintaining status logs for resources across regional and national levels.
- Developing unit mobilization and dispatch operating plans.
- Ensuring seamless communication between federal, state, and local agencies.
Role Comparison
| Feature | Assistant Dispatch Manager | On-the-Ground Firefighter |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Environment | Interagency Dispatch Center | Wildland Fire Field/Forest |
| Focus | Logistics & Strategy | Suppression & Containment |
| Key Tool | CAD Systems & Radio Nets | Pulaskis, Engines, Air Support |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet specific experience benchmarks. You are required to provide proof of your NWCG certifications, specifically the Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) requirement. Applicants must also maintain a clean record regarding drug testing and security checks.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $67,617 to $94,687 per year, depending on location and experience. Benefits include robust federal retirement plans, health insurance, and potential recruitment/relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less and that you have attached your IQCS Master Record. Use the official USAJOBS portal to submit your application and monitor your status in real-time.
If you have the firefighting experience and the desire to step into a logistical leadership role, the Forest Service wants to hear from you. This position offers a unique way to influence fire management outcomes at scale.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job Matters
Ready to lead from the center? Use your wildland firefighting expertise to coordinate life-saving operations and manage critical emergency responses for the U.S. Forest Service.
Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced professionals to serve as Assistant Dispatch Center Managers. In this vital role, you will work within interagency dispatch centers to oversee operational workflows, coordinate the movement of personnel and equipment, and ensure the safety of crews during high-stakes wildland fire incidents. This is a unique opportunity to apply your tactical fire knowledge to logistical management, impacting operations across multiple national regions.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)
- U.S. Citizenship or National.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Current or past qualification in IFPM/FS-FPM standards.
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/59).
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and maintain a drug-free workplace.
- Must provide Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record.
- Maximum two-page resume requirement.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager)
- Experience in coordinating air and ground transportation for emergency operations.
- Proven history of developing mobilization plans and complex dispatch operating guides.
- Advanced education in forestry, agriculture, or range management.
- Strong proficiency in interagency communication protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement coverage under FERS/CSRS
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Access to federal health and life insurance programs
- ✓Opportunities for professional career development
- ✓Potential for government-provided housing in certain locations
- ✓Work-life balance with defined tours of duty
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Dispatch Center Manager) Job
- Review the full announcement on USAJOBS thoroughly.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your wildland firefighting experience and adheres strictly to the two-page limit.
- Gather your IQCS Master Record and official/unofficial transcripts.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation in a non-encrypted format (PDF, Word, TXT, etc.).
- Submit your application package prior to 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience—don't assume the hiring manager knows your acronyms.
- Double-check your document file sizes; they must be under 5MB each.
- Avoid using Adobe Portfolio, as these files cannot be opened by the system.
- Submit your materials early to avoid potential technical issues near the deadline.
- If you have a disability, reach out to the agency contact for reasonable accommodation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior wildland firefighting experience required?
Yes, this position serves as a secondary firefighter role, and documented wildland fire experience is a mandatory requirement.
What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?
Per the job announcement, applications with resumes longer than two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
Can I apply if my NWCG qualifications are currently expired?
Currency is not required for selection, but you must provide documentation that you were fully qualified in the past and demonstrate the ability to regain currency within one year of hire.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Beyond fire suppression, the agency conducts critical research and assists private and state forestry organizations. Working for the Forest Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the stewardship of the nation's most iconic landscapes.