Become a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service

Are you looking to pivot your wildland firefighting experience into an administrative career that directly supports the safety of our nation's public lands? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring Forestry Technicians (Fire Dispatch) to coordinate operations and emergency responses. This position is vital for the effective management of fires across thousands of acres, ensuring resources reach the right place at the right time.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will work primarily in an office environment that transforms into an intense hub during fire season. Key responsibilities include:

Resource Deployment: Determining the best response to incident reports.
Operational Coordination: Operating telecommunications and radio systems to direct field crews.
Planning: Developing and refining mobilization guides and operating plans.
Analysis: Interpreting weather data to forecast fire behavior and needs.

Feature	Details
Position Title	Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
Salary Range	$57,670 - $81,343
Schedule	Career-Seasonal
Duty Locations	Multiple U.S. locations

Requirements

This is a mission-critical role. You must have prior primary wildland fire line experience. Without this documented proof, you cannot be considered. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen, pass a drug test, and be comfortable with rotating shifts and high-stress scenarios.

Salary and Benefits

Beyond the competitive base salary, you gain access to the federal benefits package. If you have previous primary fire experience, you may qualify for special secondary retirement coverage. Relocation assistance and recruitment incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Watch the Clock: The deadline is November 10, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
Resume Length: Strictly observe the two-page limit. If your resume is longer, it will be discarded.
Clarity: Explicitly state your "fire line" experience dates and hours worked per week.

Serving as a Fire Dispatcher is a high-responsibility role that demands mental fortitude and sharp communication skills. If you are ready to apply your boots-on-the-ground knowledge to a strategic role, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application.

Why This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Matters

Ready to be the calm in the storm? Join the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) and play a critical role in managing emergency responses for over 500 million acres of public land.

Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking dedicated, experienced professionals to serve as Forestry Technicians (Fire Dispatch). In this high-stakes, administrative role, you will be the heartbeat of fire management, processing incident reports, monitoring weather patterns, and orchestrating resource allocation during critical wildfire events. This is a career-seasonal position offering a unique path for those with a strong background in wildland firefighting.

Requirements for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must possess substantial prior primary wildland firefighting experience (minimum of one full fire season or 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience).
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Must maintain a valid state driver's license.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service.
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages with specific hour/week documentation.

Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Graduate-level education (18 semester hours) in a field directly related to forestry or emergency management.
Documented experience in dispatch computer programs and incident resource tracking.
Ability to operate and manage complex telecommunications and radio systems during peak emergency traffic.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Career-seasonal federal employment with full benefits.
✓Secondary firefighter retirement coverage (subject to eligibility criteria).
✓Opportunity for career ladder promotion to GS-07.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Basic moving expense reimbursement for eligible applicants.

💡 How to Apply Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full position announcement and prepare a two-page resume clearly detailing your fire line experience.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including unofficial transcripts if using education to qualify.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must clearly state the number of hours worked per week; failure to do this may result in a loss of credit for your experience.
Ensure your fire line experience is explicitly documented, as this is a screen-out factor.
Keep your resume to two single-sided pages with 0.5-inch margins; longer resumes will not be accepted.
Double-check that you have selected all desired duty locations in the application portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will serve as a critical link in wildland fire suppression, processing reports, managing resource deployment, and providing logistical support during fire incidents.

Is this a year-round position?

No, this is a career-seasonal position. You will typically work a tour-of-duty lasting between six and eleven and a half months, with the remainder of the year in a non-pay status.

Can I qualify with education alone?

Education can supplement experience, but you must still meet the selective placement factor requiring substantial, documented primary wildland firefighting experience.

What if I don't have enough fire line hours?

*A: This is a strict requirement for the position. If you do not meet the minimum fire line hours, you will be rated ineligible.*

How do I know if I have secondary retirement coverage?

*A: This is determined by your specific career history. Ensure your application includes clear details about your previous covered positions.*

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, part of the Department of the Interior (DOI), manages a massive portfolio of public and tribal lands. Their mandate includes wildfire suppression, prescribed fire planning, and collaborative fire-resilient landscape management. They work closely with the USDA Forest Service and local partners to keep communities safe.