Become an Interagency Dispatch Center Manager with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service
Are you a leader with a passion for logistics and emergency management? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist to serve as an Interagency Dispatch Center Manager. This is a unique opportunity to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional operations that are critical to the success of fire suppression and resource management across the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As the Dispatch Center Manager, you will hold a leadership position responsible for:
- Directing daily dispatch operations and maintaining high standards of readiness.
- Budget oversight and managing funds across diverse agency partners.
- Coordinating resource mobilization during wildfire incidents.
- Implementing long-range strategic plans for interagency operations.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 Year at GW-11 level |
| Firefighting Experience | Required (Primary/Rigorous) |
| Qualifications | Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) |
| Education | No substitution allowed at this grade |
Requirements
This position requires candidates to meet strict eligibility standards. You must have proven experience in the field, including active participation in primary wildland firefighting. Applicants must demonstrate their expertise in leadership and incident management while ensuring all administrative, medical, and background check requirements are fulfilled.
Salary and Benefits
Positions in this series are covered under the GW pay table specific to wildland firefighters. The annual salary ranges from $97,564 to $147,865. Benefits include standard federal retirement options and potential eligibility for secondary firefighter retirement benefits, health insurance, and relocation incentives where applicable.
Application Tips
To be successful, ensure your resume is concise, detailed, and strictly adheres to the two-page limit. Double-check that you have uploaded your SF-50 and IQCS Master Record to prevent automatic disqualification.
Serving as a Dispatch Center Manager is a rewarding career path for those dedicated to public safety and land management. If you possess the experience and leadership drive, apply today to help lead the future of wildland fire logistics.
Why This Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager) Job Matters
Take command of critical fire dispatch operations and lead interagency teams in protecting our nation's wildlands with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager) Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as a Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager). In this pivotal role, you will oversee high-stakes dispatch operations, manage critical agency budgets, and coordinate multi-jurisdictional responses to wildland fire incidents. This position requires a blend of advanced administrative expertise, operational logistics knowledge, and a strong background in wildland fire suppression.
Requirements for Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager)
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing thereafter.
- Must hold a valid driver's license.
- Must register with the Selective Service if born after December 31, 1959.
- Completion of NWCG course S-491 within one year of entry.
- Must meet the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) standards for a Center Manager.
- Must possess Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) qualifications.
- Must have prior primary wildland firefighting experience (minimum of one full season or 14 days of fireline experience).
- Must have one year of specialized experience at the GW-11 level or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager)
- Proven experience in interagency dispatch coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and reconcile multi-source agency budgets.
- Strong leadership background in complex, high-pressure emergency environments.
- Proficiency in long-range operational planning and resource mobilization strategies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Secondary firefighter retirement coverage (subject to eligibility requirements).
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for eligible candidates.
- ✓Structured career path within the Department of the Interior.
- ✓Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist (Interagency Dispatch Center Manager) Job
- Visit the online application portal and log in to your account.
- Review the specific job vacancy requirements and select your preferred locations.
- Build or update your federal resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages and lists hours worked per week.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your SF-50 (for current federal employees) and your IQCS Master Record.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise: Clearly list hours worked per week for every position on your resume, as this is critical for qualification.
- Avoid extras: Do not include photos or portfolio documents, as these are not reviewed.
- Be thorough: Submit your most recent performance appraisal and an awards list from the last five years to ensure your application is given 'due weight'.
- Verify documents: Ensure your IQCS Master Record is attached; failure to do so will result in an automatic 'not qualified' rating.
- Check status: Log into your account periodically to view updates, as the agency will not provide status inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for special firefighter retirement?
Yes, it is classified as a secondary-administrative firefighter position; however, eligibility is based on your previous service history and specific criteria defined by federal law (5 U.S.C. 8336(c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d)).
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
The system will reject it. Your resume must not exceed two single-sided pages to be considered for this role.
Can I apply if I do not have direct federal fire experience?
Yes, provided you have equivalent wildland fire experience from state, tribal, local, or private-sector organizations that meets the primary firefighter requirements.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on the tactical and administrative coordination of wildland fire resources across various jurisdictions.
Is relocation offered?
Relocation incentives and PCS may be available for eligible candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is part of the Department of the Interior. It manages fire programs across 500 million acres of public and tribal land. By coordinating with federal agencies, state foresters, and tribal partners, the USWFS ensures that fire-resilient landscapes are maintained and that emergency response efforts are effective and well-funded.