Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch): Launch Your Command Career in Oregon

Are you looking to transition from the fireline to the dispatch center? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is currently recruiting a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) to serve in Hines, Oregon. This vital role serves as the central nervous system for wildland fire suppression efforts in the region, ensuring that the right resources reach the right fires at the right time.

Job Responsibilities

As a Fire Dispatcher, your daily operations will be fast-paced and mission-critical. You will:

Receive and process incoming fire incident reports.
Manage complex telecommunications systems to coordinate suppression efforts.
Analyze incident data to allocate resources efficiently.
Develop and update mobilization guides and internal operating plans.
Maintain composure while managing radio traffic and emergency calls during peak fire activity.

Requirements

This position requires candidates to meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: You must have documented, primary wildland fireline experience (e.g., Engine Crew, Hotshot, Smokejumper).
Medical: You must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
License: A valid state driver’s license is required.

Salary Overview

Grade Level	Salary Range
GW-06/07	$57,670 - $81,343

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service enjoy comprehensive federal benefits including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement planning under the federal system.
Career ladder advancement potential to the GW-07 level.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Your resume must explicitly state hours per week for every position listed.
Documentation: Do not assume HR knows your history; provide all required transcripts and proof of fireline experience.
Follow Formatting: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.

If you are a motivated professional with a background in fire suppression looking to advance your career into dispatch operations, apply for this opening in Hines, Oregon, by November 17, 2026.

Why This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Are you a seasoned wildland fire expert ready to pivot into a critical command role? Become the heartbeat of fire operations as a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) in Hines, Oregon.

Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a skilled Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) to manage the critical flow of information and resources during fire suppression efforts. Based in Hines, Oregon, this role is the command center for emergency response. You will coordinate incident communications, allocate essential resources, and provide logistical support that directly impacts fire safety and containment. This is a Direct-Hire opportunity for candidates with substantial primary wildland firefighting experience, offering a career ladder path from the GW-06 to the GW-07 level.

Requirements for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Mandatory prior primary wildland firefighting experience (containment, control, suppression, or prescribed fire with suppression support).
Must be able to maintain a valid state driver's license.
Must pass a pre-appointment drug test and be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to wear the official U.S. Wildland Fire Service uniform.
Completion of a mandatory 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Ability to work long, intense hours, including weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations during fire season.

Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority

Demonstrated experience in operating and directing wildland fire dispatch telecommunications systems.
Proficiency in updating mobilization guides and developing fire-related operating plans.
Advanced ability to anticipate incident needs and determine efficient resource allocation under pressure.
Graduate education directly related to the position (18 semester hours/1 academic year) can be used to meet experience requirements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Federal Employee Health Benefits
✓Retirement Coverage (including secondary firefighter retirement provisions)
✓Career Ladder Promotion Potential
✓Opportunities for Professional Development

💡 How to Apply Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) - Direct Hire Authority Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a federal-style resume that explicitly lists hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/YY) for all relevant experience.
Draft a detailed narrative of your wildland fire experience, as this is a mandatory selective placement factor.
Gather and upload required documentation, including official or unofficial transcripts if using education to qualify.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 17, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be explicit in your resume; list the exact number of hours worked per week for every position to ensure your experience is credited.
Do not leave gaps in dates; use Month/Year format for every entry.
Focus your resume narrative on your on-the-ground fireline experience to satisfy the selective placement factor requirement.
Ensure your resume is no more than two single-sided pages with at least 0.5-inch margins.
Double-check your transcripts—they must include your name, the institution, and credit hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this position is located in Hines, Oregon, and telework is only permitted in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

What is the 'Selective Placement Factor'?

This is a mandatory screening requirement. To qualify, you must document significant primary wildland firefighting experience, such as at least one full fire season or 14 cumulative days of on-the-ground fireline experience.

What is the career ladder?

This position is advertised as a GW-06/07. If hired at the lower grade, you may be promoted to the next grade level based on performance and legal requirements.

Is fire experience mandatory?

Yes, it is a non-negotiable selective placement factor. You must document your fireline history clearly in your application.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for managing fire-resilient landscapes across 500 million acres of public and tribal land. We coordinate with a broad spectrum of federal, state, and private stakeholders to keep our communities safe.