Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch): A Career in Fire Management

Are you looking for a career that combines emergency response with logistical precision? The U.S. Forest Service is currently hiring Forestry Technicians specializing in Fire Dispatch. This role is essential to the safety and success of fire suppression efforts across the United States. If you have experience in wildland fire operations and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to serve the public on the front lines of forest management.

Job Responsibilities

As a Fire Dispatcher, your primary duty is to ensure the efficient movement of resources to the field. Key responsibilities include:

• Dispatch Coordination: Receiving and tracking resource requests for personnel, equipment, and aircraft.
• Incident Reporting: Collating and submitting critical incident data, including smoke permits and weather forecasts.
• Communication: Maintaining detailed logs and operating complex telecommunications systems.
• Planning: Assisting in the development of mobilization guides and training simulations.

Requirements

This position requires candidates who are reliable, professional, and prepared for high-pressure situations. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Experience: Prior experience in wildland firefighting is required.
• Drug Testing: As a Testing Designated Position, all candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and may be subject to random testing.
• Documentation: Applicants must submit a resume limited to two pages.

Comparison: Standard vs. Dispatch Roles

Feature	Standard Fire Crew	Fire Dispatcher
Primary Focus	Field Suppression	Logistical Coordination
Work Setting	Field/Backcountry	Dispatch Office
Communication	Radio-heavy	Multi-channel Systems
Travel	Frequent to Fires	Rare (mostly office-based)

Salary Overview

The starting pay for this position is $25.37 per hour. Please note that salary adjustments may apply based on the specific location of the duty station as established by the Office of Personnel Management.

Benefits

Employees gain experience in one of the most respected land management agencies in the world. You will work alongside professionals dedicated to natural resource preservation and emergency management, gaining valuable skills in federal incident response.

Application Tips

• Mind the Limit: The two-page resume rule is strictly enforced.
• Accuracy: Ensure all educational and work history dates are precise.
• Formatting: Avoid Adobe Portfolio or encrypted files, as these cannot be processed.

Serving as a Fire Dispatcher is a challenging and rewarding career path. If you are ready to help protect our nation’s forests, review the requirements carefully and submit your application to the U.S. Forest Service today.