Supporting Our Forests: Careers in Fire Dispatch with the U.S. Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that combines emergency response with the vital mission of protecting America's public lands? The U.S. Forest Service is currently hiring Forestry Technicians (Fire Dispatch) for the upcoming 2027 season. This role is not just a job; it is a critical function that ensures the safety of personnel, equipment, and our natural resources during the heat of fire season.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fire Dispatcher, your primary objective is to manage the flow of information and resources during wildland fire incidents. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Resource Management: Receiving and tracking requests for fire crews, aircraft, and specialized equipment.
- Aviation Coordination: Managing flight plans, assessing aircraft capabilities, and ensuring safety protocols for aerial resources.
- Data Analysis: Inputting and interpreting weather data to help determine burning indices and staffing levels.
- Communication: Acting as the central point of contact, maintaining detailed logs of all incident-related activities.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet stringent federal criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test and meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards.
- Drug Testing: You must be prepared for pre-employment and random drug screenings as part of a Testing Designated Position.
- Legal: Must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old, and comply with Selective Service requirements.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or National |
| Age Minimum | 18 Years |
| Drug Testing | Mandatory (Pre-employment & Random) |
| Experience Needed | 1 Year of Specialized Experience |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive base pay of $27.63 per hour. As a federal employee, you will be joining an organization that values both your contributions to public safety and your personal professional development. The work environment provides unparalleled experience in high-stakes emergency logistics.
Application Tips
Getting your foot in the door with the Forest Service requires attention to detail.
- Respect the Resume Length: A strict two-page limit applies. Ensure your most relevant experience is placed front and center.
- Documentation: Make sure all your uploads are legible and in a non-encrypted format.
- Stay Alert: Keep your email notifications active in the USAJOBS portal to ensure you receive updates regarding your application status.
If you possess the experience and the drive to coordinate the front lines of wildland fire suppression, we invite you to apply. This is a challenging, rewarding, and essential role that directly supports the health of our forests.
Why This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Matters
Take command of the front lines—your skills in dispatching and coordination are the heartbeat of wildland fire suppression efforts with the U.S. Forest Service.
Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking dedicated Forestry Technicians to serve as Fire Dispatchers. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of emergency operations, managing resource requests, tracking fire suppression equipment, and coordinating complex logistical support. You will play a vital role in protecting our nation's forests by ensuring the right resources are in the right place at the right time during incident responses.
Requirements for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
- Must provide proof of prior wildland firefighting experience.
- Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty.
- Must successfully pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters.
- Must successfully complete an E-Verify employment check.
- Willingness to live and work in remote and unpredictable environments.
Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
- Prior experience operating complex fire telecommunication systems.
- Proficiency in fire-related software for tracking incident qualification records and reporting.
- Direct experience in aviation dispatch, including flight planning and safety protocols.
- Demonstrated ability to handle nonstandard, high-pressure emergency situations independently.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Direct deposit of salary.
- ✓Professional development and wildfire training opportunities.
- ✓Opportunity to contribute to national land conservation and public safety.
- ✓Experience working within a premier federal land management agency.
💡 How to Apply Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully, noting all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages, highlighting relevant fire experience and duties.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including unofficial college transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your application package electronically via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS profile.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically disqualified.
- Ensure your document uploads are under 5MB and in supported formats like PDF or Word.
- Double-check that your work history clearly maps to the 'Major Duties' section of the job description.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Turn on email notifications in your profile so you do not miss critical updates regarding your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected schedule for this position?
This is a temporary position for the FY2027 season, with start dates typically falling between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.
Can I use education to substitute for experience?
No, for this specific GS-06 level position, there is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this role requires on-site presence and is not eligible for telework.
What is the duration of this appointment?
This is a temporary position that will be filled for up to 6 months or NTE 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Where will I be working?
The locations are negotiable after selection from a list of various regional hubs across the U.S.
Job from Forest Service
The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. We are committed to sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests to meet the needs of present and future generations. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy that spans over a century of environmental stewardship.