Launch Your Career as a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) with the USDA Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that combines logistical precision with the high-stakes world of emergency management? The USDA Forest Service is hiring motivated individuals to join our fire management organization as Forestry Technicians (Fire Dispatch). This position is perfect for those with wildland fire experience who are ready to step into a critical support role that keeps our field crews safe and effective.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fire Dispatcher, you are the lifeline of the forest. Your primary duties include:
- Emergency Resource Management: Tracking equipment, aircraft, and personnel requests during active fire incidents.
- Communication: Operating telecommunications systems to maintain logs and share information with field cooperators.
- Logistical Support: Developing mobilization guides and processing spot weather forecasts to determine fire preparedness levels.
- Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate records for incident qualification and fire reporting systems.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must demonstrate:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Experience: Prior wildland firefighting experience is mandatory.
- Screening: Candidates must successfully pass drug testing and background investigations.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $25.37 per hour (Rest of U.S. Locality) |
| Job Type | Temporary (FY2027 Season) |
| Security Clearance | Low Risk / Non-Sensitive |
| Telework | Not Eligible |
Application Tips
- Mind the Page Count: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all uploaded transcripts or certifications are legible and in a non-encrypted format.
- Stay Timely: Submit your application well before the deadline to account for any potential system lag.
Working as a Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in how the United States manages its most precious resources. If you have the drive and the experience, we invite you to apply and help us protect our forests for future generations.
Why This Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Matters
Join the front lines of wildland fire management and provide the vital logistical heartbeat that keeps our firefighters safe and effective.
Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated Forestry Technicians (Fire Dispatch) to serve as the critical link in emergency operations. In this role, you will be the command center for wildland fire and emergency incidents, managing resource requests, tracking personnel and equipment, and interpreting complex weather and fire indices. This is a unique opportunity to play a foundational role in disaster response and natural resource protection across a diverse range of duty locations.
Requirements for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and ongoing random testing.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license as required by duty station.
- Willingness to work in remote and potentially volatile or unpredictable environments.
- Compliance with federal direct deposit requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
- Experience in filing and retrieving documents within a fast-paced dispatch environment.
- Proficiency in processing and interpreting spot weather forecasts and fuel moisture data.
- Prior experience operating complex telecommunications systems during emergency incidents.
- Technical familiarity with fire reporting systems and automated dispatch software.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistical support during high-pressure field operations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay rate.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the USDA Forest Service.
- ✓Access to federal benefits programs including health and retirement options.
- ✓Training and development in advanced fire and aviation dispatching protocols.
- ✓Contribution to meaningful, high-impact public service.
💡 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.
- Carefully review the entire job announcement to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather supporting documents such as college transcripts if applicable.
- Click the 'Apply' button to complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation in an accepted format (PDF, DOC, etc.).
- Submit your application package before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your specific experience in wildland fire or dispatching.
- Keep your resume to two pages; submissions exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted, as these will be rejected by the system.
- Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive updates on your application status.
- Double-check your course descriptions if using education to meet qualification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary appointment intended for the FY2027 season, typically for up to six months or up to one year, with the possibility of extension.
Can I work remotely?
No, this position is not eligible for telework. You will be assigned to a specific duty station, though multiple locations are listed for this announcement.
What if I have trouble applying online?
If you experience a technical hardship, please contact the agency representative provided in the job announcement well before the closing date for guidance on alternative submission methods.
What is the expected start date?
The anticipated start window for the FY2027 hiring season is between April 18 and June 13, 2027.
Can I apply for multiple locations?
Yes, this announcement covers various geographic regions. Your application will be shared with the relevant regional offices for consideration.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands. When you join the Forest Service, you become part of a network dedicated to environmental stewardship, research, and emergency response. It is a challenging, rewarding career that offers a perspective on the natural world that few others can provide.