Career Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (WFD2)

Full Job Description

Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly
Please note: In addition to the salary range advertised, the incumbent will receive an additional 5% King County duty station pay.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/11/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Interviews for these positions will tentatively occur in March. Positions may be filled from May through October, depending on the timing of fire season, candidate availability, and agency needs.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher.

Are you detail-oriented? A confident communicator and active listener? Do you want to gain experience in high-stress situations while supporting emergency work? As a Wildland Fire Dispatcher, you will perform a critical role in emergency management by dispatching and tracking agency resources. You will complete additional tasks, such as fire reporting analysis, logistics, documentation, records management, and other wildfire-related support. This is your opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-functioning team, develop lasting relationships with, and contribute to the safety and protection of our region’s residents and natural resources.

To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:

• Service-oriented;
• Calm under pressure;
• Attentive to detail;
• Self-motivated;
• And possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additionally, the person serving in this role will be required to learn and implement complex procedures and technical programs utilized in dispatching. They will use their judgment to make daily decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
This position activates an emergency response when life, property, or natural resources are threatened due to wildfire.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive and prioritize communications from agency staff, 911 dispatch centers, and the public via telephone and radio transmissions;
• Document, evaluate, and disseminate reports of wildland fire, smoke complaints, accidents/incidents, and all-hazard incidents on DNR-protected lands;
• Accurately track and record agency resource status and logistical availability in support of incident response and preparedness;
• In coordination with incident command staff, initiate the response to local incidents in accordance with agency protocols and guidelines;
• Provide vital flight navigation data to aviation assets such as latitude and longitude of an incident, air-air and air-ground radio frequencies, ground contacts, and flight hazards or restrictions;
• Provide flight following and monitor critical navigation data to track aviation assets within the SPS Region while in transit and during incident response;
• Clerical dispatch duties include tracking and documenting resource availability, resource or incident locations, weather forecasting, fire reporting, and incident orders;
• Process fire weather information and distribute daily intelligence reports to region resources;
• Works with the Wildland Fire Management Division and the Northwest Coordination Center to dispatch local resources to state, national, and international wildfire and all-hazard incidents utilizing the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in computer programs such as Microsoft Suite and Adobe.
• Experience involving public contact or communication, such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work, which includes interacting with the public.
• Accustomed to relating to a diverse customer base.
• Must be able to type 40 words per minute.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

The position is located in a communication center. This may be a single agency DNR communication office or an interagency communication center. Work is performed in an office setting.

Must be able to pick up and carry appropriate office supplies (up to 25 lbs.) as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, and reactive environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee (IADP-T), or Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher Trainee (EDSD-T).
• Two seasons as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2.
• Wildland fire suppression experience.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process will be asked to take a Typing Test at the time of their interview.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Eide at daniel.eide@dnr.wa.gov/253-651-5838 or Daniel Dehrens at daniel.behrens@dnr.wa.gov/253-553-7349 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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