Ops Wildland Fire Dispatcher

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER -

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher supports fire suppression and emergency response operations in the Florida Forest Service, coordinating firefighters, supervisors, pilots, and law enforcement personnel.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience in radio‑teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting, or other public contact work
• College education from an accredited institution can substitute for experience at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours
• Valid class E driver license

Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other incidents requiring travel as needed.

Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and Other Incidents: Operates a computer, radio and telephone to transmit, receive and store information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents. Follows protocol on “Smoke on the Highway” issues and maintains up‑to‑minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment.

Burn Authorizations, On‑Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance: Operates a computer, radio and telephone to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout five counties. Updates map with new burning authorizations, maintains landowner and certified burner contact information, notates special burning restrictions, and advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather.

Administrative Functions: Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports for the Communications Center. Uses various computer programs, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions, prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Active Member of the Communications Center: Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls. Gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, cooperators, news media personnel and the general public. Maintains up‑to‑date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies and cooperators.

Fire Weather Forecasts: Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners. Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.

Performs other related work as assigned and successfully completes all training requirements for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher position within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

• Professionalism – maintain professional standards and a calm, even‑tempered attitude during emergency situations.
• Communication and Active Listening – speak clearly, communicate information concisely, listen carefully and control conversations to obtain needed information quickly and accurately.
• Teamwork – work cooperatively and professionally with internal members and agency partners.
• Information Comprehension and Retention – understand, interpret and apply a variety of information and data, including reading maps and determining geographical/directional information.
• Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Judgment – quickly weigh and evaluate large volumes of information and consider numerous factors while making appropriate decisions based on training, experience, judgment, and established procedures.
• Multi‑tasking – handle multiple calls at the same time and perform several activities simultaneously, such as interacting with the caller, updating information and receiving/broadcasting radio information.
• Computer and Equipment Skills – proficiently operate a two‑way radio system, multi‑line telephone and a computer and associated systems/applications.

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements).
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online…