Forestry Technician; Fire Dispatch

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crew member within the fire management organization. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a fire dispatcher in support of fire suppression activities.

• Determines the appropriate response to incidents and requests from the field and independently plans and carries out the procedural and technical tasks involved in the dispatching of personnel, equipment, and/or supplies to suppress wildland fires.
• Resolves the full range of irregular or problem situations in anticipating resource needs for fire suppression activities. Makes recommendations regarding resource orders or anticipated orders.
• Coordinates aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety).
• Based upon current wildland fire suppression activity and utilizing prior wildland firefighting experience and training, anticipates fire suppression needs and determines resource allocation.
• Operates and/or directs the operation of various dispatch telecommunication systems. Organizes and reviews completed records of all orders placed and actions taken to ensure adherence to established operating procedures.
• Processes and interprets weather information (e.g., spot weather forecasts, weather station observations, current and forecasted weather, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels).
• This information is used to determine burning indices, preparedness levels and staffing levels for suppression and aviation resources.
• Performs, and directs others, in inputting data into a number of fire-related computer applications (e.g., incident qualification records, fire reporting systems, and automated dispatch systems) and makes assessment of outputs.
• Resolves a full range of irregular problem situations encountered when performing highly interrelated, nonstandard assignments pertaining to the fire management program activities.
• Plans and provides critical logistical support information to the supervisor for successful implementation of fire management program activities. Makes recommendations concerning the efficient use of available resources.
• Provides information and consults with cooperators and other interested entities. Records and maintains communication logs. Coordinates and may assist with fire training and orientation.
• Reviews internal operating procedures and systems, makes recommendations for improvement, and updates/develops operating plans and mobilization guides. Provides assistance on problems encountered by lower-level dispatch personnel.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify.
• Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.
• This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336© (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions.