Attack Dispatcher

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona’s people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs;

collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.

Initial Attack Dispatcher

Job Location:

2901 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85027

Posting Details:
Salary: $22.98 - $27.16 Hourly | Grade: 18 | Closing Date:
Open Until Filled, First Review of Resumes March 19, 2026

Initial Attack Dispatchers receive and evaluate reports of incidents and initiate the appropriate response of firefighting resources. They are responsible for tracking DFFM field crews and overhead to ensure personnel safety and operational accountability. The position submits and processes requests to allocate and mobilize essential personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies to support incident operations, and coordinates the demobilization of resources upon incident completion.

This role requires the coordination of multiple activities and functions to deliver efficient and effective operational support. Dispatchers independently perform the full range of initial attack dispatch and logistical duties while ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, contracts, and guidelines. Decisions are routinely made without prior approval from higher-level staff, and lead responsibilities as needed.

• Maintains current knowledge of response protocols and independently manages the procedural and technical aspects of dispatching personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies for wildland fire suppression.
• Fulfills field requests and ensures continuous tracking and accountability of DFFM field crews and overhead to support personnel safety.
• Anticipates resource needs based on current fire activity, weather conditions, and operational priorities.
• Resolves complex or non-routine situations related to resource ordering and allocation. Makes informed recommendations regarding current and anticipated resource orders, determines appropriate staffing levels, and identifies the composition and type of equipment necessary to support suppression operations.
• Collects, processes, compiles, and disseminates incident-related information in support of fire operations. Prepares and submits fire reports, spot weather forecast requests, situation report data, committed resource reports, and other operational information as required.
• Maintains, organizes, and reviews records of all resource orders and dispatch actions to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with established policies and operating procedures.
• Prepares and provides accurate, timely information for briefings to the Center Manager, Public Information Affairs Officer, State Duty Officer, and other agency leadership as directed to support operational awareness and decision‑making.
• Other Duties as assigned.
• Drive on State Business.

• Basic understanding of geographical service areas (highways, landmarks, mountain ranges, etc).
• Basic computer applications, computer-aided dispatch tools (CADs), information retrieval.
• Administrative procedures, knowledge of filing systems, data entry, and record keeping.
• Mobilization of personnel, equipment, and supplies across multiple locations.
• Effects of weather, topography, and fuel types on fire behavior and suppression.

• Evaluating incoming calls, determining urgency level, and taking appropriate action.
• Expertise in operating radios, phones, and other forms of communication in fast‑paced work environments.
• Record‑keeping and accurate documentation.
• Eliciting critical info from callers and following complex instructions.
• Active listening and strong communication skills.
• Multitasking and the ability to handle multiple calls at once.