Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3 - Olympia, United States - State of Washington

Description

Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3 (WFD3)/WFD2 In-Training

Recruitment #

Full-time, Seasonal Represented position

Anticipated Seasonal employment is May - November 2024

Location:
Northwest Region - Sedro-Woolley, WA


Salary:
$3, $4,723.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Northwest Region. Are you a confident communicator, self-sufficient worker, and active listener? Do you want to develop lasting relationships with professional and volunteer emergency responders? Are you able to remain levelheaded in high-stress situations and guide people in the right direction? Then this is the job for you

As a team that works in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, during the time of year associated with fire season; the incumbent uses both independent judgment and knowledge-based established guidelines and procedures to provide safe, reliable, and effective service for the NW Region Communications Center.

This position provides a variety of specialized administrative and complex clerical functions, which encompass direct support of the following programs, applications, and activities:

wildfire and emergency dispatching, Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC), Wildland Fire Computer Aided Dispatch System (WildCAD), radio and telephone communications, Industrial Fire Precaution Level ratings.

The person in this position is responsible for timely and accurate data entry into numerous web-based applications to capture and record wildfire activity; fire weather forecast retrievals and radio broadcasts; private and industrial cooperator notifications; regional standby updates; fire reports, resource directory maintenance; fire prevention; and general region administrative support.

Scheduled workdays and hours are subject to change, including holidays and weekends (June through October) and other periods during the year as required.

In addition, emergency work may require overtime on regularly scheduled workdays, as well as working on scheduled days off.


Responsibilities:

• Operating multi-channel radio, Wildcad, and multiple line phone systems in order to maintain communications between region personnel and the general public or field and office personnel.
• Responding to inquiries regarding outdoor burning regulations, fire equipment regulations, and industrial fire precaution levels.
• Receiving reports of wildfires and coordinating and documenting response.
• Maintaining log in Wildcad of all radio communications and all fire/incident communications originating or received in the Dispatch Center.
• Maintaining situational awareness and keeping the appropriate region and division personnel informed on emerging issues.
• Responsible for region employee accountability and tracking in Wildcad.
• Must be able to work independently on weekends and extended hours.

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 9-18 month training plan.

If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required.

Candidates will be considered as Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 In-Training or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3, depending on qualifications.


Required Qualifications:
Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 In-Training

(Salary range:
$3,376 - $4,497 per month):

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite.
• Experience involving public contact or communication such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work which includes interacting with the public.
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3

(Salary range:
$3,537-$4,723 per month):

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One season as Wildland Dispatcher 2 or equivalent dispatch/suppression experience.
• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite.
• Experience interacting with members of the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Work is performed in an office setting (90%) and field visits (10%). Must be able to pick up and carry appropriate supplies (up to 25 lbs), as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, and reactive environment.
• The position requires 5% travel time for training and meetings.

Desired Qualifications:

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

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description.

We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job.

Don't hesitate to apply Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• 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 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 Rachel Calderwood at or e-mail us at

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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be 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

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 prior to 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 of 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.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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 NEOGOV toll-free at or email

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