Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Forest Service•Lancaster, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located within a National Forest fire management organization. As a crewmember, the Forestry Technician serves as a fire dispatcher supporting fire suppression and other emergency operations. The role performs standardized dispatch support duties, including processing resource requests, maintaining resource status and tracking systems, operating telecommunications systems, and collecting and submitting incident information. The technician also processes weather and fire-related data, maintains records and communications logs, supports logistical coordination, and assists with operational training and dispatch guides. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, expected to start between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. It may be filled for up to six months or for a not-to-exceed period of one year, and may end early due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework. Employees must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required for fire-related assignments. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. This is a secondary firefighter position and a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
Pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify, and pre-employment drug testing; incumbents are also subject to random drug testing.
Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
Meet the GW-04 qualification requirement through one of the specified combinations: six months of general experience plus six months of directly related specialized experience; two years of qualifying study including at least 12 semester hours in listed natural-resource-related subjects; or an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
Provide a resume clearly documenting qualifying experience; provide transcripts when qualifying based on education.
Be willing to live and work in remote locations; occasional overnight travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Job Corps fire-certified program is encouraged.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or a physical or medical examination.

Responsibilities

Receive, fill, and track resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents.
Follow procedures to request additional resources from higher organizational levels as needed.
Maintain resource status and tracking systems and operate telecommunications systems.
Collect, process, collate, and submit incident information, including fire reports, smoke permits, spot weather forecasts, and prescribed fire burn requests.
Organize and review records of orders and actions to ensure adherence to operating procedures.
Process weather information, including forecasts, observations, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels.
Use weather information to determine burning indices, preparedness levels, and staffing levels for suppression and aviation resources.
Enter data into fire-related computer applications and make initial assessments of application outputs.
Assist in providing logistical support information to the supervisor.
Record and maintain communication logs.
Coordinate and potentially assist with fire and aviation operational training, simulations, orientation, and dispatch training.
Gather information for dispatch mobilization and internal dispatch operating guides.
Share information with cooperators and other interested entities.