Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Forest Service•Shoshone, ID

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest, on a fire crew as a crewmember in the fire management organization. The primary purpose is to serve as a fire dispatcher supporting fire suppression activities. The role performs standardized dispatch support duties, including receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents; initiating requests to higher organizational levels for additional resources; maintaining resource status and tracking systems; and operating telecommunications systems. The position collects and processes incident and weather information, supports fire operations and staffing decisions, enters data into fire-related computer applications, maintains records and communications logs, and provides logistical information to a supervisor. It also supports operational training and simulations and helps maintain dispatch mobilization and operating guides. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year, and may end early due to lack of work or funds. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework and may require work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations and occasional overnight travel for fire-related assignments.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.
Must complete required federal direct deposit arrangements.
Must pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative result.
Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
For GW-04, applicants must meet one of the specified qualification paths: six months of general experience and six months of directly related specialized experience; two years of qualifying study including at least 12 semester hours in specified natural-resource-related subjects; or an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
The application and resume must document qualifying experience; transcripts must be provided when qualifying based on education.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, pre-appointment and random drug testing, or a physical or medical examination.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Job Corps fire-certified program is encouraged.

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 compliance with operating procedures.
Process weather information, including forecasts, station 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 system outputs.
Provide logistical support information to a supervisor.
Record and maintain communication logs.
Coordinate and assist with fire and aviation operational training, simulations, orientation, and dispatch training.
Gather information for dispatch mobilization guides and internal dispatch operating guides.
Share information with cooperators and other interested entities.