Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Forest Service • Grand Junction, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a crewmember supporting fire suppression activities. The primary purpose is to provide fire dispatch support. The position is not eligible for telework and may be based at one of the duty locations listed in the announcement. Work may involve remote locations with volatile or unpredictable conditions, and occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. The appointment is for up to six months or, as a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year; it may end early due to lack of work or funds, and an extension may be possible without further competition. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.

The dispatcher receives, fills, and tracks resource requests for fires and other emergencies, following established procedures and predefined plans or field resource orders. The role maintains resource status and tracking systems, operates telecommunications systems, and collects and processes incident information. It also processes weather information and fire-related application data, reviews records for compliance with procedures, provides logistical information and recommendations to a supervisor, maintains communications logs, and shares information with cooperators and other interested entities. The position may coordinate or assist with operational training and simulations and help develop and maintain dispatch guides.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, be at least 18 years old, meet Selective Service requirements when applicable, pass employment verification and background checks, and pass pre-employment and random drug testing. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. Qualification at the GW-05 level requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-04, qualifying education in a related field, or an allowable combination of education and experience. The position is a secondary firefighter position under the cited federal retirement provisions.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements or be exempt, if applicable.
• Successfully pass E-Verify and a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Submit to pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
• Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
• Meet the GW-05 qualification requirement through one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-04, qualifying education, or an allowable combination of education and experience.
• Provide transcripts when qualifying based on education; provide course descriptions as necessary.
• Be willing to live or work in remote locations with volatile or unpredictable conditions.
• Be available for occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.
• Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, or physical or medical examination.

Responsibilities

• Receive, fill, and track resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents.
• Dispatch personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies according to established procedures, predefined plans, and field resource orders.
• Request additional resources from higher organizational levels when 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 order and action records to ensure compliance with established operating procedures.
• Process and interpret weather information, including forecasts, observations, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels, to support burning-index, preparedness-level, and staffing determinations.
• Enter data into fire-related computer applications and make initial assessments of outputs.
• Provide logistical support information and recommendations to the supervisor about efficient use of available resources.
• Record and maintain communications logs.
• Coordinate or assist with fire and aviation operational training, simulations, orientation, and dispatch training.
• Gather information for developing and maintaining dispatch mobilization and internal operating guides.
• Share information with cooperators and other interested entities.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package is available; specific benefits depend on the position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed