Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

Forest Service•Billings, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a fire dispatcher supporting wildland fire suppression. The technician determines appropriate responses to field incidents and requests, plans and carries out dispatching of personnel, equipment, and supplies, and anticipates resource needs and allocations using wildland firefighting experience and training. The role also supports aviation dispatch, communications, weather-information processing, fire-related data systems, logistics, training, and operating-procedure improvements. This is a temporary federal position for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year (not to exceed), and a possible extension. The appointment 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 living and working in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations, as well as occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments. Duty location and salary vary; the listed salary range reflects Rest of the U.S. locality pay.

Requirements

U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Must pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and E-Verify employment verification.
Must pass pre-employment drug testing with a negative result and may be subject to random drug testing after appointment.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
For GS-06: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-05, such as dispatching and tracking resource requests for fire or other emergencies; arranging ground and air transportation for personnel, supplies, and equipment; or collecting, processing, and disseminating weather and smoke-management information using computer programs or databases.
Education cannot substitute for experience at GS-06; transcripts are required when claiming qualifications based on education, with course descriptions as necessary.
Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
Occasional overnight travel may be required.
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.
Must meet all qualification and documentation requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Determine appropriate responses to incidents and field requests, and dispatch personnel, equipment, and supplies for wildland fire suppression.
Anticipate resource needs, resolve dispatching problems, and recommend resource orders or anticipated orders and resource allocations.
Coordinate aviation dispatch operations, including aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, and aviation safety.
Operate or direct operation of dispatch telecommunications systems.
Organize and review records of orders and actions to ensure compliance with operating procedures.
Process and interpret weather information, including forecasts, station observations, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels.
Input data into fire-related computer applications, direct others performing data entry, and assess system outputs.
Plan and provide logistical support information to the supervisor for fire management activities.
Recommend efficient use of available resources and consult with cooperators and other interested entities.
Record and maintain communication logs.
Coordinate and potentially assist with fire training and orientation.
Review operating procedures and systems, recommend improvements, and update or develop operating plans and mobilization guides.
Assist lower-level dispatch personnel with problems.