Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinator 1 - Assistant Dispatch Center Manager (PCN10-9708)
About The Position
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager in Palmer, Alaska. This role involves leading, mentoring, and coordinating complex emergency response operations in a dynamic fire environment. The Assistant Center Manager, under the direction of the Dispatch Center Manager, serves as a lead dispatcher, providing operational leadership and coordination for consolidated dispatch operations. This includes managing the movement of personnel, aircraft, equipment, supplies, and critical incident information to support wildland fire suppression and all-hazard incidents. The Alaska Coastal Dispatch Center (ACDC) serves a diverse and expansive geographic area, supporting fire and aviation operations throughout the Kenai/Kodiak Area, Copper River Area, Mat-Su Valley Area, and Southwest Area. This position offers opportunities to work with a wide variety of incidents, resources, aviation programs, and interagency partners within a collaborative, professional team focused on safety, service, and supporting front-line responders. The role provides a strong foundation for advancement within the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection and other emergency response organizations.
Requirements
- Three years of experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field.
- Certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in any three of the following: Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD), Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP), Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP), Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP).
- Red card training and certification under the National Incident Qualification System.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
- Ability to make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions.
- Ability to express information effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Knowledge of emergency communication operations systems for receiving, assessing, transmitting, and relaying information to plan, coordinate, and deploy resources.
- Situational awareness and familiarity of the geographic area assigned.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a consolidated dispatch environment.
- Experience supporting national incidents.
- Experience in leadership and management roles within wildland fire dispatch.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a lead dispatcher, providing operational leadership and coordination for consolidated dispatch operations.
- Manage the movement of personnel, aircraft, equipment, supplies, and critical incident information.
- Support wildland fire suppression and all-hazard incidents.
- Coordinate aircraft and emergency resources.
- Support large-scale incidents across Alaska and the nation.
- Mentor and develop dispatch personnel.
- Contribute to a professional, supportive, and rewarding work environment.
- Gain qualifications and experience in multiple dispatch disciplines, including initial attack, aviation, expanded dispatch, intelligence, mobilization, and center management.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Generous employer contributions toward healthcare costs
- Extensive training opportunities
- Travel opportunities throughout Alaska and the Lower 48
- Clear career development pathway
- Mentorship from experienced dispatch professionals
- Opportunities to gain qualifications and experience in multiple dispatch disciplines
- Exposure to a consolidated dispatch environment
- Strong culture of teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual support
- Commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
