OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903079 1

State of Florida • Plantation, FL

30d

About The Position

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The position coordinates emergency responses involving firefighters, supervisors, pilots, and law enforcement personnel through a communications center. It requires independent, sound judgment in critical situations and includes operational fire control and support duties. Work is scheduled on a rotating basis across a variety of shifts and may frequently extend beyond the assigned schedule or involve being called to duty. The position is part-time OPS and is based at the Davie headquarters; the incumbent must live within 30 miles of headquarters throughout employment. Occasional to moderate travel is required, including travel to emergencies as needed.

The dispatcher uses computers, radios, telephones, maps, and software to dispatch personnel and equipment to wildfires, smoke complaints, and other incidents; coordinate assistance with state, federal, and local agencies; monitor personnel and equipment status; communicate incident information to supervisors; and provide incident locations to responding personnel. The position also processes burn authorizations, maintains related maps and contact details, advises landowners about burning laws and predicted weather, and supports inspections and compliance checks.

Administrative work includes maintaining records, files, reports, and standard operating procedures; handling email and calls; preparing reports; assisting supervisors and staff; ordering office supplies and uniforms; and reconciling vehicle logs. The dispatcher relays information among staff, agencies, cooperators, media, and the public; gathers and distributes daily fire-weather information; and reports unusual weather activity. Other related duties may be assigned, including handling revenue. The employee must complete all required position training within the supervisor-designated time and established performance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting, or other public-contact work; college education from an accredited institution may substitute at 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.
• Valid Class E driver's license.
• Must live within 30 miles of the Davie headquarters throughout employment.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and, as needed, remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.
• Ability to travel occasionally to moderately, including responding to emergencies as needed.
• Must complete all required position training within the supervisor-designated timeframe and established performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch firefighters, supervisors, aircraft, and law enforcement personnel to wildfires, smoke complaints, and other incidents using communications equipment and established protocols.
• Maintain current information on the locations and status of fire-suppression personnel and equipment.
• Request and coordinate assistance with state, federal, and local agencies and area cooperators; keep supervisory personnel informed of wildfire status.
• Use county maps and websites or software to identify incident locations and communicate them to responding emergency personnel.
• Process burn authorizations across five counties, update maps, maintain landowner and certified-burner contacts, record special restrictions, and advise landowners about burning laws and predicted weather.
• Gather information for forest rangers and supervisors conducting on-site inspections and compliance checks; track landowner assistance.
• Maintain paper and electronic files, records, reports, and Standard Operating Procedures; use office equipment and computer programs for administrative tasks.
• Receive, handle, or transfer incoming calls and relay information among supervisors, crews, agencies, cooperators, media personnel, and the public.
• Maintain current contact information for fire departments, government agencies, and cooperators.
• Gather and relay daily fire-weather information and predictions; act as a weather observer and report unusual weather activity.
• Order uniforms, cleaning supplies, and office supplies; reconcile vehicle logs; assist supervisors and other personnel; and perform other assigned duties, which may include handling revenue.
• Complete required Wildland Fire Dispatcher training within the designated timeframe and performance standards.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance
• Participation in state group insurance, subject to eligibility requirements
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan, a tax-deferred retirement savings plan, subject to stated exclusions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED