WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42003270

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

1d • $46,175 - $49,440 • Onsite

About The Position

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher (class title: Duty Officer) works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The position coordinates the response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots, and law enforcement personnel through a communications center, using independent judgment in critical situations. Duties include both operational fire control and support functions. Work is scheduled on rotating shifts and may require staying or being called to duty beyond the assigned schedule. The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the headquarters at 8431 South Orange Blossom Drive, Orlando, Florida, throughout employment. Occasional to moderate travel is required, including travel to respond to emergencies as needed. The position is on-call and requires successful completion of required training within the supervisor-designated time period and established performance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting, or other public contact work; alternatively, college education from an accredited institution may substitute at a rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.
• Possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Must live within 30 miles of the Orlando headquarters throughout employment.
• Must complete required training within the supervisor-designated timeframe and meet established training performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate computers, radios, and telephones to dispatch fire crews, supervisors, aircraft, and law enforcement personnel to wildfires, smoke complaints, and other incidents.
• Follow protocols for “Smoke on the Highway” issues and maintain current information on the locations and status of personnel and equipment involved in fire suppression and investigations.
• Trigger 209s as needed and enter available information; request and coordinate assistance with state, federal, local, and cooperating agencies.
• Keep supervisors and district and state officers informed about wildfire status as necessary.
• Use county maps, websites, and software to locate incidents for responding personnel, and maintain general knowledge of local landmarks, roads, waterways, and power lines.
• Approve or deny burn authorizations across five counties; update maps, maintain landowner and certified burner contacts, note account restrictions, and advise landowners about burning laws and predicted weather.
• Gather information for Forest Rangers and supervisory personnel to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks, and track landowner assists.
• Maintain paper and electronic files, records, and reports; use computer programs, copiers, scanners, and fax machines for administrative work.
• Respond to email, prepare reports, assist supervisors and other personnel, order uniforms and office supplies, reconcile vehicle logs, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures.
• Handle or transfer incoming calls and relay information among supervisors, crews, agencies, cooperators, news media, and the public.
• Maintain current contact information for fire departments, government agencies, and cooperators.
• Gather and relay daily fire weather information and forecasts to crews, supervisors, certified burners, and landowners; observe weather and report unusual activity.
• Perform other related work as assigned and complete all required position training.

Benefits

• Annual uniform allotment
• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED