Senior Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3 (WFD3)

Description

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/15/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has some exciting job opportunities within our Southeast Region as a Senior Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3 (WFD3).

Are you a confident communicator, self-sufficient worker, and active listener? Do you want to develop lasting relationships with professional and volunteer emergency responders? Are you able to remain levelheaded in high-stress situations and guide people in the right direction? Then this is the job for you! This position interacts with interagency dispatch personnel as well as field personnel and the general public while supporting field resources for the Southeast Region DNR, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Spokane District Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Mid-Colombia National Wildlife Refuge.

To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:

• Service-oriented;
• Calm under pressure;
• Attentive to detail;
• And possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additionally, the person serving in this role will be required to learn and implement complex procedures and technical programs utilized in dispatching. They will use their judgment to make daily decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of a Wildland Dispatcher 4 or coordinator, communicate and dispatch via two-way radios and phones between field resources for the Southeast Region, US Fish & Wildlife, Spokane BLM, and the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, other government agencies, and private contractors.
• As a senior dispatcher, able to effectively cover all dispatch zones/repeaters in support of suppression activities. Able to maintain oversight of Wildland Fire Dispatchers 1/2 to ensure all frequencies and zones are being monitored, and radio traffic is not missed, and that information is captured timely in CAD. Provide support, assistance, and direction when necessary.
• Complete the documentation of communications and incident activities in WildCAD-E and monitor and update resource tracking.
• Fill resource orders in IROC, according to established CWICC procedures, as ordered by the Incident Commander or via channels of command as outlined by the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Dispatch and track state and national shared resources within our area of influence, including aircraft, teams, and fire crews. As directed keeps the Northwest Coordination Center and Wildfire Division informed concerning the status of these resources on a daily basis.
• Receive reports of incidents, evaluate and clarify the situation and location. Based on these reports, dispatch resources to incidents and support efforts of field units in managing and controlling the incident.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite.
• One season as a Wildland Dispatcher 2;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Effective verbal and written communications.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position's assigned duty station is the Central Washington Interagency Communication Center (CWICC) in East Wenatchee. Work is performed in an office setting (up to 90%) and field visits (up to 10%). Must be able to move up to 25 lbs. as needed. Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced and reactive environment.
• Position requires (up to 5%) travel time for training and meetings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two seasons as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as a Radio Operator (RADO), Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), or Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee (IADP-T).
• Wildland fire suppression experience.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Courtney Wilson at Courtney.wilson@dnr.wa.gov/509-607-6160 or Lewis Jeter at Lewis.jeter@dnr.wa.gov/509-388-6301 or Thomas Sanford at Thomas.sanford@dnr.wa.gov/509-312-2924 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress