Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher​/Wildfire Dispatcher​/In-Training

The State of Washington is hiring a Seasonal Dispatcher for Wildland Fire Dispatching from April to October 2025 in Sedro Woolley, WA. This full-time, seasonal role involves providing administrative support for wildfire response, managing communications, and data entry related to fire activity. Candidates should be confident communicators and able to work in high-stress situations. Flexible work hours may be available, but the position is not remote.
Position: Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3/Wildfire Dispatcher 2 (In-Training)

Seasonal Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3 / Wildfire Dispatcher 2 (In-Training)
Recruitment #2025-1-7615
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position
Anticipated Season is April - October 2025

Location:

Northwest Region - Sedro Woolley, WA

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,865.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Northwest Region. Are you a confident communicator, self-sufficient worker, and active listener? Do you want to develop lasting relationships with professional and volunteer emergency responders? Can you remain levelheaded in high-stress situations and guide people in the right direction? Then this is the job for you!

As a team that works in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, during the time of year associated with fire season; the incumbent uses both independent judgment and knowledge-based established guidelines and procedures to provide safe, reliable, and effective service for the NW Region Communications Center. This position provides a variety of specialized administrative and complex clerical functions, which encompass direct support of the following programs, applications, and activities: wildfire and emergency dispatching, Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC), Wildland Fire Computer Aided Dispatch System (WildCAD), radio and telephone communications, Industrial Fire Precaution Level ratings.

The person in this position is responsible for timely and accurate data entry into numerous web-based applications to capture and record wildfire activity; fire weather forecast retrievals and radio broadcasts; private and industrial cooperator notifications; regional standby updates; fire reports, resource directory maintenance; fire prevention; and general region administrative support.

Scheduled workdays and hours are subject to change, including holidays and weekends (June through October) and other periods during the year as required. In addition, emergency work may require overtime on regularly scheduled workdays, as well as working on scheduled days off.
Responsibilities:
• Operating multi-channel radio, WildCAD, and multiple line phone system to maintain communications between region personnel and the general public or field and office personnel.
• Responding to inquiries regarding outdoor burning regulations, fire equipment regulations, and industrial fire precaution levels.
• Receiving reports of wildfires and coordinating and documenting response.
• Maintaining log in WildCAD of all radio communications and all fire/incident communications originating or received in the Dispatch Center.
• Maintaining situational awareness and keeping the appropriate region and division personnel informed on emerging issues.
• Responsible for region employee accountability and tracking in WildCAD.
• Must be able to work independently on weekends and extended hours.

This may be filled as an in-training position.
This is designated as a 9-18 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (In-Training) or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3, depending on qualifications.
Required Qualifications:

Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (In-Training)

(Salary range: $3477.00 - $4632.00 per month):
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite
• Experience involving public contact or communication such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work which includes interacting with the public
• 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
Wildland Fire Dispatcher 3

(Salary range: $3643.00 - $4865.00 per month):
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• One season as Wildland Dispatcher 2 or equivalent dispatch/suppression experience
• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite
• Experience interacting with members of the public
• Effective verbal and written communications
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
• Work is performed in an office setting (90%) and field visits (10%). Must be able to pick up and carry appropriate supplies (up to 25 lbs.), as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, and reactive environment.
• The position requires 5% travel time for training and meetings.
Desired

Qualifications:
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee (IADP-T), Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher Trainee (EDSDT), or equivalent dispatch/suppression…