Lead Wildland Fire Dispatcher

Lead Wildland Dispatcher

FT / PT Status – FT
Salary – $27.50 - $42.76
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office

Recruiter – Christa Rowland| crowlan@utah.gov | 801-538-4826
Application Deadline – 5-17-26

Job Description

The primary purpose of this permanent position is to serve as a Lead Wildland Fire Dispatcher in an interagency fire center.

The dispatch center provides incident support for state, federal, tribal, and private lands within its designated boundaries. As an experienced staff member of the fire management organization, the incumbent will conduct advanced operations to support the center's primary responsibility of wildland fire preparedness and suppression support activities but may also assist with agency requests to support all-risk incidents. Working as part of an interagency team, the incumbent must be able to operate in a very fast-paced, high stress environment, with rapidly changing conditions and situation priorities.

Ideal Candidate

• EDRC, EDSD, IADP, while a lead dispatcher only needs EDRC to qualify as a Lead IA dispatcher.
• Will have experience with wildland fire suppression.
• Will have Aircraft Dispatcher experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently or through collaboration, plan and carry out the procedural and technical tasks involved in the dispatching of personnel, equipment, and/or supplies to suppress wildland fires.
• Log and maintain records of dispatching activities and communications.
• Utilize prior dispatch experience and training to anticipate fire suppression needs and determine resource allocation options based upon current wildland fire suppression activity.
• Follow established procedures to dispatch resources to wildland fires and work with center manager to redistribute resources as needed to address emerging needs, such as in cases of multiple wildland or in prescribed fires.
• Process and interpret weather information (e.g. spot weather forecasts, weather station observations, current and forecasted weather, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels). This information is used to determine burning indices, preparedness levels and dispatch levels for suppression and aviation resources.
• Coordinate aviation dispatch operations (if qualified); e.g., aircraft capabilities and Limitations, flight following, aviation safety.
• Complete annual training as required by position and agency directives.
• Complete all required agency and interagency documentation for all activities.

Qualifications

Minimums:

• EDRC qualification required.
• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire strategies, tactics, methods and procedures, fire behavior, and weather conditions to effectively dispatch fire management resources, propose and update guidelines, issue internal instructions to other dispatchers, and resolve dispatch problems.
• Knowledge of fire operations and safety precautions sufficient to (1) determine appropriate fire management response and resource allocation (2) perform dispatch coordination functions with varying internal procedures, (3) develop information for special reports and briefings, (4) work with supervisor to develop alternative strategies when competing units are requesting resources in short supply, (5) update and revise internal dispatch guidelines and procedures, and (6) locate additional sources for resources.
• Knowledge of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft relating to fire and administrative operations in terms of capabilities, duty Limitations, scheduling, flight following, incident or accident notification, and economics.
• Knowledge of wildland fire management computer programs and data output to solve data entry/retrieval problems and develop operating guidelines and procedures.

Preferred:

• Aircraft dispatcher experience and qualifications.

Supplemental Information

• May require shift work, irregular hours and schedules, overtime and holidays worked to meet the needs of emergency situations.
• NWCG Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) is required.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately Lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g. safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• Overtime may be required during periods of high fire activity (shifts up to 16 hours).
• May be required to work on scheduled days off during periods of high fire activity.
• May be required to take on-call phone periodically during the fire season.
• Will work under the direction of Federal DispatchCenter Manager; supervision will be from the Local State FMO.
• Multi-tasking with several radio transmission, multiple incidents, phones, and requests for information.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in order to drive a state vehicle. Incumbent in this position will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following Link: http://www.rules.utah.gov.
• Must be available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during the designated on-call period, if activated.
• Must be able to interact with others of varying levels of authority and report directly to off-site supervisor.

About the Role

Location – Cedar City
Background Check Required – No
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Permanent

Why You Should Join Our Team

As a Lead IA dispatcher working at the Color Country Fire Center,you will be part of an interagency team that provides critical support to enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighters protecting Southeast Utah's communities, forests, and watersheds from the threat of uncontrolled wildfires. Moab Dispatch is a fast paced, fun work environment. Any individual who comes to work in the dispatch center has the opportunity for career development on an attainable path from entry level dispatcher to dispatch center manager.

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.