Fire dispatcher working in front of computer with microphone

Fire Logistics Dispatcher

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This position is available in the following series:

GS-2151 - Dispatching

Position Overview

Are you looking for something more than job, are you looking for a career? Consider applying as a Fire Logistics dispatcher today! As a dispatcher your center will be responsible for wildland fire preparedness and suppression support. In order to keep this country safe and beautiful, a dispatcher will have a first hand in being able to respond to a fire, organize resources that will help to suppress wildfires. 

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate must have general knowledge of the unit's organizational functions, key personnel, materials, and logistical requirements associated with support to all types of incidents. Knowledge of standard dispatch procedures and guidelines used in the dispatch of personnel, equipment and supplies for incidents. Familiarity with fire suppression methods, terminology, procedures, and safety precautions. Knowledge of computerized databases, telecommunications equipment, word processing equipment and their use in order to maintain records, generate reports, and process requests to facilitate fire management operations.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office setting. During peak activity, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels, which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. The duties of this position create a highly stressful environment during peak activity, requiring the ability to keep calm in emergency situations

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Clerical and Administrative Support Group Qualification Standard on the OPM website.

Primary Core Education Requirement: EDSD from National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Secondary Core Education Requirement: 90 days of wildland firefighting experience.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Inputs and updates availability and status of resources within and outside the unit and ensures this information is available on a regular basis.
    • Processes resource orders through established dispatch channels.
    • Records and maintains communication logs involving all telephone and two-way radio transmissions.
    • Organizes and reviews completed records of all orders placed and actions taken to ensure adherence to established operating procedures.

  • Mid:

    • Performs and directs others in completing and processing resource order requests for personnel, equipment, supplies, and/or aircraft for all types of incidents.
    • Performs intelligence duties (e.g., resource availability status, management briefings, incident statistics, historical fire and weather analysis, indices charts, mobilization response data, and situation reporting and ICS-209 completion).
    • Provides technical guidance, orientation, and training to other dispatchers.
    • Gathers information for the development and maintenance of the dispatch mobilization guide and internal dispatch operating guides.

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Strengths by Level

Entry 3-6
Mid 7-12
  • Accountability
    Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Decision Making
    Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Flexibility
    Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Resilience
    Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Entry 3-6
    Mid 7-12