Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

• Determines the appropriate response to incidents and requests from the field and independently plans and carries out the procedural and technical tasks involved in the dispatching of personnel equipment and/or supplies to suppress wildland fires.
• Resolves the full range of irregular or problem situations in anticipating resource needs for fire suppression activities.
• Makes recommendations regarding resource orders or anticipated orders.
• Coordinates aviation dispatch operations (e.g. aircraft capabilities and limitations flight planning aviation safety).
• Based upon current wildland fire suppression activity and utilizing prior wildland firefighting experience and training anticipates fire suppression needs and determines resource allocation.
• Operates and/or directs the operation of various dispatch telecommunication systems.
• Organizes and reviews completed records of all orders placed and actions taken to ensure adherence to established operating procedures.
• Processes and interprets 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 staffing levels for suppression and aviation resources.
• Performs and directs others in inputting data into a number of fire-related computer applications (e.g. incident qualification records fire reporting systems and automated dispatch systems) and makes assessment of outputs.
• Resolves a full range of irregular problem situations encountered when performing highly interrelated nonstandard assignments pertaining to the fire management program activities.
• Plans and provides critical logistical support information to the supervisor for successful implementation of fire management program activities. Makes recommendations concerning the efficient use of available resources.
• Provides information and consults with cooperators and other interested entities.
• Records and maintains communication logs.
• Coordinates and may assist with fire training and orientation.
• Reviews internal operating procedures and systems makes recommendations for improvement and updates/develops operating plans and mobilization guides.
• Provides assistance on problems encountered by lower-level dispatch personnel.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit .
• Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state drivers license; a commercial drivers license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty wildland firefighting.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.
• Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.
• This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions.

In order to qualify you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position visit the Office of Personnel Managements General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5).

GS-06: There is no substitution of education for this position

Examples of specialized experience include: Serving as a dispatcher receiving filling and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents. Arranging for ground and air transportation of personnel supplies and equipment in support of emergency and project activities. Collecting processing and disseminating weather and smoke management information into computer programs or databases.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

In accordance with USDA Department Regulationthis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis after appointment as directed.

To receive consideration for this position you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.