Announcement #
2026-108
Issue Date:
06-10-26
Closing Date:
06-30-26
Assistant Fire Dispatcher
Fire Management
Department of Natural Resources
Hourly Wage: $16.53/Regular/Furlough
The position functions within the Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources, Tribal Forestry Fire Management Section. This position is primarily a training position to develop experience, judgement and capability in performing support dispatching and related technical, status and record keeping duties primarily in support of Wildland Fire Suppression, as well as in support of other emergency disaster related activities. Work is reviewed on a day-to-day basis early in the period to less frequently as determined by work performance. Work is reviewed for adequacy and compliance with instructions and to ensure duties are properly oriented and developing proper work attitudes, abilities and skills to satisfactorily function more independently. During fire season the work schedule will require work on Saturdays and Sundays with regular days off (RDO) during the middle of the week.
Examples of Work Performed:
Receives fire reports, plots locations on maps, verifies locations, independently dispatches BIA, Tribal and Co-operator personnel, supplies and equipment, including aircraft to suppress fires.
Maintains radio and telephone contact with lookouts and suppression forces and keeps Supervisor, Fire Management Officer, Assistant Fire Management Officers and others informed as to status of incidents.
Assists in the preparation of thorough reports and logs all activities including WildCAD-E (Web-based, commercial off-the-shelf, Computer-Aided Dispatch) recording of radio traffic for possible use in court proceedings as evidence of suppression action and/or fire critiques; will help in maintaining the log during emergency incidents.
Will assist with the making of arrangements for firefighting crews such as transportation, meals, and supplies.
Must study technical publications, letters and instructions issued by the FMO.
Works with wide latitude for independent decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the fundamentals of fire behavior.
Knowledge of fire plotting, transposing Latitude and Longitude to Township, Range, and Sections from a Global Positioning System reading.
Knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS).
Knowledge of computers, language and terminology.
Knowledge of weather terminology, data and the ability to decipher both.
Knowledge of Yakama Reservation geographical location.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently for long periods of time under pressure and adjust to all emergency incidents.
Ability to work closely with various agencies and organizations including Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Yakama Agency and Northwest Regional Office, General Services Administration (GSA) Motor Pool, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Region 6, United States Forest Service (USFS), Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR), Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resource Programs and others as necessary.
Ability to read and comprehend written technique Fire Management, BIA and other agency fire plans, National Fire Danger Ratings System Handbook and other related material.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, (transmit information using 2-way radio, tape recorder, FAX, weather instruments, typewriters, computers, vehicles etc.)
Proficient with FEMS, IROC, AFF, WFDSS, EGP, FIRCODE, SIT-209, WILDCAD-E, FIRENET, LEARNING PORTAL, TEAMS, AVENZA, PENDLETON WX, FAMAUTH, GOOGLE EARTH, IFPL LEVELS,
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED is required.
Three years' experience as a dispatcher.
Must obtain qualification as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) – I-100, IS-700, and Expanded
Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) – I-200, FFT2 – L-180, RT-130, S-130, S-190,
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test
Required to pass a pre-employment background check.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Tribal Driver Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (to be updated every 2 years).
During fire season it will be mandatory to be "On Call" or "Stand-by" status for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Highly dependable and will work long hours in high pressure situations.
Preferred Requirements:
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.