Dnr Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $64,776.00 - $87,048.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-6-7595-04687
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Aircraft Dispatch Coordinator, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1Recruitment #2026-6-7595
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: DNR Coordination Center - Tumwater, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and consideredRelocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5398.00 - $7254.00 Monthly
Recruitment extended! Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after July 1. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coordination Center is searching for a Wildfire Aircraft Dispatch Coordinator (Wildland Fire Coordinator 1). During fire season, the DNR Coordination Center (DNR CC) can be very active as a Dispatch Center. The position will report to the DNR CC Center Manager but will also take direction from the Aviation Assistant Division Manager and coordinate directly with other Aviation Program staff to carry out programmatic duties. This position works under the guidance of state regulations, agency policies and procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and agency strategic plans. This position supports the mission and goals of the agency through the coordination of wildland fire mobilization, dispatching, regulation, contracting, and interagency agreements. This position will dispatch DNR and Contract aircraft to wildland fires, working with DNR, partner agency staff, and the private aviation sector. The position will track DNR Aircraft mobilization, demobilization, and response efforts. This position is an important link coordinating the fiscal accountability for aircraft billings with the operational use of DNR aviation assets. The position will provide technical direction, coordination, and make recommendations to improve aviation dispatch procedures and protocols through pre-season preparedness efforts, AARs, aviation briefings, etc. The individual in this position ensures the DNR Coordination Center (DNR CC) aircraft desk is maintained in a constant state of readiness.
To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:

• Service-oriented
• Calm under pressure
• Attentive to detail
• And possess strong verbal and written communication skills

Additionally, the person serving in this role will be required to learn established, complex procedures, tools, and technical programs. They will communicate and coordinate with the DNR Coordination Center Manager and the Aviation Assistant Division Manager to use their judgment and make decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the DNR Air Operations Support Coordinator to obtain the Aviation Exclusive Use and Call When Needed Aviation Agreements, Amendments, and Contract Numbers.
• Transfer and/or accept or accept aircraft transferred in IROC between the Washington State DNR Coordination Center WA-WAC) and sending or receiving dispatch centers. Ensure that before transfer, the sending/receiving dispatch center has obtained the correct DNR aircraft agreement number(s) and dispatch center unit identifiers.
• The DNRCC aircraft desk in the DNR Coordination Center is the single point of ordering for additional aircraft. Surge resources that are staged at the Olympia Airport will be dispatched by DNRCC as state-wide assets. ACDP will clarify roles with WA State Dispatch Centers, ensuring parallel processes are eliminated.
• Communicate with statewide surge aircraft via radio console and log activity in WildCADe.
• Track aircraft resources during fire suppression and non-fire suppression activities using systems such as Automated Flight Following (AFF) and WildCADe. Relay status updates to region dispatch centers, fire managers, and incident commanders.
• Coordinate with aviation staff and region dispatch centers to ensure resource orders for aviation assets are properly executed statewide.
• Coordinate with Dispatch Centers or WFMD Aviation staff to obtain or create the Tactical Aircraft Request Orders (TARO) for DNR aviation resources dispatched to incidents. Ensure TAROs are attached to the IROC resource orders.
• Assist regions or the NW Coordination Center with ordering Service, Infrared Daytime (SIRD) and Service, Infrared Nighttime (SIRN) resource requests, if needed. When Western Washington dispatch centers request SIRD and SIRN, place the resource orders with the appropriate dispatch center.
• Fill fixed wing, rotor wing, equipment, and overhead aviation IROC resource orders sent to the DNR CC, and email resource orders to the necessary staff.
• Implement formal procedures requiring all region dispatch centers or the NW Coordination Center to submit detection flight requests through a unified process, either directly to the "HUB" or coordinated through the DNR CC Aircraft Coordinator.
• Coordinate with the Region dispatch centers to document aircraft dispatched to the NW Compact partners. Ensure the resource order indicates it is a Compact Request in IROC prior to filling or creating the resource order.
• Provide flight following when regional dispatch centers are not staffed, ensuring communication and coordination with pilots and air operations.
• Collaborate with helicopter managers, air attack, and other dispatchers and coordinators during initial attack to ensure efficient and safe dispatch of air resources.
• In coordination with state and partner dispatch centers, assess the need for and manage Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) based on fire complexity and location. This includes creating and submitting TFR orders in IROC and communicating with the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC).
• If WNG Aircraft are requested to be mobilized, communicate promptly with the DNR CC Center Manager, DNR Aviation personnel, and State EMD personnel. Upload IROC aviation resource orders into the State EMD WebEOC Mission Tracker.
• Work with the Center Manager to determine staffing needs for the Aircraft Desk based on current and expected wildfire conditions and severity. Request funding if needed to schedule qualified and trainee Aircraft Dispatchers primarily between July and September, or as needed, based on fire activity and preparedness levels.
• Oversee and train detailed dispatchers or other personnel involved in aircraft dispatch operations, including on-the-job training, simulation exercises, and reviews of aircraft protocols and safety plans.
• In coordination with dispatch centers and the WFMD Aircraft Duty Officer, monitor all House Bill (HB) 1498 fires and track DNR aircraft dispatched to each. Receive, collect, and save IROC aircraft demobilization resource orders for each fire and aviation resource.
• Create and maintain an HB 1498 Excel spreadsheet with date, name of fire, and DNR aviation resources on each fire to provide to WFMD Aviation staff.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Associate's degree in a Natural Resources field and two years of professional experience working with wildland fire management, natural resources, dispatching or communications, and/or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Completed FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses.
• Qualified Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC).
• Qualified Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP).
• Experience with understanding complex rules, legal documents, plans, agreements, and contracts.
• Knowledge of fire suppression principles/techniques and resource capabilities/limitations.

Required Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with co-workers, partner agency employees, and the general public.
• Strong professional writing skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Indoor, open cubicle, office setting. During fire season, the DNR Coordination Center can be noisy due to the number of phone calls sent/received and additional dispatch personnel staffing. The additional noise could be stressful and interrupt concentration.
• Little travel is required, but it could be statewide or nationally and would involve overnight accommodations.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Qualified Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) or Aircraft Dispatcher Trainee
• D-312 Aircraft Dispatcher
• D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder
• D-310, Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher
• D-311, Initial Attack Dispatcher
• S-270, Basic Air Operations
• ICS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• S-130, Firefighter Training
• S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• A-100, Basic Aviation Safety
• A-103, Temporary Flight Restrictions and Advisory Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
• A-109, Aviation Radio Use
• A-110, Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Materials
• A-115, Automated Flight Following
• A-200, Mishap Review
• A-202, Interagency Aviation Organizations
• A-203, Basic Airspace
• A-204, Crew Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations
• A-205, Risk Management I
• A-207, Mission Scheduling and Coordination
• A-208, Aircraft and Pilot Approval
• A-303, Human Factors in Aviation
• A-305, Risk Management II
• A-307, Aviation Policy and Regulations II
• A-310, Overview of Crew Resource Management

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Attach a copy of your FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certificates.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Bammert at / (360) 902-1300 or email us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values: