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Wildfire Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildfire Dispatcher information

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$11

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How much do wildfire dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildfire dispatcher?

Wildfire dispatchers are professionals responsible for coordinating the response to wildfires by communicating with firefighting crews, emergency services, and other agencies. They monitor fire reports, dispatch resources such as fire engines, helicopters, and personnel, and track their movements to ensure safety and efficiency. Wildfire dispatchers play a crucial role in managing information and logistics during fire emergencies, helping to protect people, property, and natural resources.

What are the main challenges faced by wildfire dispatchers during peak wildfire season?

During peak wildfire season, Wildfire Dispatchers often face high-pressure situations that require rapid decision-making and excellent multitasking skills. They must coordinate communication between multiple firefighting teams, aircraft, and emergency responders, all while tracking evolving fire conditions and resource availability. Managing information flow and prioritizing requests efficiently can be challenging, especially when resources are limited and incidents are developing quickly. The role demands strong situational awareness, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildfire dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildfire Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making abilities, situational awareness, and a solid understanding of emergency response protocols, typically backed by specialized training or certification in dispatch or fire management. Familiarity with dispatch software, radio communication systems, GIS mapping tools, and incident command systems is essential. Excellent communication, stress management, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate effectively under pressure. These skills are critical for ensuring rapid, accurate deployment of resources and maintaining safety during high-stakes wildfire incidents.

What is the difference between Wildfire Dispatcher vs Fire Dispatcher?

AspectWildfire DispatcherFire Dispatcher
CertificationsEmergency communication, wildfire-specific trainingEmergency communication, fire service certifications
Work EnvironmentRural, forested areas during wildfire seasonUrban and rural fire stations, various fire incidents
Employer & IndustryForestry agencies, wildfire managementFire departments, emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in emergency communication rolesSimilar emergency dispatch roles in fire services

Wildfire Dispatchers primarily focus on coordinating responses to wildfires in forested areas, requiring wildfire-specific training. Fire Dispatchers handle a broader range of fire emergencies in urban and rural settings. Both roles involve emergency communication and dispatching, but Wildfire Dispatchers specialize in wildfire incidents, making their skills highly specialized for forest fire management.

What cities are hiring for Wildfire Dispatcher jobs?

Cities with the most Wildfire Dispatcher job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wildfire Dispatcher jobs?

The top employers for Wildfire Dispatcher jobs are:

What states have the most Wildfire Dispatcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildfire Dispatcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wildfire Dispatcher jobs?

For Wildfire Dispatcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wildfire Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

Dispatch Center Manager

Eureka, CA • On-site

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position serves as a Dispatch Center Manager in an interagency or stand-alone dispatch center. The position oversees all aspects of the dispatch center operations and may provide supervision to employees of the other agencies represented at the center.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.
Qualifications:

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 Management's 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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to a (GW-07) in the Federal Service; OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisting in coordinating emergency communications and with the overall execution of activities of a dispatch center. Assisting in providing information regarding the status and danger posed by wildland fires, air quality, and transportation disruptions to local governments and media outlets. Assisting in providing dispatcher related training and serving as subject matter expert during training course development (e.g., initial attack dispatch, aircraft, intelligence, expanded dispatch).
For the GW-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to a (GW-09) in the Federal Service; OR A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisting in planning work for a dispatch center and making adjustments to meet priorities. Assisting in the development and maintenance of office policy and technical guidance of the operational systems, including handbooks, guides, and operational plans. Providing information regarding the status and danger posed by wildland fires, air quality, and transportation disruptions to local governments and media outlets.

Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) -AND- Successfully completed the NWCG Course S-491 Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System Course.
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified as HIGH Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: 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. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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