ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wildland Fire Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAgriculture JobsForestry JobsForester JobsWildland Fire Dispatcher Jobs

Wildland Fire Dispatcher information

See salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do wildland fire dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildland fire 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 wildland fire dispatcher?

Wildland fire dispatchers are professionals who coordinate the response to wildfires and other emergency incidents in forested and wildland areas. They are responsible for receiving reports of fires, determining the appropriate response, and dispatching firefighting crews, equipment, and resources. Wildland fire dispatchers also track the status of personnel and resources, maintain communications, and provide critical information to field teams. Their work is essential for ensuring quick and effective response to wildfires, helping to protect lives, property, and natural resources.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a wildland fire dispatcher?

To thrive as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher, you need a strong understanding of emergency communications, incident command systems, and resource coordination, often supported by completion of relevant dispatch training courses. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and mapping software is typically required. Excellent multitasking, decision-making, and stress management skills help you remain effective during high-pressure situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring timely and accurate coordination of firefighting resources, which directly impacts safety and successful wildfire response.

What challenges do wildland fire dispatchers face during peak fire season?

During peak fire season, Wildland Fire Dispatchers often face the challenge of managing multiple incidents simultaneously, requiring rapid prioritization and communication with various firefighting teams. The fast-paced environment can be stressful, as dispatchers must coordinate resources, track personnel locations, and relay critical information in real time. Effective teamwork and adaptability are essential, as situations can change quickly and require immediate response. Building strong relationships with field crews and other agencies also helps ensure efficient operations during high-pressure periods.

What is the difference between Wildland Fire Dispatcher vs Fire Communications Operator?

AspectWildland Fire DispatcherFire Communications Operator
Required CredentialsDispatch certification, basic firefighting knowledgeDispatch certification, emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentFire stations, remote wildfire areasDispatch centers, emergency call facilities
Employer & IndustryWildland firefighting agencies, forest servicesFire departments, emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in dispatch duties, wildfire focusSimilar emergency dispatch roles, different focus

Wildland Fire Dispatchers primarily coordinate wildfire response efforts in forested areas, requiring specialized knowledge of wildfires and dispatch protocols. Fire Communications Operators handle emergency calls and dispatch for various fire emergencies, often in urban or mixed environments. While both roles involve emergency communication and dispatch certification, Wildland Fire Dispatchers focus on wildfire-specific operations, making them distinct in their work environment and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Wildland Fire Dispatcher jobs?

Cities with the most Wildland Fire Dispatcher job openings:

What states have the most Wildland Fire Dispatcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildland Fire Dispatcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wildland Fire Dispatcher jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Wildland Fire 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 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903050

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

MyFlorida
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about MyFloridaexternal

$20/hr

Full-time, Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Requisition No: 881931 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903050

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903050 

Salary:  $20.00/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER

(CLASS TITLE: OPS DUTY OFFICER)

 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

 

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

 

THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

 

 

CONTACT:

Scarlett Porter, 850-681-5952

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting or other public contact work.

College education from an accredited institution can substitute at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.

Requires possession of a valid class E driver license.

 ***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

 

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

 

  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
  • Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional to moderate travel required.

Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the headquarters, which is located at 865 Geddie Road Tallahassee, Florida, throughout employment in this position.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

 

Work shift on a rotating basis.

JOB DUTIES:

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots and law enforcement personnel through the use of a communications center. The Wildland Fire Dispatcher deals with critical situations requiring independent and sound judgment. The incumbent has both operational fire control and other support duties. Work may be scheduled over a variety of shifts and may frequently remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.

Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents.  Follows protocol on 'Smoke on the Highway' issues. Keeps up to the minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment used in fire suppression activities and investigations.  Triggers 209s as needed and enters information available. Requests and coordinates assistance with other state, federal and local agencies as well as area cooperators with wildfire suppression and other emergency situations.  Keeps supervisors, Center Manager, Center Officer in Charge (OIC) and State OIC abreast of wildfire status as necessary.  Reads and uses county maps as well as various websites and/or software programs (FMIS, County Property Appraiser, ArcGIS, Spider Tracks, Mapquest, etc.) to provide incident locations to responding emergency personnel. Has a good general knowledge of the lay of the land (landmarks, highways, major roads, rivers, lakes, power lines). 

 

Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout five counties.  Continually updates map with new burning authorizations.  Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information.  Notates landowner accounts regarding any special burning restrictions.  Advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather. Also gathers information to relay to forest rangers, senior forest rangers and supervisory personnel that is needed to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks.  Tracks landowner assists.

 

Administrative Functions - Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports relating to the Communication Center's responsibilities.  Uses a variety of computer programs, software, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions.  Receives and responds to electronic mail as required. Prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Also orders uniforms, cleaning and office supplies. Reconciles vehicle logs. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 

 

Active member of the Communications Center - Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls.  Regularly gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, cooperators, news media personnel and the general public.  Maintains up to date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies, cooperators, etc.

 

Fire Weather Forecasts - Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and fire weather predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners.   Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.

Performs other related work as assigned, which may include the handling of revenue. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher position, within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

The Following Special Benefits for this Position Include

  • Uniform Allowance

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 

  • Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
  • Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
  • State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
  • Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:

https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Apply