Dispatch Center Manager, Wms1

Salary: $84,247.00 - $98,261.00 Annually
Location : Stevens County - Colville, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2023-10-6961-14805
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 11/17/2023
Closing Date: 12/5/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Dispatch Center Manager - WMS1Recruitment #2023-11-6961
Full-time, Non-Permanent, WMS, Non-represented position
Anticipated Non-permanent employment December 2023-June 2024
Location: Northeast Region- Colville, WA
Salary: $84,247 - $98,261 Annually
To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is: $84,247 - $103,434 Annually
CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. We reserves the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/26/23. It is in the applicant's best interest to apply as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
If you love working in a fast-paced environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, with proven ability to work as part of an interagency team, then this opportunity might be for you! The Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Region is looking for a temporary Dispatch Center Manager to join and help lead the Northeast Washington Interagency Communication Center (NEWICC). This position is expected to last until June 2024 with the possibility of becoming permanent.
The Center Manager oversees all aspects of interagency dispatch operations, provides supervision to the DNR employees, and leads the work of the other agencies represented at the center including the Colville National Forest, BLM - Spokane District, USF&W Inland NW Refuge Complex, BIA - Spokane, and DNR NE Region. This position plays a critical role in protecting public resources, natural resources, and public safety. As the Dispatch Center Manager, you will also perform pre-season preparedness activities such as validating Run Cards for response, training new dispatchers, providing refreshers for returning seasonal dispatchers, and the opportunity to lead a great team!
This position will allow you the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington.
Duties
Responsibilities:
As the Center Manager for the Northeast Interagency Communications Center, you can expect to:

• Work with duty officers, line officers, and agency administrators, implement established priorities, resource allocation needs, and supervise the dispatch aspect of mobilization, demobilization, and reassignment of wildland fire suppression resources to support current and anticipated initial attack, extended attack, and emergency operations within the NEWICC boundaries.
• Work with staff to provide incident and administrative intelligence (e.g., fuels, weather, resource status, and reporting) to validate the effectiveness of Dispatch Center decisions.
• Develop and implement an expanded dispatch plan when it is determined it is needed to augment operations and activate the appropriate level of procurement, and support organizations. This position manages expanded dispatch based on the Agency Administrator's direction.
• Provide leadership in support of interagency resource management activities such as coordinating aircraft flight following, law enforcement assistance, search and rescue coordination, and all other administrative/all-risk activities according to policies.
• Provide technical and administrative supervision to a minimum of 5 permanent and up to 30 seasonal and detailed interagency dispatchers and other personnel working 24 hours/7 days per week during the peak wildfire season.
• Conduct workload analysis, determine the level of support from each agency for operational and staffing costs, develop the financial plan, and submit for plan approval from the appropriate agency administrators. This position is responsible for ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the center.
• Participate in multi-agency fire management planning and contribute to ongoing emergency response preparedness plans.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
This position typically requires the incumbent to have five seasons of wildland fire dispatch experience in order to gain the following key knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job functions described above.

• Completion of training in performance management, organization planning, budgeting, resource planning, and public/stakeholder relations;
• Two years of experience as a supervisor.
• Professional knowledge and understanding of wildfires and dispatch management sufficient to incorporate techniques and objectives of fire, aviation, and other related activities into appropriate resource allocation to achieve objectives and operational safety;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the advanced concept principles and practices of incident management and support;
• Comprehensive knowledge of 1) interagency (federal, state, and local cooperators) fire preparedness and suppression management policies, practices and procedures; 2) the Incident Command System; 3) the mobilization and demobilization of resources in a multi-jurisdictional environment; 4) general aircraft capabilities and limitations in addition to aircraft contracting and air operations safety; 5) fiscal procedures and diverse federal and state land management policies and procedures to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective management of resources;
• Knowledge of dispatcher preparedness and management operations, including logistical support, incident management, mobilization, interagency coordinator, and resource allocation;
• Ability to apply sound personnel management skills to include supervision, discipline, coaching, training, motivation and evaluation;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a wide variety of federal, state, and local agencies to negotiate, reach concurrence, and maintain an effective working relationship with cooperators;
• Ability to concentrate and make key decisions in a high-activity and noisy environment;
• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relations in a high-stress environment during peak activity;
• Ability to develop and maintain strong interagency relationships;
• Ability to manage multiple incidents simultaneously;
• Ability to work flexible, extended, and/or weekend hours, as needed, during peak activity.

Position Specific Competencies:

• Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
• Computer Software: Shows mid-level skills with MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Demonstrates the ability to type, edit, and format documents, and has the ability to develop spreadsheets. Prepares occasional presentations using MS PowerPoint, which includes formatted text and imported charts and pictures.
• Oral Communication: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals and groups, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; make clear and convincing oral presentations, listen to others, attend to non-verbal cues, and respond appropriately. This would include the ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely and to share complete and accurate information with others.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, and concern; develops & maintains relationships; may deal with people who are difficult, hostile, and distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds & situations; is sensitive to individual differences. Ability to work well with others in a collaborative and positive manner by developing and maintaining relationships and being sensitive to individual differences.
• Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Decision making: makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizations or part of the organization; monitors progress, and evaluates outcomes.

DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting (80%). During peak activity, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. This may create a high-stress work environment. No hazardous materials, other than typical household cleaners on rare occasions. Teleworking is an option outside of the fire season.
• Requires occasional travel for meetings, training, etc. (5%). There is no assigned Agency vehicle, pool vehicles may be available.

Desired Qualifications:

• Completion of Supervisory, Management, and Leadership training courses
• Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) and able to achieve Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) qualification within 3 years of hire.
• Successful completion of S-491 - National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS).

Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• 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 those communications.

Questions? Please contact Tim Love at /509-563-9367or e-mail us at
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:

• Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. 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.
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