Dispatch Coordinator, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1 (Wfpc1)

Salary : $61,056.00 - $82,056.00 Annually
Location : Cowlitz County - Castle Rock, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-3-5545-03458
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 03/18/2024
Closing Date: 4/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Dispatch Coordinator, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1 (WFPC1)Recruitment #2024-3-5545
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Pacific Cascade Region- Castle Rock, WASalary: $5,088.00 - $6,838.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Pacific Cascade Region is searching for a Dispatch Coordinator (Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1). Pacific Cascade Region is a very active fire area and features areas of urban interface fuels, and remote access areas with multiple jurisdictions. This position reports to the region's Wildland Fire District Manager and 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, interagency agreements, and negligent fire suppression cost recovery within the region.
The individual in this position will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the current fire planning guides such as systematic dispatch and the mobilization guide.
The successful candidate will also serve as the region expert for regulation and dispatching of resources including the use of Incident Resource Ordering Capability (IROC), WildCAD E, smoke management, burn permits, the Burn Portal, setting fire danger ratings, Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) ratings, maintaining fire SharePoint web page and other fire-related software programs.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Supervises the Pacific Cascade Region Communications Center staff to ensure effective year-round radio communications for all DNR programs and for emergency wildfire response and support during fire season.
• Supervises, trains, and mentors staff to establish and maintain a cohesive, well-trained team that performs well under chaotic conditions that often develop during fire season.
• Responsible for proactively working with fire protection districts to create and maintain forestland response agreements, radio use agreements, and other types of interagency agreements intended to facilitate effective procurement and/ or equitable sharing of Wildland Firefighting personnel and equipment to promote rapid initial response to wildfires on DNR protected lands.
• Coordinates efforts with Wildfire Division, region staff, fire districts, and other governmental agencies to ensure the region Emergency Response Plan, Duty Officer Handbook and Fire Mobilization Guide are up to date and understood.
• Coordinates IFPL and fire danger ratings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures that incidents are properly documented in WildCAD E and that fire packets are complete.
• Ensures that staff are properly trained in the use of documentation, intelligence, and dispatching software (WIMS, Smoke Management, IROC, etc.
• Coordinate Pacific Cascade Region Initial Incident Report (IIR) program.
• In all tasks, consider the Risk Management Process, especially in high-pressure or fast-paced situations to ensure sound and timely decisions.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Combination of four or more successful years of progressively more responsible professional work in Wildland Fire suppression, Wildland Fire training, or a closely related field;
  OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• One year of supervisory experience of two or more employees.
• Possesses strong computer-supported skills, including the use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.
• Ability to be effective and make sound decisions within a fast-paced work environment.
• A team leader who forms and maintains effective relationships with others that are based on trust and respect.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Communications Effectiveness: Strong communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Team Leadership: Actively participates in efforts to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
• Position requires demonstrated ability to:
  • Align services with agency business needs.
  • Provide outstanding support services to customers.
  • Work effectively in a team environment.
  • Remain flexible in a changing environment.
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

DNR Core Competencies:

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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position's assigned duty station is Pacific Cascade Region Headquarters (Toutle Work Center/Dispatch). The duties are primarily office-based, with opportunities to work in the field, but not required. The position is allowed to take fire assignments as qualified and able.
• This position requires occasional travel within the assigned geographic unit and other parts of the Region to meet with employees, stakeholders, and the public. Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be required for training and other reasons.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in wildfire science, environmental science, or a closely related field and at least two years of professional work experience in one of these fields.
• Pertinent experience with Washington state procurement and contracting laws and rules.
• Current incident command system qualification at the NWCG Single Resource Boss, Unit Leader or higher.
• Familiarity with current Wildland Firefighting approaches and challenges in the western United States.
• Experience in a professional position that required creating, interpreting, and/or implementing agreements/contracts.
• Experience in Wildland Fire regulation, including knowledge and experience with DNR's fire regulations (Chapter 76.04 RCW and Chapter 332 WAC). Or a strong understanding of how laws and administrative codes work.
• Two or more years of experience in successfully supervising employees.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- 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 Paul Tester at /360-355-5433 or 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.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support o...