Wildland Fire Dispatcher, DNR
FT / PT Status – Full-time
Salary – $19.66 - $29.52
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office
Recruiter – Christa Rowland|crowlan@utah.gov|801-538-4826
Application Deadline – 5-27-26
Job Description
Does supporting dedicated first responders motivate you? Enter the wildland fire communication center where you're the first, vital link in the response. As a Wildland Fire Dispatcher, you’ll provide calm coordination under pressure, deliver essential information to field resources, monitor all details, and play a critical role in protecting lives, property, and the communities you care about. Dispatchers are a dedicated member of the fire team, coordinating resources from inter-agency communications centers to meet the tactical requirements of wildland firefighters in the field. The dispatcher will primarily support wildland fire suppression and related activities, though the center may support all-risk incidents as needed. Dispatchers utilize critical thinking to resolve challenges in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, demonstrating a strong dedication to delivering exceptional service to the community. During the off-season, the dispatcher assists in the preparation of documentation related to State firefighter training and readiness activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate telecommunications equipment and process information on computers utilizing various software and systems.
- Receive fire reports from the public, private, or government sources.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze information for errors and complexity.
- Use maps to determine location, land status, access, and current fire information.
- Maintain comprehensive records of all communications and actions ensuring accuracy and clarity of intent.
- Dispatch resources according to policy to meet tactical requirements for aircraft, equipment, personnel, and supplies.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of resource orders.
- Gather fire weather data to prepare a simple report for distribution.
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly records reports, and summaries as directed.
Qualifications
Minimum
- High school graduate/equivalent or higher.
- Be proficient with computers, including basic email operation and typing skills.
- Be familiar with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace products.
- Able to pass state and federal background checks.
- Able to read maps to determine locations of incidents, and articulate geographic information clearly and accurately.
- Able to process sensitive information, maintain confidentiality, and complete assigned tasks.
- Utilize effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey information, ideas, and understanding.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and stay focused for longer periods under pressure to achieve goals.
- Be self-motivated and use initiative to achieve goals.
- Collaborate seamlessly as an integral member of a high-performing team.
Preferred
- NWCG qualifications for EDRC, EDSD, IADP, or ACDP.
- EDSD, IADP, or ACDP trainee.
- Knowledge of WildCAD and IROC.
- Knowledge of wildland fire operations and ordering terminology.
Supplemental Information
- Risks found in a typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, e.g. safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
- Required to accommodate a diverse range of scheduling requirements, including rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, on-call, extended, and overnight hours, with the capacity to respond to changes when needed.
- Overtime is required as emergencies arise, as well as during fire season, typically June 1-October 1.
- Occasional travel is required.
About The Role
Location – 14324 S Pony Express Rd Draper, Utah
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B
Why You Should Join Our Team
Benefits
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The Agency For more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.
EEO Statement The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.
