Wildland Fire Dispatcher

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Are you looking for a seasonal position in Wildland Fire Dispatching? If so, good news, the Oregon Department of Forestry is currently hiring!

The Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) Mission is – To serve the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon's forests to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability.

ODF seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity and values of Oregonians and provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. ODF promotes and supports the value of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA), and diversity.

To see what it's like to be part of ODF's respectful, inclusive, and professional team,

The Oregon Department of Forestry hires seasonal wildland fire dispatch positions each year. These positions generally work from June through October; however, the duration of the season and job conditions vary by location. For best consideration, apply as soon as possible.

UNDERFILL OPTION:

The goal of this recruitment is to fill positions at the Wildland Fire Dispatcher level; however, we encourage candidates who qualify for Wildland Fire Dispatcher Entry level ($2,725 - $3,589) to apply. If we are unable to fill the positions at the higher level, we will consider underfilling them at the Wildland Fire Dispatcher Entry level until the selected candidate meets the minimum qualifications for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher level.

Forest Grove Unit: The Forest Grove office is located at 801 Gales Creek Road, Forest Grove, OR 97116. The Forest Grove Unit is responsible for Fire Protection on approximately 450,000 acres of State, Private and BLM ownership. Working hours during fire season are normally 0930 – 1800 and days off will either be Friday/Saturday, Sunday/Monday or Tuesday/Wednesday dependent upon crew assignment.

To view a map of Northwest Oregon, including the Forest Grove District and its surrounding offices, please

New to Forest Grove?

You will initiate and support fire suppression efforts by providing for the rapid, appropriate response of fire fighting resources, tracking, monitoring, and recording sequences of events, and completing associated paperwork.

The Department's highest priority work is a forest fire emergency, this position may be utilized during those emergencies to provide assistance in a variety of ways. That assistance may be directly aiding the emergency effort in the field or at the Salem headquarters. It also may be in providing backup to fill in for another position that is being used in direct aid to the emergency, or it may be in performing an essential function in some capacity either within this Program or elsewhere in Salem or in the field.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

Candidates whose demonstrate skills, abilities and/or experience in the following:

• Two (2) years of public contact experience, which included gathering, relaying and providing information to others and evaluating activities or incidents and determining an appropriate course of action. One (1) year of this experience must have included using radio equipment, telephone and/or computer in emergency type environment.

• NOTE: Two seasons (six months) of wildland fire dispatching will substitute for the one year of experience that included using radio equipment, telephone and/or a computer in an emergency-type environment.

• Use of Resource Ordering Status System (ROSS).

• Use of two-way radios.

• Reading and interpreting maps.

• Typing at least 35 words per minute.

• Understands the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Understands administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing programs (Microsoft Office Suite), managing files and records.

• Ability to obtain information from all relevant sources.

• Accurately enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic form in a timely manner with attention to detail.

• Ability to use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Clearly communicate both verbally and in writing with internal and external customers including cooperators, landowners, public and fire crews.

• Ability to make basic decisions in a high stress dispatch office environment and the ability to recognize when to seek guidance from supervisors.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.

• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of service, workforce diversity, equity and inclusion, team environment, and strong internal communication and alignment.

• Proven experience as an excellent communicator who is honest, fair and inclusive among employees, partners and stakeholders.

THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA APPLIES TO BOTH THE WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER AND WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER ENTRY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age by time of hire.

• Preference may be given to applicants who have prior dispatching experience or who have current wildland fire dispatching qualifications.

• Preference may be given to applicants who have knowledge of wildland fire terminology and/or prior wildland fire experience.

The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here .

How to Apply

Your candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect place to display your interest in the position and highlight the skills and experience you will bring, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions are screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

• Current State of Oregon employees - You must apply through your employee Workday account. At the time of application, please attach your current cover letter and resume .
  
  

• External Applicants - Please visit the State of Oregon job opportunities web-page to submit your application for the position, which includes your current cover letter and resume.
  
  

• Attach current fire qualifications. You must submit your current wildland fire incident qualification card, or equivalent with your application materials to provide proof of your qualifications.

Want to Know More? Let Me Help!

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%

• This announcement is for Seasonal , Full-Time positions.

• If you have questions regarding these positions, please contact M att Mackey, 503-359-7447 or email Matt.A.Mackey@odf.oregon.gov

• These positions are represented by Service Employees International Union.

• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity

• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact Recruiter, Michele Olson at: Michele.L.Olson@Oregon.gov .

• Please note all communication regarding this recruitment will be through Workday and it will be important for you to monitor your portal.

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.

• This position requires the operation of a State vehicle for the purpose of conducting official State business. An Oregon driving record check will be conducted on the top applicants to ensure a valid license and acceptable driving record. If your license is from outside Oregon, you must submit at least a three year court/DMV printout.

Helpful Links & Resources

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage

Workday Applicant FAQ

Veterans | Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666

What You Need to Know to Get the Job

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