This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position. To learn more about Direct-Hire authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information: Direct Hire Fact Sheet
This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE for incumbents of this position. This is a secondary-administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. Only experience and education obtained by 06/02/2025 will be considered. ***Your resume MUST include BEGINNING and END DATES specified in MONTH/YEAR to MONTH/YEAR format. In addition, your resume MUST reflect FULL-TIME/PART-TIME or total number of HOURS worked per week*** You may qualify at the GS-06 level, if you have the following specialized experience requirements: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal Service demonstrated as a Fire Dispatcher performing or assisting in directing others in receiving fire reports, determining location, land status, and current fire information. Coordinating aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety). Determining appropriate resource response to incidents and requests from the field and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. You may qualify at the GS-07 level, if you have the following specialized experience requirements: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level in the Federal Service demonstrated as a Senior Fire Dispatcher performing and directing others in receiving fire reports, determining location, land status, and current fire information. Coordinates aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety). Determines appropriate resource response to incidents and requests from the field and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-6/7. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-6/7. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Operations/Mobilization Performs and directs others in receiving fire reports, determining location, land status, and current fire information. Coordinates aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety). Determines appropriate resource response to incidents and requests from the field and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. Based upon current wildland fire suppression activity and utilizing prior wildland firefighting experience and training, anticipates fire suppression needs and determines resource allocation. Operates and/or directs the operation of various dispatch telecommunication systems. Organizes and reviews completed records of all orders placed and actions taken to ensure adherence to established operating procedures. Processes and interprets weather information (e.g., spot weather forecasts, weather station observations, current and forecasted weather, lightning detection, and fuel moisture levels). This information is used to determine burning indices, preparedness levels and staffing levels for suppression and aviation resources. Performs, and directs others, in inputting data into a number of fire-related computer applications (e.g., incident qualification records, fire reporting systems, and automated dispatch systems) and makes assessment of outputs. Fire Program Management Support Provides information and consults with supervisors, multiple agencies, cooperators and other interested entities. Provides critical logistical support information to supervisor and makes recommendations concerning the efficient uses of available resources. Makes initial and extended attack decisions in response to fire reports and orders for additional support from the field by arranging for and coordinating the transportation of personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies. Provides liaison between the unit and other dispatch offices and the geographical coordination center concerning orders to supplement the unit's capabilities. Records and maintains communication logs. Coordinates fire training and orientation. Reviews internal operating procedures and systems, makes recommendations for improvement, and updates/develops operating plans and mobilization guides. Provides technical guidance and on-the-job training for other dispatchers. Assists with scheduling to ensure adequate personnel are available. Provides technical guidance in unusual situations. Follows up on assignments to ensure they are complete and meet accepted standards. Provides assistance on problems encountered by dispatch personnel.