Wildland Fire Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (WFD2)

Salary : $41,724.00 - $55,584.00 Annually
Location : Cowlitz County - Castle Rock, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 2026-5-5584-04167
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Division: Pacific Cascade Region
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
Wildland Fire Dispatcher, Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 (WFD2) Recruitment #2026-5-5584
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent Appointment is 6-months
Location: Pacific Cascade Region - Castle Rock, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 05/24/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you detail-oriented? A confident communicator and active listener? Do you want to gain experience in high-stress situations while supporting emergency work? As a Wildland Fire Dispatcher, you will provide a variety of specialized and complex functions which directly support the Wildfire and Pacific Cascade Region programs, applications, and activities such as wildfire and emergency dispatching, Incident Qualification System (IQS), Incident Resource Ordering Capability (IROC), Computer Automated Wildland Fire Dispatch System (WildCAD), radio and telephone communications, and Industrial Fire Precaution Level ratings. The person in this position is responsible for timely and accurate data entry into numerous web-based applications to capture and record wildfire activity; fire weather forecast retrievals and radio broadcasts; private and industrial cooperator notifications; regional standby updates; fire reports, resource directory maintenance; fire prevention; and general region administrative support.

To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:
• Service-oriented
• Calm under pressure
• Attentive to detail
• And possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additionally, the person serving in this role will be required to learn established, complex procedures, tools, and technical programs. They will then use their judgment to make daily decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.

Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive and coordinate communications from the public, agency staff, and county 911 dispatch centers via telephone and radio;
• Record, evaluate, and disseminate reports of wildland fire, smoke complaints, accidents/incidents, and all-risk incidents on DNR-protected lands;
• Appropriately manage agency resource availability and logistics to support incident response and preparedness;
• Coordinate local response to incidents, and initiate appropriate response of personnel and apparatus in accordance with agency plans, guidelines, and protocols;
• Communicate with aviation assets by providing information to air resources including: distance and bearing to an incident, latitude and longitude to an incident, air-air and air-ground frequencies, ground contact, flight hazards, etc.;
• Track aviation assets within the PC Region while in transit and during incident response;
• Additional clerical duties include tracking resource availability, resource or incident locations, weather forecasting, fire reporting, and incident orders.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Suite.
• Experience involving public contact or communication, such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work, which includes interacting with the public.

Required Competencies:

• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Work is performed in an office setting. Must be able to transport and maneuver office supplies (up to 25 lbs) with or without accommodation, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, and reactive environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• One season experience as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 1, other dispatch experience, wildland fire suppression experience, or clerical experience.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as a Radio Operator (RADO), Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), or Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee
  (IADP-T).

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at Don't hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: Referencesare optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• 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 Kym Schoonover at / View phone number on click.appcast.io or email us at


Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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 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 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 DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as social security numbers. 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 with 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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or email


Check us out on: | | | | |
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 our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02


Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03


How do you rate your experience with Microsoft Office Suite?

• Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn)
• Developing (working knowledge)
• Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently)
• Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user)

04


Do you have experience involving public contact or communication, such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work which includes interacting with the public?

• Yes
• No

05


Please describe what interests you in working in the Dispatch/Communication Center?
06


Do you have experience in Fire/Communications/911 Dispatching or emergency management? If yes, please explain. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
07


Do you have experience with wildland firefighting? If yes, please explain. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
08


Please describe how you manage stress within a work environment.
09


Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

10


Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

• WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
• Governmentjobs.com
• Monster
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• College/university website/career fair
• Handshake
• Newspaper
• Direct Email Notification
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
• Professional/Personal Network
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• Zip Recruiter
• Diversity Jobs
• Facebook
• Other (please specify below)

11


If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question