Aircraft Dispatch Coordinator, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1

Salary : $64,776.00 - $87,048.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-6-0127-04687
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
Aircraft Dispatch Coordinator, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1 Recruitment #2026-6-0127
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: DNR Coordination Center - Tumwater, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5398.00 - $7254.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coordination Center is searching for a Wildfire Aircraft Dispatch Coordinator (Wildland Fire Coordinator 1) . During fire season, the DNR Coordination Center (DNR CC) can be very active as a Dispatch Center. The position will report to the DNR CC Center Manager but will also take direction from the Aviation Assistant Division Manager and coordinate directly with other Aviation Program staff to carry out programmatic duties. This position 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, and interagency agreements. This position will dispatch DNR and Contract aircraft to wildland fires, working with DNR, partner agency staff, and the private aviation sector. The position will track DNR Aircraft mobilization, demobilization, and response efforts. This position is an important link coordinating the fiscal accountability for aircraft billings with the operational use of DNR aviation assets. The position will provide technical direction, coordination, and make recommendations to improve aviation dispatch procedures and protocols through pre-season preparedness efforts, AARs, aviation briefings, etc. The individual in this position ensures the DNR Coordination Center (DNR CC) aircraft desk is maintained in a constant state of readiness.
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 communicate and coordinate with the DNR Coordination Center Manager and the Aviation Assistant Division Manager to use their judgment and make decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the DNR Air Operations Support Coordinator to obtain the Aviation Exclusive Use and Call When Needed Aviation Agreements, Amendments, and Contract Numbers.
• Transfer and/or accept or accept aircraft transferred in IROC between the Washington State DNR Coordination Center WA-WAC) and sending or receiving dispatch centers. Ensure that before transfer, the sending/receiving dispatch center has obtained the correct DNR aircraft agreement number(s) and dispatch center unit identifiers.
• The DNRCC aircraft desk in the DNR Coordination Center is the single point of ordering for additional aircraft. Surge resources that are staged at the Olympia Airport will be dispatched by DNRCC as state-wide assets. ACDP will clarify roles with WA State Dispatch Centers, ensuring parallel processes are eliminated.
• Communicate with statewide surge aircraft via radio console and log activity in WildCADe.
• Track aircraft resources during fire suppression and non-fire suppression activities using systems such as Automated Flight Following (AFF) and WildCADe. Relay status updates to region dispatch centers, fire managers, and incident commanders.
• Coordinate with aviation staff and region dispatch centers to ensure resource orders for aviation assets are properly executed statewide.
• Coordinate with Dispatch Centers or WFMD Aviation staff to obtain or create the Tactical Aircraft Request Orders (TARO) for DNR aviation resources dispatched to incidents. Ensure TAROs are attached to the IROC resource orders.
• Assist regions or the NW Coordination Center with ordering Service, Infrared Daytime (SIRD) and Service, Infrared Nighttime (SIRN) resource requests, if needed. When Western Washington dispatch centers request SIRD and SIRN, place the resource orders with the appropriate dispatch center.
• Fill fixed wing, rotor wing, equipment, and overhead aviation IROC resource orders sent to the DNR CC, and email resource orders to the necessary staff.
• Implement formal procedures requiring all region dispatch centers or the NW Coordination Center to submit detection flight requests through a unified process, either directly to the "HUB" or coordinated through the DNR CC Aircraft Coordinator.
• Coordinate with the Region dispatch centers to document aircraft dispatched to the NW Compact partners. Ensure the resource order indicates it is a Compact Request in IROC prior to filling or creating the resource order.
• Provide flight following when regional dispatch centers are not staffed, ensuring communication and coordination with pilots and air operations.
• Collaborate with helicopter managers, air attack, and other dispatchers and coordinators during initial attack to ensure efficient and safe dispatch of air resources.
• In coordination with state and partner dispatch centers, assess the need for and manage Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) based on fire complexity and location. This includes creating and submitting TFR orders in IROC and communicating with the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC).
• If WNG Aircraft are requested to be mobilized, communicate promptly with the DNR CC Center Manager, DNR Aviation personnel, and State EMD personnel. Upload IROC aviation resource orders into the State EMD WebEOC Mission Tracker.
• Work with the Center Manager to determine staffing needs for the Aircraft Desk based on current and expected wildfire conditions and severity. Request funding if needed to schedule qualified and trainee Aircraft Dispatchers primarily between July and September, or as needed, based on fire activity and preparedness levels.
• Oversee and train detailed dispatchers or other personnel involved in aircraft dispatch operations, including on-the-job training, simulation exercises, and reviews of aircraft protocols and safety plans.
• In coordination with dispatch centers and the WFMD Aircraft Duty Officer, monitor all House Bill (HB) 1498 fires and track DNR aircraft dispatched to each. Receive, collect, and save IROC aircraft demobilization resource orders for each fire and aviation resource.
• Create and maintain an HB 1498 Excel spreadsheet with date, name of fire, and DNR aviation resources on each fire to provide to WFMD Aviation staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Associate's degree in a Natural Resources field and two years of professional experience working with wildland fire management, natural resources, dispatching or communications, and/or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Completed FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses.
• Qualified Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC).
• Qualified Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP).
• Experience with understanding complex rules, legal documents, plans, agreements, and contracts.
• Knowledge of fire suppression principles/techniques and resource capabilities/limitations.

Required Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with co-workers, partner agency employees, and the general public.
• Strong professional writing skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• 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:

• Indoor, open cubicle, office setting. During fire season, the DNR Coordination Center can be noisy due to the number of phone calls sent/received and additional dispatch personnel staffing. The additional noise could be stressful and interrupt concentration.
• Little travel is required, but it could be statewide or nationally and would involve overnight accommodations.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Qualified Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) or Aircraft Dispatcher Trainee
• D-312 Aircraft Dispatcher
• D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder
• D-310, Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher
• D-311, Initial Attack Dispatcher
• S-270, Basic Air Operations
• ICS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• S-130, Firefighter Training
• S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• A-100, Basic Aviation Safety
• A-103, Temporary Flight Restrictions and Advisory Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
• A-109, Aviation Radio Use
• A-110, Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Materials
• A-115, Automated Flight Following
• A-200, Mishap Review
• A-202, Interagency Aviation Organizations
• A-203, Basic Airspace
• A-204, Crew Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations
• A-205, Risk Management I
• A-207, Mission Scheduling and Coordination
• A-208, Aircraft and Pilot Approval
• A-303, Human Factors in Aviation
• A-305, Risk Management II
• A-307, Aviation Policy and Regulations II
• A-310, Overview of Crew Resource Management

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at

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

• Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Attach a copy of your FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certificates.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: 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 these communications.

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Bammert 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


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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 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


Please select which of the following best describes your education and/or experience:

• I have an Associate's degree in a Natural Resources field and two years of professional experience working with wildland fire management, natural resources, dispatching or communications.
• I have a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to an Associate's degree in a Natural Resources field and two years of professional experience working with wildland fire management, natural resources, dispatching or communications.
• None of the above.

04


Have you completed the FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 courses?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you attached your FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certificates, if you have completed the courses?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you a Qualified Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you a Qualified Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience with understanding complex rules, legal documents, plans, agreements and contracts?

• Yes
• No

09


Please describe how you manage stress within a fast-paced work environment. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
10


Please describe your wildland fire experience. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
11


Please describe what interests you in working in the Dispatch/Communication Center?
12


Please describe your experience in Fire/Communications/911 Dispatching or emergency management? If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
13


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

14


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)

15


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