Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)

DispatcherServes as a dispatcher, receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents. Follows established procedures to perform a variety of technical duties common to the dispatch of personnel, equipment, aircraft and/or supplies according to pre-defined plans or in response to resource orders from the field. Initiates requests to higher organizational levels for additional resources as needed. Maintains resource status and tracking systems and operates telecommunications systems. Collects, processes, collates and submits incident information to support fire operations (e.g., fire reports, smoke permits, spot weather forecasts, prescribed fire burn requests). 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). The information is used to determine burning indices, preparedness levels and staffing levels for suppression and aviation resources. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications (e.g., incident qualification records, fire reporting systems, and automated dispatch systems) and makes the initial assessment of outputs. Provides critical logistical support information to supervisor and makes recommendations concerning the efficient uses of available resources. Records and maintains communication logs. Coordinates and may assist with fire and aviation operational-type training/simulations and orientation in addition to initial attack dispatch and aviation dispatch training. Gathers information for the development and maintenance of the dispatch mobilization guide and internal dispatch operating guides. Shares information with cooperators and other interested entities.