Under general supervision, dispatches resources to fire and non-fire related incidents. Documents actions, gathers, prepares, and reports weather related data, utilizes radio and telephone communications. Processes resource and supply orders. Provides logistic services throughout life of incident. May assist with training of Wildland Fire Dispatcher 1.

Positions at this level work under the direction of the Wildland Fire Dispatcher 4 or lead dispatcher, performing telecommunication and radio dispatch between field resources, other government agencies and private contractors.

Operates a multi-frequency radio console. Coordinates use of assigned radio frequencies, directs radio traffic to appropriate channels, and restricts channels to emergency use as necessary. Prioritizes radio traffic and related communications; 

Receives communications from the public and local 911 dispatch centers from multiple counties by telephone and radio; records, evaluates, and disseminates reports of wildland fire, smoke complaints, accidents/incidents and all-risk incidents on public lands. Attempts to locate and initiates appropriate action;

Initiates requests to higher organizational levels for additional resources as needed;

May assist with fire training and orientation;

Provides support to incidents and public safety responders. Within established controls, coordinates responses to incidents; initiates appropriate response of personnel and apparatus in accordance with agency plans, guides, and protocols;

Provides dispatch support to law enforcement activities. Queries and relays license plates, vehicle registrations, Be On the Lookout, and other information for law enforcement contacts and investigations;

Handles emergency radio traffic for Department of Corrections and DNR Crews for offenses or any necessary medical transport by either emergency medical service or Department of Corrections using established procedures. Responsible for notification to Correctional institutions of changes in locations of offender crews and/or arrival times to institution and document accordingly;

Responsible for radio communications with aviation assets, providing information to air resources including: distance and bearing, latitude and longitude of fire, frequencies, ground contact, flight hazards, etc.; 

Provides for officer safety through maintaining status on officers, maintains situational awareness during all contacts, and anticipates responders’ requests and needs; 

Safeguards confidential and sensitive information including, but is not limited to, medical information, employee personal identifiable information, and information on individuals involved in investigations or details of investigations in progress, and details pertaining to potential litigation, criminal prosecutions, or cost recoveries;

Organizes and reviews completed records of all orders placed and actions taken to ensure adherence to established operating procedures;

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High School diploma or GED equivalent

AND

One year experience as Wildland Fire Dispatcher 1, other dispatch experience, wildland fire suppression experience or clerical experience.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualified as a Radio Operator, Expanded Dispatch Recorder, or Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee.

NOTE: Some positions may require keyboarding or typing accurately at a net speed of 35 words per minute or faster.

New class adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.