About the opportunity
The Dispatch Center Manager directs and oversees daily dispatch center operations, ensuring adequate staffing, balanced workloads, and operational readiness. This role manages the dispatch center budget, develops long-range plans to support wildland fire management objectives, and coordinates with partner agencies during multi-jurisdictional incidents. Responsibilities include establishing incident priorities, managing resource mobilization and demobilization, and maintaining situational awareness at local, geographic, and national levels. The position is a key fire management role under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) standard, requiring specific incident management qualifications and prior primary wildland firefighting experience.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $97,564 – $147,865 per year
- Payment of basic moving expenses for eligible applicants
- Potential for additional relocation discretionary entitlements
- Federal employee benefits including health and insurance programs
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Must meet IFPM requirements: possess EDSD (Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher) and S-491 (Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System) qualifications
- Must have documented prior primary wildland firefighting experience (at least one full fire season or 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience)
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-11 level in Federal service
- Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license
- Must pass a drug test and be subject to random drug testing
- Must be registered for the Selective Service if assigned male at birth after 12-31-59
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, 10-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins)
- Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or equivalent documentation verifying NWCG qualifications
- CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable)
- Cover letter (optional)
When to apply
- Applications must be received by 2026-09-25, 11:59 PM ET
How to apply
- Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
- Review the appointment eligibility criteria and select applicable categories
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Upload all required documents, including resume and IFPM certification
- Submit the application through the USAJOBS portal
Additional information
- This is a Direct-Hire Authority position; Veterans preference does not apply.
- Positions are located in Bishop, CA; Porterville, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Susanville, CA; Idaho Falls, ID; Shoshone, ID; Elko, NV; Ely, NV; Las Vegas, NV; Winnemucca, NV; Cedar City, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; and Vernal, UT.
- Incumbents must serve a 1-year probationary period.
- Work may involve extended or irregular hours, on-call duties, weekends, holidays, and travel.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with prior primary wildland firefighting experience and current IFPM qualifications.
- Individuals skilled in managing budgets and coordinating multi-agency resource mobilization.
- Leaders capable of maintaining situational awareness and operational readiness in high-pressure environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role involves irregular hours, on-call duties, and potential travel, which requires significant flexibility.
- Applicants should verify the specific duty location, as this position covers multiple states and locations.
- A one-year probationary period is required for all new incumbents.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a major career move for an experienced fire management professional looking to oversee dispatch operations at a regional or national level. It offers the chance to lead critical infrastructure and planning efforts that directly support wildland fire management objectives.
Our take
An excellent opportunity for seasoned fire management experts with the required IFPM certifications; those lacking primary firefighting experience will not be eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
