Wildland Fire Dispatcher (John Day)

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Oregon Department of Forestry

John Day, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $4,602.00 - $6,395.00

Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

 

*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

 

Wildland Fire Dispatchers play a pivotal role in wildland fire programs, and dispatch work is often described as extremely satisfying and fast paced. From taking the first phone report of a new fire to mobilizing crews, engines, and the support of fire suppression, dispatchers are never bored. Tracking aircraft, sending initial attack engines and helicopters to a new fire, tracking fire occurrence data, and providing weather and fire behavior forecasts and outlooks all require top-notch work from dispatchers.

 

Click here: ODF Seasonal Wildland Fire Video

 

You’ll be part of the ODF team that serves our fellow Oregonians relying on regulation and protection of both public and private forest land in our great state of Oregon!​ Click here.

 

Great Benefits Package – watch this video

 

Wildland Fire Dispatcher (WFD) – Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of public contact experience, which included gathering, relaying and providing information to others and evaluating activities or incidents and determining an appropriate course of action. One (1) year of this experience must have included using radio equipment, telephone and/or computer in emergency type environment.

Note: Two seasons (six months) of wildland fire dispatching will substitute for the one year of experience that included using radio equipment, telephone and/or a computer in an emergency-type environment.

 

*We may consider applicants that do not have 2 years, if not able to fill at the qualified level.

 

General Duties:

  • Communicate with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Transmit, broadcast, control, and operate telecommunications systems.
  • Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

  • Experience working collaboratively as a member of a team.
  • Experience entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form in a timely manner with attention to detail.
  • Experience making basic decisions in a high stress office environment and the ability to recognize when to seek guidance from supervisors.

How to Apply:
  • Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
  • Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.

Additional Details:
  • This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  • If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: Amanda McHatton, amanda.j.mchatton@odf.oregon.gov.
  • Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
  • Veterans – Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. After you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources.
  • If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact: corie.t.shelley@odf.oregon.gov.

Contact:

Apply for This Position: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/John-Day--ODF/Wildland-Fire-Dispatcher--John-Day-_REQ-192137?q=Natural%20Resources

Application Closes: 04/30/26

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