About the job
Recruitment #2026-11-7609/7719
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal employment is May - October
Location: South Puget Sound Region - Enumclaw, WA
Salary: $4,018.00 - $5,366.00 Monthly
Please note: An additional 5% King County duty station pay has been added to the base salary listed on this announcement.
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/09/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Interviews for these positions will tentatively occur in January 2027. These positions are typically filled from May through October depending on the timing of fire season, candidate availability and agency needs.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher. Are you detail-oriented? A confident communicator and active listener? Do you want to gain experience in high-stress situations while supporting emergency work? As a Wildland Fire Dispatcher, you will perform a critical role in emergency management by dispatching and tracking agency resources. You will complete additional tasks, such as fire reporting analysis, logistics, documentation, records management, and other wildfire-related support. This is your opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-functioning team, develop lasting relationships, and contribute to the safety and protection of our region’s residents and natural resources.
To be successful in this role, the selected individual will need to be:Service-oriented;
Calm under pressure;
Attentive to detail;
Self-motivated;
And possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Additionally, the person serving in this role will be required to learn and implement complex procedures and technical programs utilized in dispatching. They will use their judgment to make daily decisions that align with those procedures and support the overall mission to protect the health of Washington's lands.Responsibilities:
This position activates an emergency response when life, property, or natural resources are threatened due to wildfire. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Receive and prioritize communications from agency staff, 911 dispatch centers, and the public via telephone and radio transmissions;
Document, evaluate, and disseminate reports of wildland fire, smoke complaints, accidents, and all-hazard incidents on DNR protected lands;
Accurately track and record agency resource status and logistical availability in support of incident response and preparedness;
In coordination with incident command staff, initiate the response to local incidents in accordance with agency protocols and guidelines;
Provide vital flight navigation data to aviation assets such as latitude and longitude of an incident, air-air and air-ground radio frequencies, ground contacts, and flight hazards or restrictions;
Provide flight following and monitor critical navigation data to track aviation assets within the SPS Region while in transit and during incident response;
Clerical dispatch duties include tracking and documenting resource availability, resource or incident locations, weather forecasting, fire reporting, and incident orders;
Process fire weather information and distribute daily intelligence reports to region resources;
Works with the Wildland Fire Management Division and the Northwest Coordination Center to dispatch local resources to state, national, and international wildfire and all-hazard incidents utilizing the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system.
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. Please clearly communicate in your application materials that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
Experience in computer programs such as Microsoft Suite and Adobe
Experience involving public contact or communication such as radio communications, receptionist, switchboard operator, or clerical office work which includes interacting with the public
Required Competencies:
Must have demonstrated ability to relate to a diverse customer base
Must be able to type 40 words per minute
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 ensure requests are followed
DNR Core Competencies:Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:Position is located in a communication center. This may be a single agency DNR communication office or an interagency communication center. Work is performed in an office setting. Must be able to pick up and carry appropriate office supplies (up to 25 lbs.) as needed to conduct assigned tasks. Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced and reactive environment.
Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, they can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher Trainee (IADP-T), or Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher Trainee (EDSD-T)
Two seasons as a Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2
Wildland fire suppression experience
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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (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 position's requirements, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Resume: Your resume should include your work history, education, volunteer experience, life skills, and any other relevant information for 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.
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 info@governmentjobs.com 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.
Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process will be asked to take a Typing Test at the time of their interview.
Questions? Please contact Daniel Eide at daniel.eide@dnr.wa.gov / (253) 651-5838, Daniel Behrens at daniel.behrens@dnr.wa.gov / (253) 553-7349 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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 Values:Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude.
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, visit here to learn more
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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html 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 E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress