Job Information
State of Montana Dispatcher 1- Lead Dispatcher in Helena, Montana
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Core Values: The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana. * We value and respect each other. * We create collaborative work environments. * We build and maintain strong relationships. * We practice accountability. * We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: DISPATCH CENTER OPERATIONS: This position helps direct and coordinate the daily operations and activities within the interagency dispatch center boundaries to ensure effective responses as well as compliance with interagency agreements and requirements affecting Dispatch Center operations. * Participates in the development of the unit mobilization plan and dispatch operating plans and guides. Assists in determining kinds, types, and quantities of resources (personnel, equipment, and services) required to meet predetermined protection objectives; provides input to types of services (heavy equipment, food suppliers, support equipment, etc.) necessary for the unit/agency to have under contract agreement and locates these resources. * Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of dispatch operations to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. * Receives and interprets weather forecasts, reviews daily staffing plans, provides daily fire weather data and burning indices to Interagency Dispatch Center affiliates. Analyzes and applies weather data for wildfire behavior prediction, prescribed fire, and other resource uses. * Performs and/or directs the central dispatch of personnel, equipment, and supplies for emergencies. * Responds to media, cooperators, and members of the public to provide accurate and current situational reports before, during, and after fire suppression activities. * Compiles and maintains information and data (e.g., personnel, material resources, geographic information, etc.) required for the development and implementation of mobilization plans, guides, and procedures to ensure the availability of accurate, complete, and current information. * Maintains a current inventory of available suppression resources and facilities to maximize response time to incoming requests. * Arranges for and coordinates air/ground transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment. * Provides data for and prepares recurring and special fire reports. Documents actions taken to meet legal and budgetary needs. Reviews individual fire incident reports. Maintains and executes several computer programs used by the Interagency Dispatch Center. DISPATCH SUPPORT: This position performs a variety of technical dispatch services to provide critical support for fire suppression actions. This includes operating advanced communication and tracking systems; processing fire suppression resource orders; identifying and explaining resource alternatives to field personnel; examining and maintaining local maps and agreements for dispatch of cooperator resources; executing demobilization plans and supplemental action plans as appropriate. * Operates advanced radio, telephone, and communication and tracking systems according to emergency communication protocols and procedures to coordinate dispatch of suppression resources, minimize confusion with cross communications, and ensure the reliability of information to and from the dispatch center. * Prepares, reviews, and processes fire suppression resource orders to minimize errors and meet objectives of suppression forces. * Identifies and explains alternatives to field personnel on initial attack requests to maximize use of resources, ensure safety, and minimize costs. * Examines and maintains local maps and agreements for dispatch of cooperator resources to meet interagency requirements for utilization of closest forces concept. * Executes demobilization plans and provides proactive demobilization support for major incidents to meet transportation schedules on a timely basis. * Implements supplemental action plans based upon size up, weather, and other known information to ensure proper preparation of available forces to meet suppression objectives. Supervision: This position is a work leader on the floor of dispatch but does not directly supervise any DNRC employees. APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE: * * Online State of Montana application * Resume * Cover Letter *HELPFUL HINT: *You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. *Benefits: * Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays * Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage * Retirement Plans * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify! If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at Makayla.Mangold@mt.gov. *Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): High school diploma or equivalent. Required knowledge includes, but is not limited to: * Fire management practices and techniques. * Agency regulations, policies, standards and procedures of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and individual counties in the Central Land Office, as related to dispatching of incident resources. * Thorough knowledge of the availability, capability, and limitations of resources within the Helena Dispatch Area. * Thorough knowledge of aircraft types and capabilities, various ground implements (fire engine types and capabilities, dozer types and limitations, ground transportation types and capabilities, as well as various personnel types and capabilities). * Awareness of the various agencies' legal requirements, obligations, and reporting methods pertinent to dispatch operations. * Considerable knowledge and skill in written and verbal communications, and a thorough knowledge of fire management and agency terminology are also required. * The ability to plan for, coordinate and supervise dispatch activities frequently under stressful conditions for long periods of time often without complete information for guidance. * Must be able to function during times of critical incidents when the lives and safety of others are threatened. * Skilled in operation of computerized radio systems, multi-key telephones, paging systems, FAX machines, U.S. Forest Service, and IBM compatible personal computers. Knowledge of and skill in using computer software such as Windows, Microsoft Office software, WIMS (weather), ROSS, WildCad, State IQS, and Federal IQCS. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card". Title: Dispatcher 1- Lead Dispatcher * Location: *Helena Requisition ID: 25140416