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Wildfire Dispatcher
Employment and Compensation
The Oregon Department of Forestry hires seasonal Wildland Fire Dispatch positions each year. These positions generally work from June through October; however, the duration of the season and job conditions vary by location. Wildland Fire Dispatcher entry level salary is $2,299.00 – $3,122.00 monthly ($13.26- $18.01 hourly).
Minimum Requirements
No experience required, but must be a minimum of 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license
Job Duties
Seasonal dispatchers coordinate with dispatch leads to determine the appropriate response to wildfires based on pre-planned procedures. Dispatchers play an integral role in the chain of communication that is vital for the safety of resources and also support wildfire operations by tracking and mobilizing resource orders, receiving, recording, and relaying written and verbal requests, editing and updating documents, receiving and relaying information requests from the public, and other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a high stress office environment and seated at a desk for long periods of time managing multiple assignments with varying priorities. Required to work irregular, overtime, holiday and overnight hours. Required to travel in-state or out-of-state by motor vehicle or aircraft to attend meetings, training opportunities, or fire assignments. Assignments to emergency incidents may require employee to be away from duty station for up to 21 days. May be required to work in an interagency environment where there may be multiple policies, plans, and procedures.
Additional Information and Application
For additional information call ODF Recruitment at 503-945-7200 or for local job information call Grants Pass Unit 541-474-3152 or Medford Unit 541-664-3328. To apply visit oregonjobs.org or click here
Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist
Employment and Compensation
The Oregon Department of Forestry hires seasonal Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist positions each year. These positions generally work from June through October; however, the duration of the season and job conditions vary by location. Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist entry level salary is $14.21- $19.76 hourly.
Minimum Requirements
Two years of Wildland firefighting experience. (One 3-6 month season is equivalent to one year of experience). Applicant ust be a minimum of 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, and pass the Work Capacity Fitness Test, which requires resources to walk 3 miles with a 45 pound pack in 45 minutes or less without running. Click here for additional information about the required fitness test.
Job Duties
Responsible for locating wildfires using maps, GPS, and compass wildland as well as fire suppression as a member of a crew, engine or dozer. Suppression Specialists will contain active wildfires by constructing fire line using hand tools or power equipment and participate in mop-up duties to control and extinguish wildfire after it has been contained. Duties may require operation of firefighting vehicles/equipment in support of wildfire suppression. Suppression Specialists are expected to participate in safety briefings and fire training as necessary and maintain positive working relationships with landowners and the public.
Work Environment
Suppression Specialists are required to work various shifts including holidays, nights, weekends, and long hours on short notice. Assignments to emergency incidents may require employee to be away from duty station for up to 21 days. Occasionally required to work under adverse conditions such as noise, smoke, heat, rough terrain, dust, inclement weather and exposure to poison oak, bees and poisonous snakes. Requires occasional exposure to heavy equipment operations, aircraft, hazards of burning and/or falling material, and chemical and biological pesticides.
Additional Information and Application
Any question regarding hiring at the Medford office should be directed to Taylor Wilkerson (541-664-3328) (Taylor.WILKERSON@oregon.gov). Any questions regarding hiring within the Grants Pass Unit (541-474-3152) should be directed to Tim Swink (Tim.C.SWINK@oregon.gov) or Karl Witz (Karl.W.WITZ@roegon.gov).To apply visit oregonjobs.org or click here