TFS Dispatcher I - Initial Attack

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a TFS Dispatcher I – Initial Attack in College Station, TX to coordinate incident resource dispatch and maintain daily intelligence on fire danger and activity.

The role requires handling records, reporting, weather data, and logistics while supporting aviation operations statewide. A 10‑hour rotating shift and after-hours on-call may be required.

Qualifications

• Required Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
• Preferred Education: Formal education in emergency response dispatch or other communications field.
• Required Experience: No prior experience required.
• Preferred Experience: Experience in wildland firefighting or emergency response dispatch; familiarity with state radio/dispatch protocol.
• Required Knowledge: PC-based programs and software.
• Preferred Knowledge: Using PC in the reporting and tracking of emergency response incidents.
• Required Ability: Utilize latest dispatch software and equipment. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Required Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Dispatch assigned resources and serve as a communication link for incidents, aviation management, resource ordering, and logistical support for incident response.
• Coordinate regarding resource availability, weather data, duty times, available resources and supervisors, fire activity, fire behavior and dispatch area response activity.
• Maintain all dispatch records and logs, provide feedback on dispatch systems and procedures, ensure timely and accurate completion of fire reports and open records requests.
• Coordinate and review processing of FAMIS transactions, mileage reports, travel vouchers and purchase orders.
• Manage and account for assigned TFS credit card(s), TFS vehicle log book and assigned TFS equipment in accordance with applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Participates in necessary or recommended training to maintain readiness and assists with agency training efforts, particularly related to incident and wildfire management.
• Provide support for other programs as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Dispatch software

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multi-tasking

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Formal education in emergency response dispatch

Tools

FAMIS familiarity

Dispatch software

Job description

Job Title

TFS Dispatcher I - Initial Attack

Agency

Texas A&M Forest Service

Department

Initial Attack Dispatch

Proposed Minimum Salary

$20.45 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The TFS Dispatcher I – Initial Attack will be responsible for the dispatch of agency and inter‑agency resources for response. The dispatcher will be responsible for the dissemination of daily intelligence reports regarding resource availability, fire danger, resource availability, weather data, lightning maps, posted fire weather warnings, duty times, available supervisors and dispatch area response activity. Occasional overnight travel to meetings or training may be necessary. The dispatcher will be responsible for all record keeping and reporting associated state wildfire management. The dispatcher will maintain good communication with TICC and stay current on the statewide fire situation. The dispatcher will coordinate and review processing of FAMIS transactions, mileage reports, travel vouchers and purchase orders. They will also manage and account for agency credit cards(s) agency vehicle log books, daily activity time reports and assigned agency equipment in accordance with applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines. Position will aid in supporting aviation operations statewide. Emergency response is an essential duty of this position. ***We are hiring for 2 of these positions.***

Responsibilities

• Dispatch assigned resources and serve as a communication link for incidents, aviation management, resource ordering, logistical support for incident response. Maintain current and accurate records of resource availability. Dispatch and monitor resources to wildfires or other activities. Maintain situational awareness of resources and conditions and communication as needed to field personnel and supervisors. Occasional overnight travel to meetings or training may be necessary. When on call for when determined by supervisor, carry cell phone after hours and be able to report to dispatch center within 30 minutes after being requested.
• Coordinate regarding resource availability, weather data, duty times, available resources and supervisors, fire activity, fire behavior and dispatch area response activity. Monitor weather for changes & communicate regularly with field personnel and supervisor.
• Maintain all dispatch records and logs, provide feedback on dispatch systems and procedures, ensure timely and accurate completion of fire reports and open records requests. Assist with implementation of new systems and technology, particularly those that aid in the flow of operational information and situational awareness.
• Coordinate and review processing of FAMIS transactions, mileage reports, travel vouchers and purchase orders.
• Manage and account for assigned TFS credit card(s), TFS vehicle log book and assigned TFS equipment in accordance with applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Participates in necessary or recommended training to maintain readiness and assists with agency training efforts, particularly related to incident and wildfire management. Become eligible for additional out-of-state duty in accordance with Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide.
• Provide support for other programs as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working conditions: Will work in a dispatch center. Work schedule is a 10-hour rotating shift. Must be available to work holidays and weekends. During increased activity, work schedules will increase to a 12-hour shift.

Benefits

Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Education and Experience

Required Education: High school graduate or equivalent

Preferred Education: Formal education in emergency response dispatch or other communications field

Required Experience: No prior experience required.

Preferred Experience: Experience in wildland firefighting or emergency response dispatch; familiarity with state radio/dispatch protocol

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge: PC-based programs and software

Preferred Knowledge: Using PC in the reporting and tracking of emergency response incidents.

Required Ability:Utilize latest dispatch software and equipment. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Required Skills:Good verbal and written communication skills

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

Required: Valid Texas Driver’s License or ability to acquire one within 30 days of hire.

Preferred:NWCG RADO and Dispatch Recorder

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.