Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinator 1 - Assistant Dispatch Center Manager (PCN10-9708)

State of Alaska; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska seeks an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager in Palmer to lead and coordinate emergency response operations for wildland fire and all-hazard incidents. You will mentor staff and oversee movement of personnel, aircraft, equipment, and critical incident information to support interagency coordination across Alaska’s dispatch regions.

Ideal candidates bring NWCG certifications, three years of forestry or natural resources experience, and proven leadership in high-stress

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in any three of the following: Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD), Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP), Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP), Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP).
• Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinators must receive red card training and certification under the National Incident Qualification System.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and coordination for consolidated dispatch operations.
• Mentor and lead dispatch staff and coordinate movement of personnel, aircraft, equipment, supplies, and critical incident information.
• Support wildland fire suppression and all-hazard incidents across Alaska’s dispatch areas.

Skills

Decision Making

Interpersonal Skills

Oral and Written Communication

Stress Tolerance

Telecommunications and Logistics

Education

Three years experience in forestry/natural resources or related field

NWCG certification in three of EDSD/EDSP/IADP/ACDP

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager in Palmer, Alaska.

What You Will Be Doing

This is more than a dispatch position; it's an opportunity to lead, mentor, and coordinate complex emergency response operations in one of the most dynamic fire environments in the country. Under the direction of the Dispatch Center Manager, the Assistant Center Manager serves as a lead dispatcher, providing operational leadership and coordination for consolidated dispatch operations while helping manage the movement of personnel, aircraft, equipment, supplies, and critical incident information that support wildland fire suppression and all-hazard incidents. As a consolidated dispatch center, ACDC serves a diverse and expansive geographic area, supporting fire and aviation operations throughout the Kenai/Kodiak Area, Copper River Area, Mat‑Su Valley Area, and Southwest Area. This broad scope provides unparalleled opportunities to work with a wide variety of incidents, resources, aviation programs, and interagency partners. Successful candidates will join a close‑knit team that thrives on collaboration, professionalism, and service. Every day brings new challenges, meaningful work, and the satisfaction of supporting the men and women who risk their lives protecting Alaska’s communities, resources, and landscapes. If you’re looking for a career that combines leadership, aviation, emergency management, teamwork, and adventure, Alaska Coastal Dispatch Center is waiting for you!

Mission And Values/Culture

At the Alaska Coastal Dispatch Center, we are a fast‑paced, highly collaborative team with an unwavering commitment to safety, service, and supporting those on the front lines of wildland fire response. Every action we take is focused on ensuring firefighters, aviation resources, and incident personnel have the information, coordination, and logistical support they need to operate safely and effectively. As part of the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, you will join a team dedicated to protecting Alaska’s communities, forests, and natural resources through wildland fire preparedness, suppression, management, and all-hazard incident support. From coordinating aircraft and emergency resources to supporting large‑scale incidents across Alaska and the nation, dispatchers play a critical role in every successful response. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced fire professionals while building a rewarding career in emergency management and wildland fire. The skills and experience gained as an Assistant Center Manager provide a strong foundation for advancement within the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, interagency dispatch, incident management teams, and other fire and emergency response organizations. In addition to meaningful work, employees enjoy excellent opportunities for training, professional development, travel, and career growth. The State of Alaska offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance, along with generous employer contributions toward healthcare costs. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career where your work directly supports the safety of firefighters and the protection of Alaska’s people and resources, we encourage you to join our team.

Benefits Of Joining Our Team

At Alaska Coastal Dispatch Center, we are committed to investing in our people and building the next generation of dispatch leaders. Our goal is to create a professional, supportive, and rewarding work environment that promotes career growth, work‑life balance, and long‑term success in wildland fire dispatch.

As Part Of Our Team, You'll Benefit From

• Extensive training opportunities, including local, statewide, and national dispatch courses designed to build technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Travel opportunities throughout Alaska and the Lower 48 supporting incidents, dispatch centers, mobilization centers, and incident management teams.
• A clear career development pathway that supports advancement from entry‑level dispatch positions through leadership and management roles.
• Mentorship from experienced dispatch professionals who are dedicated to helping employees grow and succeed.
• Opportunities to gain qualifications and experience in multiple dispatch disciplines, including initial attack, aviation, expanded dispatch, intelligence, mobilization, and center management.
• Exposure to a consolidated dispatch environment that provides broader operational experience, increased responsibility, and enhanced professional development opportunities.
• A strong culture of teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual support where employees work together to accomplish the mission while supporting one another both professionally and personally.
• A commitment to maintaining a healthy work‑life balance while providing meaningful and impactful work in support of firefighters and emergency responders.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

Alaska Coastal Dispatch Center encourages teamwork and camaraderie. This environment helps promote friendship and loyalty within the Dispatch Center. These close‑knit relationships motivate our employees and align them to work harder, cooperate, and support one another. Our team is made up of individuals with diverse talents, weaknesses, communication skills, strengths, and habits.

Position‑Specific Competencies

• Decision Making: Makes sound, well‑informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high‑stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
• Telecommunications and Logistics: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, methods, and procedures of emergency communication operations systems used in receiving, assessing, transmitting, and relaying information to plan, coordinate, and deploy resources (such as personnel, equipment, supplies, and aircraft) in support of fire and/or emergency activities and maintain accurate incident records. Uses situational awareness and/or familiarity of the geographic area assigned in disseminating information.

Minimum Qualifications

• PD04B1 – Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinator 1
• Three years of experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field
• Certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in any three of the following:
  • Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
  • Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
  • Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
  • Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP)
• Three years in any combination of post‑secondary education from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field will substitute for the required experience (2.67 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of post‑secondary education are equal to one month of experience). There is no substitute for the required certifications.
• Wildland Fire Dispatch Coordinators must receive red card training and certification under the National Incident Qualification System.

Driver’s License Requirement

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats should call 1-800-587-0430 or [phone] in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

Name: Teresa Rose
Title: Dispatch Center Manager
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]