Job Title
TFS Dispatcher I
Agency
Texas A&M Forest Service
Department
Initial Attack Dispatch
Proposed Minimum Salary
$20.45 hourly
Job Location
Lufkin, Texas
Job Type
Staff
The TFS Dispatcher I is responsible for the dispatch of agency and inter-agency resources for response. They are also responsible for the dissemination of daily intelligence reports regarding daily fire danger, resource availability, weather data, lightning maps, posted fire weather warnings, duty times, available supervisors and dispatch area response activity. Responsible for all record-keeping and reporting associated with state wildfire management. Maintain good communications with TICC and stay current on the statewide fire situation. 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 books, daily activity time reports and assigned TFS equipment in accordance with applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines. Serve as a collection point for assigned branches for task books, verifying completeness as well as insuring associated documents are complete. Support the local cache specialist by assisting with the cache inventory system, including processing orders when required, billing and moving received cache shipments.
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 communicate as needed to field personnel and supervisors. Occasional overnight travel to meetings or training may be necessary. When on-call or 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.
- Serve as a collection point for assigned branches for NWCG task books, verify completeness as well as ensuring associated documents are accurate.-Serve as a collection point for assigned branches for NWCG task books, verify completeness as well as ensuring associated documents are accurate.
-Support local cache specialist by assisting with the cache inventory system; including processing orders when required, billing, and moving received cache shipments.
-Manage and account for TFS credit card(s), TFS vehicle log books, daily activity time reports and assigned TFS equipment in accordance with applicable laws, policies, 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 (PMS-310-1).
Provide support for other programs as required.
-Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions: Must be able to adjust to a quick pace in emergency response. May have to adjust to extended hours with short notice and work up to 16 hour shifts during peak fire season with hours exceeding a 40 hr. Monday-Friday work week.
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. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off and overtime on emergency response.
Education and Experience:
Required Education High school graduate or equivalent.
Preferred Education: Formal education in emergency response dispatch or other communication field.
Required Experience: None.
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: PC usage in reporting and tracking of emergency response incidents.
Required Skills: Good oral and written communication.
Required Ability: Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Valid Texas Drivers license or ability to acquire one within 30 days
Preferred: NWCG RADO and Dispatch recorder.
Resume is REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the " My Experience" page in the " Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.
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.
