Department of the Interior

Fire Dispatch (Forestry Technician)

Billings, Montana, Lewistown, Montana Full time

Fire Dispatch (Forestry Technician)

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Billings, Montana, Lewistown, Montana

Salary Range: $27.36 - $29.68 Per Hour

Job Summary: This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.

Major Duties:

  • The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers in Billings and Lewistown, MT (Rocky Mountain Regional Office). A Fire Dispatcher (GW-06 Forestry Technician) serves as a dispatcher receiving fire reports, determines location, land status, and current fire information, and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. Interprets weather information and gives to management for making decisions. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications. May train other dispatchers. A Fire Dispatcher (GW-07 Forestry Technician) serves as a senior fire dispatcher in a dispatch center. Performs and directs others in receiving fire reports, determining location, land status, and current fire information. Determines appropriate resource response to incidents. Anticipates fire suppression needs and determines resource allocation. Coordinates aviation dispatch operation. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications. Government housing is unavailable for the locations advertised on this announcement. For contact information, visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES website. To view a list of contacts by agency, select Montana. For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.

Qualifications: Hours worked per week must be stated for each season and position held in your resume. ***Experience listed will need to include specific duties about the work being performed and should not be only the general language stated below in the examples. To qualify for a GW-06 You must meet at least one of the following: 1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-05 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience may include but are not limited to: Performing dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities such as receiving and reviewing fire incident reports, working with wildland fire dispatch computer programs, and/or determining fire resource needs. -OR- 2). One (1) year of graduate level education directly related to this position. -OR- 3). A combination of education and experience directly related to the work of the position. To qualify for a GW-07 You must meet at least one of the following: 1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-06 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience may include but are not limited to: Performing and directing others in dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities, providing logistical support information and making recommendations for efficient use of available resources. -OR- 2). One (1) year of graduate education directly related to this position. -OR- 3). A combination of education and experience directly related to the work of the position. For more information regarding basic qualifications and combining education and experience click here. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands: The work involves long hours of sitting, intense concentration, and working at peak proficiency/intensity levels with irregular breaks and mealtimes. The duties of this position create a highly stressful environment during peak activity, requiring the ability to keep calm in emergency situations. Must be able to cope with the pressure of meeting timeframes and changing priorities. Mental concentration and accuracy are required. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office setting. During peak activity, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels, which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. This creates a high stress work environment.

How to Apply: THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time by the closing date of the announcement. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the DOI FIRES Program Office at blm_fa_fires@blm.gov or call our toll-free number at 888-364-6432. 1. Review the Vacancy Announcement and Eligibility Criteria: Review the announcement thoroughly. The sections describe who is eligible to apply, what education and/or experience is required for the position, and which documents are needed for your application package. 2. Apply. Click the "APPLY" link on the right side of the vacancy announcement. This will direct you to the login page for USAJOBS. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and proceed through the application process answering all questions. INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. You must build a resume with the USAJOBS Resume Builder or have an Uploaded Resume on your profile BEFORE applying. Videos showing how to apply for federal jobs can be found here: https://www.nifc.gov/careers/how-to-apply. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. Failure to follow these instructions in the announcement (resulting in insufficient information being provided with your resume / application) could result in an ineligible rating. Your 2-page resume MUST include the following information: - From and To dates (month/year to month/year) for each season and position held. (Ex: 05/2018 - 11/2018) - Work schedule (number of hours worked per week) for all seasons and positions held. One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week (full-time). Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for a position listed that does not indicate hours per week. - Grade level for each season and position that were in the federal service. - Complete Duties for each of the seasons and positions held. - References personal and professional 3. Submit your resume and supporting documentation ONLINE through USAJOBS. You also must complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. For detailed step-by-step instructions on How to Apply: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/index.php/apply. To verify the status of your application, please log into your USAJOBS account at: https://secure.login.gov/. For information on what each Application Status means: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. NOTE: Technical issues may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-09