MN Interagency Coordination Center Lead Dispatcher

This position was previously announced on 5/21/2025 through 6/10/2025. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

This position exists to serve as a fire dispatcher in support of fire suppression duties. Operations dispatchers support and facilitate statewide and national movement of fire suppression aircraft, personnel, and equipment for incidents in/out of the State of Minnesota by performing duties of an initial attack dispatcher, mobilizing resources, and coordinating with other dispatch units and organizations on the reassignment and demobilization of resources.
This position will focus on Aircraft dispatch as qualifications and training allow, while continuing to support the Minnesota Interagency Coordination Center (MNCC) in Logistics and Operations dispatch functions. This position collaborates with Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) intelligence and public information staff to gather and distribute wildland fire and hazard intelligence for all MNICS agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Mobilizing resources to wildfires and other incidents: receive requests for rapidly evolving incidents, develop Resource Orders and dispatch resources to initial attack and extended attack incidents.
• Track and monitor assigned resources; communicate effectively using radio, phone, and electronic methods.
• Process resource order requests for personnel, equipment, supplies, and aircraft for all types of incidents; coordinate with MNICS agencies and other dispatch organizations to mobilize, assign, and demobilize resources. Create accurate incident documentation.
• Assist in all aspects of the coordination center including the maintenance of interagency mobilization plans, dispatch procedures, and daily operating guidelines.
• Assist in the implementation, administration, integration and oversight of information flow across various units of the coordination center.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, orientation and training on dispatch operations.
• Assist MIFC intelligence and information to gather and distribute information.
• Attend and participate in wildland fire and dispatch workshops, meetings and trainings.

Occasional overnight travel required. This is a full time unlimited position. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC).
• Qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP) or trainee.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting dispatch functions that include wildland fire suppression activities, processing resource orders, coordination with other dispatch organizations, mobilizing and determining status of available resources OR qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) or Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher Trainee.
• Must have successfully completed the following training:
   • A-100, A-103, A-110, A-115, A-200, A-207 – Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)
   • S130/190/L180 –Basic Firefighter Course
   • ICS-200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Attack Incidents
   • S-260—Interagency Business Management
• Knowledge of wildland fire dispatch procedures and guidelines used in dispatch of personnel, aircraft, equipment and supplies for wildland fire management activities and other incidents sufficient to update guidelines, propose changes to guidelines,
  issue internal instructions to other dispatchers and resolve dispatch problems.
• Knowledge of maps, legal descriptions and GPS sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software programs sufficient to support daily fire response operations and access and distribute fire and weather data (word, spreadsheet, database).
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and external communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
• Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in administrative procedures and/or office functions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified as an Expanded Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
• Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) or Aircraft Dispatcher Trainee.
• Training: D-311—Initial Attack Dispatcher
• Knowledge of Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Incident Command System Agency policies, procedures and operating guidelines for resource sharing, resource ordering, and associated programs.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System, Incident Support Organization, National & Canadian Fire Danger Rating Systems, and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Knowledge of daily staff planning, including but not limited to scheduling resources; duty limitations, ordering procedures, procurement and cost comparison analysis.
• Knowledge of aircraft mishap response plans and the impacts on fire response with aircraft caused by: aircraft and airspace status, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s), Notices to Airmen (NOTAM’s), and activity in Military Training Routes (MTRs) or Military Operating Areas (MOAs).
• Knowledge of the administrative processes so that information in regard to resources is available by updating daily plans, recording daily activity, obtaining cost coding information for managers, and maintaining statistical fiscal and calendar year
  reports using data recorded throughout the year.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Working together to improve the state we love.  What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits
As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.