At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Support Dispatcher
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/08/2023
• Closing Date: 02/28/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $16.55 - $21.10 / hourly; $34,556 - $44,056 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• AFSCME Work Area: Eveleth
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This is a split season position with anticipated season dates of February 27 to November 3. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. Hours and days of work will vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays.
This position performs fire response administrative and dispatch work for the Department of Natural Resources.
Responsibilities include:

• Inform the public and cooperating agencies (fire departments, fire wardens) about state and local laws and regulations regarding fire suppression by answering questions in person and on the telephone.
• Dispatch resources to fires as requested by incident commander using two-way radios.
• Access and distribute weather forecasts and fire danger indices to foresters by using computers.
• Dispatch and track supplies, equipment and personnel by processing resource orders for supplies, equipment, and personnel.
• Conduct pre-fire season and post-fire season inventories of fire prevention materials and equipment.
• Implement administrative processes so that resources are available by updating daily dispatch plans; recording daily fire detection and suppression operations; recording special and prescribed burn permits within the Area, and processing fire reports.
• Issue burning permits in a timely and accurate manner by using paper permits and utilizing the electronic permit system.
• Update and maintain fire suppression business information so that accurate data are available for future reference by recording air tanker and helicopter requests, updating fire operation plans, vendor agreements and records; and updating fire warden list and vendor list.
• Infrequent travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of computer systems and software programs sufficient to support daily fire response operations and access and distribute fire and weather data.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to assist in implementing wildfire operations so that dispatch of resources can be facilitated in an efficient and safe manner.
• Ability to read maps sufficient to locate legal descriptions by section, township, range, and latitude and longitude so that fires can be located and dispatch processes are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Writing skills sufficient to write incident reports, maintain log records accurate and consistently.
• 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.
• Skill in using automated systems (word processing, calculators) sufficient to process information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Within one year of hire the incumbent will be trained as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified as a Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
• Skill in operating a 2 way radio system sufficient to communicate effectively in the dispatch operations.
• Knowledge of various equipment types as prescribed by the MN Incident Command System (MNICS) definition so that their dispatch and tracking is accomplished in an effective manner.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment operation sufficient to dispatch and track in an effective manner.
• Knowledge of Division of Forestry Fire Program policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Knowledge of hiring procedures for emergency fire fighters so that the necessary administrative functions proceed efficiently.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to document violations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for wildfires.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

It is policy of the Department of the Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/License Verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Nathan Eiting at nathan.eiting@state.mn.us or 218-735-3959.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Nicole Tefft at nicole.tefft@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.