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Working Title: MN Interagency Coordination Center Lead Dispatcher

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID** : 86244

+ **Location** : Grand Rapids

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 05/21/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 06/10/2025

+ **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:** $21.04 - $29.24 / hourly; $43,931 - $61,053 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 207 - Technical/AFSCME

+ **Work Area** : MN Interagency Fire Center

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to 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 aircraft dispatcher, mobilizing resources, and coordinating with other dispatch units and organizations on the reassignment and demobilization of resources. This position also 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:

+ Receive aircraft requests for rapidly evolving incidents, develop Tactical Aircraft Resource Orders and dispatch aircraft to initial attack and extended attack incidents.

+ Flight follow assigned aircraft, 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.

+ Serve as mobilization center liaison for the MNICS organization.

+ 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. 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

+ Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), and

+ Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) or Aircraft Dispatcher Trainee

Must have successfully completed the following training:

+ A-100, A-103, A-110, A-115, A-202, A-203 – Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)

+ D-110—Expanded Dispatch Recorder

+ S-260—Interagency Business Management

+ S-270—Basic Air Operations

AND

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ Unrestricted Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Qualified as an Expanded Support Dispatcher (EDSD)

+ Qualified as an Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)

+ 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 aircraft flight planning, including but not limited to scheduling flights, pilots and aircraft; 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 aviation resources is available by updating daily plans, recording daily aviation activity, obtaining cost coding information for aviation managers, and maintaining statistical fiscal and calendar year reports using data recorded throughout the year.

Training:

+ S130/190/L180 –Basic Firefighter Course

+ D-312—Aircraft Dispatcher

+ M-410—Facilitative Instructor

+ A-204, A-205, A-208, A-303, A-305, A-307, A-310 - Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.