Working Title: Fire Dispatcher
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Support Dispatcher
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91868
Location : Tower
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/06/2026
Closing Date : 02/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $20.51 - $23.61 / hourly; $42,824 - $49,297 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 203 - Service/AFSCME
Work Area : Tower Area
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.
The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) NR Forestry Support Dispatcher in Tower, MN. This is a split season position with anticipated season dates of February 27 to June 16, and September 11 to November 10. 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.
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.
Trained as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) or within the first 6 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Qualified as a Support Dispatcher (EDSD).
Skill in operating a two-way radio system sufficient to communicate effectively in 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.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
