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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: 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.

Job Summary

 

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.

Qualifications

 

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

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Brian Feldt at brian.feldt@state.mn.us or 218-300-7822.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.