Permanent Dispatch

[u/Alchemiss98]

I'm transitioning out of the Air Force in a couple months and I've been looking at potential jobs. Wildfire has always interested me but I don't think it's something I'd want to do long term due to the strain on your body. I was thinking of doing a season or 2 of wildfire then getting into dispatch. My only problem: Are permanent full time dispatch jobs common? I don't want to only have a job in the summer and then have to fnd something else the remainder of the year. I found this listing on USA Jobs that's labeled as full time/permanent but I'm wondering is it rare to find one with this appointment schedule? Just looking for a permanent career that makes me feel like I'm contributing something to the place I love. I'll be living in Northern California.

[u/MountainCrowing]

Permanent full time dispatch positions are pretty common these days. Also, if you keep up your fire quals, you can still go out on fire assignments if you want to. We usually have one or two dispatchers go out on a two week roll with an engine every year.

[u/hartfordsucks]

Dispatch jobs aren't hard to find if you're willing to go anywhere. Dispatch centers are notoriously understaffed.

[u/tzmjones → u/hartfordsucks]

And the difficulty and stressful nature of the job is consistently underrated. It's a critical position. Good to have people interested in exploring this as a career option.

[u/Spithead → u/hartfordsucks]

Honestly I don't even think you'd have to be willing to move. I can't imagine there's any dispatch centers that aren't understaffed.

[u/38tacocat83]

I am not sure if it is still the case but when I worked in dispatch most of the perm dispatch to jobs require 90 days of on the line firefighting experience. Most centers have a couple perms who are center manager or assistant center manager. Depending on what you did in the AF, you will likely need to put in a few years as a seasonal dispatcher to be competitive for a perm job.

[u/MountainCrowing → u/38tacocat83]

Not anymore. You just need 190/130 which most centers will provide you with.

[u/Aggravating_Talk_939]

I'm a PFT dispatcher. It seems like those are the norm these days depending where you go. Dispatch life is cake as hell and most every center in the country is hiring.

[u/Alchemiss98 → u/Aggravating_Talk_939]

What’s PFT?

[u/Aggravating_Talk_939 → u/Alchemiss98]

Permanent full time. Year round work.

[u/mycoMando → u/Aggravating_Talk_939]

Do you find the work to be very stressful? I am also considering making to move to Dispatching.

[u/Fun-Gear-7297]

Definitely full time dispatch jobs out there in Nor Cal. You may have to start as a seasonal dispatcher but within a few seasons you’ll have the quals/ experience to get a permanent position. It’s becoming the norm for wildland fire positions to full time permanent. Including dispatchers

You have a good idea hitting the ground for a couple of seasons to get that experience as it’s invaluable in the dispatch office. So stick with that. During that time get to know the dispatchers, let them know that’s what you want to do.

A lot of this job is about making connections so make a good name for yourself, get to know those people, and make your intent clear for where you want to go

[u/sleepy_potatoe_]

Get at least a few seasons of fire in before going to dispatch. It’s not necessary but It will be very helpful. Full time dispatch jobs aren’t really hard to find, just depends on where you want to go, region and location you want to be in. I’d start looking at forest in Northern California. See if you can visit a dispatch center and see what they have, ask questions etc. Good luck.

[u/sporksable]

Career seasonal positions are becoming rarer and rarer outside of a few select duty stations. Honestly you shouldn't have too much of an issue finding permanent work.

Big question: why do you want to go into dispatch? Its not exactly the greatest or most prestigious gig. Plus no firefighter retirement.

[u/JoocyDeadlifts → u/sporksable]

no firefighter retirement

Says secondary here: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/843962700

[u/sporksable → u/JoocyDeadlifts]

Yeah if you were perm primary for 3 years. You come in without 3 years of primary 6C you get standard FERS.