r/Wildfire • u/Alchemiss98 • 1d ago
Question Permanent Dispatch
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.
2
u/38tacocat83 1d ago
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.