DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  
2901 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Salary: $22.9807 - $27.1636 Hourly 

Grade: 18

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled, First Review of Resumes March 19, 2026

Initial Attack Dispatchers receive and evaluate reports of incidents and initiate the appropriate response of firefighting resources. They are responsible for tracking DFFM field crews and overhead to ensure personnel safety and operational accountability. The position submits and processes requests to allocate and mobilize essential personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies to support incident operations, and coordinates the demobilization of resources upon incident completion.
This role requires the coordination of multiple activities and functions to deliver efficient and effective operational support. Dispatchers independently perform the full range of initial attack dispatch and logistical duties while ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, contracts, and guidelines. Decisions are routinely made without prior approval from higher-level staff, and lead responsibilities as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintains current knowledge of response protocols and independently manages the procedural and technical aspects of dispatching personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies for wildland fire suppression.
• Fulfills field requests and ensures continuous tracking and accountability of DFFM field crews and overhead to support personnel safety.
• Anticipates resource needs based on current fire activity, weather conditions, and operational priorities.
• Resolves complex or non-routine situations related to resource ordering and allocation. Makes informed recommendations regarding current and anticipated resource orders, determines appropriate staffing levels, and identifies the composition and type of equipment necessary to support suppression operations.
• Collects, processes, compiles, and disseminates incident-related information in support of fire operations. Prepares and submits fire reports, spot weather forecast requests, situation report data, committed resource reports, and other operational information as required.
• Maintains, organizes, and reviews records of all resource orders and dispatch actions to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with established policies and operating procedures.
• Prepares and provides accurate, timely information for briefings to the Center Manager, Public Information Affairs Officer, State Duty Officer, and other agency leadership as directed to support operational awareness and decision-making.
• Other Duties as assigned
• Drive on State Business

Knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of geographical service areas (highways, landmarks, mountain ranges, etc)
• Basic computer applications, computer aided dispatch tools (CADs), information retrieval
• Administrative procedures, knowledge of filing systems, data entry, and record keeping
• Mobilization of personnel, equipment, and supplies across multiple locations.
• Effects of weather, topography, and fuel types on fire behavior and suppression.

Skills in:

• Evaluating incoming calls, determining urgency level, and taking appropriate action.
• Expertise in operating radios, phones, and other forms of communication in fast-paced work environments.
• Record-keeping, and accurate documentation.
• Eliciting critical info from callers and following complex instructions.
• Active listening and strong communication skills
• Multitasking and the ability to handle multiple calls at once

• Ability to:

• Manage critical tasks and organizing resources during time-sensitive projects.
• Analyze reports/information to make quick, informed decisions.
• Maintain calm, clear, and effective communication during urgent, shifting situations.
• Working long shifts/weekends and operating independently or as a lead when needed.
• To learn Incident Command System (ICS), initial attack procedures, and safety guidelines.
• To learn Wildland suppression strategies, state/federal policies, and agency contracts.
• Drive on State business

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Nationally qualified Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)
• The ability to type 40 WPM
• FFT1 or FFT2

• National qualification as an Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP) and Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) must be obtained within 1 year of employment.


• A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• The current contribution rate is 12.00%.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.