Job Information
State of Minnesota NR Forestry Dispatcher - NR Tech in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Working Title: NR Forestry Dispatcher
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92250
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/06/2026
Closing Date : 03/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly; $44,599 - $61,971 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : MN Interagency Fire Center
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 Technician in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasional overnight travel required.
This position exists to support and facilitate statewide and national movement of fire suppression personnel, equipment and aircraft for incidents in/out of the State of Minnesota by performing duties of a Minnesota Interagency Coordination Center dispatcher, directing dispatchers in the process of mobilizing resources, coordination with other dispatch units and organizations on the mobilization, reassignment and demobilization of resources. This position also collaborates with Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) intelligence and public information staff in gathering and distributing wildland fire and hazard intelligence for all MNICS agencies.
Responsibilities include:
Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.
General Dispatch duties including functions common to Logistics (EDSD), Operations (IADP) and Aircraft (ACDP) dispatching.
The Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP) is responsible for mobilizing preplanned response resources to wildfires and other incidents. The IADP reports to the Dispatch Center Manager and works in the Dispatch functional area.
The Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) is responsible for mobilizing aviation resources to wildfires and other incidents. The ACDP reports to the Dispatch Center Manager, floor supervisor, or desk lead, and works in the Dispatch functional area.
The Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) works in an expanded dispatch organization to relieve the host agency’s dispatch unit by focusing exclusively on large or complex incidents. The EDSD reports to the Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) or another assigned supervisor. The EDSD works in the Dispatch functional area.
Attend, participate and contribute to aviation workshops, meetings, and fire training sessions. Complete required agency training and safety training.
Special projects, reports, and activities may be assigned to support the coordination center and MNICS organization as needed.
Assist in all management aspects of the operation including the development and maintenance of interagency mobilization plans, dispatch procedures and daily operating guidelines.
Assist in the implementation, administration, integration and oversight of information flow across various units of the Dispatch Center.
Provide technical assistance, guidance, orientation and training on dispatch operations.
Act as duty officer for MNCC and MNDNR
Assist MNCC intelligence and information in gathering and distribution of information
Minimum Qualifications
1 year of experience conducting dispatch functions that include wildland fire suppression activities, processing resource orders, coordination with other dispatch organizations, mobilizing and determining status of available resources OR 1 year of natural resource, emergency manager or wildfire experience
Must have successfully completed ICS-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System and ICS 200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
Knowledge of wildland fire dispatch procedures and guidelines used in dispatch of personnel, aircraft, equipment and supplies for wildland fire management activities and other incidents sufficient to update guidelines, propose changes to guidelines, issue internal instructions to other dispatchers and resolve dispatch problems.
Knowledge of maps, legal descriptions and GPS sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
Knowledge of computer systems and software programs sufficient to support daily fire response operations and access and distribute fire and weather data (word, spreadsheet, database).
Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and external communications for routine and crisis situations.
Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in administrative procedures and/or office functions.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
Qualified as Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)
Qualified as an Initial Atack Dispatcher (IADP)
Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
Successful completion of Expanded Dispatch Recorder D-110
Successful completion of NWCG wildland fire suppression training for Support Dispatcher D-310
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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.