NWCG#001-2010 

IFPM: Classification of Local 

 Dispatch Center Manager 

 Positions Page 1 of 2 

 MEMORANDUM

Reference: NWCG#001-2010 

To: Fire Management Officers and Human Resource Management Officers 

From: NWCG Chair 

 

Date: January 14, 2010 

Subject: IFPM: Classification of Local Dispatch Center Manager Positions 

Background: The current Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Qualifications 

Standards and Guide Implementation Plan stipulates that all IFPM fire positions (including local 

Dispatch Center Manager positions) classifiable at GS-11 grade and above are to be classified as 

professional (GS-0401) positions based on the required competencies and job complexity. 

Concern has surfaced within the unit interagency fire management community that this 

requirement may be inappropriate for the local unit level Dispatch Center Manager position. The 

actual work of some local level Dispatch Center Manager positions is not properly aligned with a 

professional series. There is not a requirement to apply professional knowledge of an advanced 

type in a field of science as typically gained through a bachelor’s or higher degree. 

Competencies are not dependent on application of professional scientific knowledge. 

The work of some local Dispatch Center Managers actually requires application of extensive 

practical knowledge and skill related to fire suppression strategy, tactics, incident management, 

logistical support, resource allocation, and interagency coordination. This practical knowledge 

and skill can be effectively gained through specialized experience and applicable training. Full 

scientific knowledge of the respective professional field is not essential for the successful 

performance of the duties of the position. These positions would more appropriately be 

classified in a non professional series. 

The flexibility to classify these positions in other than a professional series is supported by the 

IFPM Implementation Plan Competency Matrix for the journey and expert level Dispatch Center 

Manager position. This Matrix does not identify a specific requirement for professional 

NATIONAL WILDFIRE 

COORDINATING GROUP

National Interagency Fire Center 

3833 S. Development Avenue 

Boise, Idaho 83705 
NWCG#001-2010 

IFPM: Classification of Local 

 Dispatch Center Manager 

 Positions Page 2 of 2 

knowledge relevant to competencies in performing the work of the local Dispatch Center 

Manager position. 

History also shows that federal local Dispatch Center Manager positions have been classified in 

non professional series and that incumbents of those positions have performed the work in a fully 

successful or higher manner. 

DECISION: Local Dispatch Center Manager positions will be exempt from the IFPM 

Implementation Plan stipulation requiring all IFPM fire positions at the GS-11 grade and 

above be classified as professional positions. Local fire managers are granted flexibility to 

properly define the paramount work requirements of their respective Dispatch Center 

Manager positions and to use unit developed position descriptions which are to be carefully 

analyzed and classified in the proper series commensurate with the appropriate knowledge 

and competencies required for successful performance of the work. 

cc: NWCG Executive Board