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National Park Service

Public Safety Dispatcher

National Park Service, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States, 37738

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Public Safety Dispatcher

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Summary The position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, within the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection.

Pay range for the GS‑07 grade level: $50,460 – $65,599 per year. Pay range for the GS‑08 grade level: $55,882 – $72,644 per year.

This position is concurrently open as Part Time to all U.S. citizens under Announcement Number SE‑1630‑GRSM‑26‑12855942‑DE.

Open to the first

150

applicants or until 01/06/2026 whichever comes first; all applications submitted by 11:59 EST on the closing day will receive consideration.

Duties

The incumbent performs emergency and non‑emergency dispatch and call‑taking services for public safety‑related incidents and operations in an emergency communications center serving a large National Park.

Monitors and tracks equipment and personnel such as law enforcement, structural fire, wildland fire, aviation, vessels, and search and rescue using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) program.

Operates a multi‑frequency radio console and prioritizes radio traffic and related communications.

Utilizes NCIC and other law enforcement databases and records management systems.

Other duties include records management, general public assistance, assistance to other park offices and partners, and projects as assigned in support of the Visitor and Resource Protection Division.

Area Information The Great Smoky Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world, spanning more than 800 square miles across Tennessee and North Carolina, dominated by plant‑covered, gently contoured mountains. At 522,427 acres, GRSM is one of the largest parks in the eastern United States and is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. The park contains 384 miles of roads; 930 miles of backcountry trails; 104 designated backcountry campsites; over 300 miles of boundary; 66 species of mammals; 200 species of birds; 39 species of reptiles, 43 species of amphibians; 68 species of fish; 730 miles of fishable streams; 342 structures, 97 of them historic; 10 auto campgrounds; and 3 major developed areas with concession operations. Duty station is near Gatlinburg, TN, located within an hour’s drive of Knoxville. The area provides a wide range of residential communities, good schools, and recreational opportunities.

Requirements (Conditions of Employment)

U.S. Citizenship required.

Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.

Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.

Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.

Required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result prior to appointment; position subject to random testing for illegal drug use.

Must operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of duties; a valid driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record required. Must submit certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid or past licenses.

May be required to complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle.

Government housing may be available on a temporary basis and can be discussed during the interview process.

Must wear a uniform and comply with NPS uniform standards; a uniform allowance will be provided.

May be required to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.

May be required to travel overnight up to 4 nights per month; must obtain a government charge card for travel.

Must obtain and maintain current Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification.

Must obtain and maintain current National Criminal Information Network (NCIC) certificate.

Must have the ability to lift 50 lbs.

Additional Requirements As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period. This period evaluates fitness, performance, and contribution to public interest; continuity beyond this period requires formal written certification by the agency.

Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement (01/06/2026) unless otherwise stated. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit, your resume must clearly indicate duties, employment dates, and hours worked.

To qualify for GS‑07:

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable to GS‑06 level, including at least two of: NCIC operator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CAD system operator, and Public Safety Dispatcher duties (receiving and prioritizing calls, coordinating responses, querying records).

To qualify for GS‑08:

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable to GS‑07 level, including: senior dispatcher in complex environment, training and assisting lower‑level dispatchers, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting CAD system issues, and maintaining NCIC certification.

Volunteer Experience:

Experience includes paid and unpaid work such as National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations; volunteers receive full credit for qualifying experience.

Education:

No substitution of education for experience at this grade level.

Physical Demands The dispatcher is sedentary with prolonged periods in a confined space, required to work most holidays, and handle high stress. Duties include operating voice communications, reading critical information rapidly, manual dexterity for computer input, occasional lifting of boxes and supplies up to 50 lbs, and maintaining performance under adverse conditions.

Working Conditions Work is normally performed in a well‑lit, temperature‑controlled room with high noise levels due to electronic equipment, phones, and radios. The environment is secure and controlled; the dispatcher may be required to accompany field personnel during training to learn clearance procedures.

Candidates should be committed to improving government efficiency, upholding the U.S. Constitution, and supporting the rule of law.

Benefits As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on position type and status. For more information, contact the hiring agency.

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