Jennifer Parrish
Fox Point,WI
Summary
GACC Coordinator with demonstrated command of resource mobilization. Logistics expert with developed aptitude for partnerships and collaboration. Offering a solid comprehension of multi-agency response to all hazard incidents with focus on team building while supporting boots on the ground.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
GACC Coordinator GS-0301-11
USDA Forest Service
Milwaukee, WI
03.2015 - Current
- Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to 10 subordinate dispatch centers within the Eastern Area for the coordination and mobilization of interagency resource to wildland fires and all hazard emergencies.
- Serve as Floor Coordinator/Supervisory Dispatcher of up to 5 detailed staff members, handling questions, setting work schedules, providing training and oversight and help resolve work-related problems. Work as a liaison between EACC Management and detailed staff.
- Frontline support to internal and external customers, addressing inquiries, questions and challenges to provide resolution and/or compromise with outstanding customer care.
- Manage internal and external work requests, while coordinating logistics details that provide expeditious and fiscally responsible mobilization of resources in accordance to national mobilization guidelines and agency policies.
- Complete detailed employee performance evaluations to identify deficiencies and recommend improvement strategies.
- Collaborate with partners and cooperators to maximize communication and resource allocation within and outside the Eastern geographic area, enhancing capability awareness to aid management in decision support.
- Team Leader of EACC's expanded dispatch operations for all hazard events for resource mobilization, collaborate with emergency management as it pertains to FEMA ESF4 activations.
- Engage EACC staff in new virtual tools and processes that expand collaboration with stakeholders, increasing capability of working remotely and streamlining processes.
- Coordinate and provide lead instruction on NWCG courses including D-110, IROC and D310, Dispatch/Coordination meetings and Geographic Area Workshops. Prepare and disseminate information for maximum buy-in on topics and initiatives affecting attendees.
- Complete emergency incident travel requests and arrangements for Forest Service Regional Office Fire and Aviation Staff within compliance of agency travel policies and mobilization standards.
- Advise Fire and Dispatch/Coordination managers and agency leaders on organizational policies affecting scope of work. Recommend needed changes through involvement with geographic working teams and national committees.
- Review guides, agency policies, handbooks, lessons learned platforms, and various guidelines for updates affecting Fire and Aviation Management and Dispatch/ Coordination Management. Distribute information on changes to effected parties via emails, conference calls, meetings and postings to electronic platforms (EACC websites, sharepoint sites, and firenet).
- Collaborate and cross-functionally train with EACC team members to maintain daily activities and operations seamlessly and efficiently to our internal and external customers.
- Provide procurement support to Fire and Aviation Staff as a cardholder with micro-purchasing authority. Implement budgetary discretion on training expenses, services and supplies.
- Engage professionally with Partners and Cooperators and customers to build rapport and nurture relationships.
- Review EACC operational performance at annual After Action Reviews with dispatch centers and fire managers to assess alignment with customer needs and points of view seeking continual operating improvement.
- Serve as Acting Center Manager
- EACC liaison to the Dispatch Working Team. Oversee IROC refresher opportunities, implement training courses, provide subject matter expertise to the Eastern Area Coordinating Group.
- EACC Coordinator to the Eastern Area Buying teams, responsible for recruitment of team applicants, assist with team selection.
- Participate in FS Dispatch Readiness Reviews, provide upward reporting of findings to Forest and Fire Management
- Hiring panel lead and team member, experience with Forest Service hiring protocols and FS Region 9 guidelines.
- Provide dispatch opportunities to Regional Office personnel and Eastern Area partners interested in assisting with dispatch and coordination duties.
Deputy GACC Center Manager
USDA Forest Service
Milwaukee, WI
03.2019 - 07.2019
- Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamlined daily work procedures and improved transparency with partners and cooperators on resource allocation and mobilization.
- Provided supervision to Eastern Area Coordination Center operations; coordinating resource allocation and mobilization of crews, equipment, overhead and aviation assets.
- Provided leadership to three staff employees through coaching, feedback and performance management.
- Identified operational needs for resource management and coordination, introduced services and tools to provide solutions for decision support.
- Assessed employee's individual strengths and delivered mentoring to improve upon skill levels.
- Managed scheduling for staff employees and detailers to carry out EACCs program of work with high productivity.
- Assessed team proficiencies, identifying and targeting areas for improvement.
- Analyzed variable data for operations to determine areas for improvement, increased efficiency and potential cost savings.
- Engaged professionally with Eastern Area Coordinating Group members, National and Geographic Coordination and Dispatch system members and Cooperators to build rapport and nurture relationships.
- Analyzed strategic, core and support processes and recommended improvements to streamline processes.
- Provided limited financial discrepancies by reviewing and approving the monthly Eastern Area Coordination Centers centralized billing account.
- Empowered staff members to seek out continuous improvement, cultivated a positive working environment, assisted staff with improving work life balance and gathered buy-in on such initiatives.
- Strengthened records management, developing organization systems for agreements, records, reports and agendas.
- Commanded successful management of acquisition projects and supplies for the Eastern Area Coordination Center and Regional Office Fire and Aviation Management Staff in accordance with agency purchasing and acquisition policies.
- Successfully oversaw the re-organization and move of office space consolidation for Eastern Area Coordination staff.
Deputy GACC Center Manager
USDA Forest Service
Milwaukee, WI
02.2018 - 05.2018
- Supervised daily activities and performance of three regular employees and up to 5 detailed staff.
- Motivated and led staff members to work together to achieve targets including data cleanup, mobilization guide publication and interagency team collaboration on training and refreshers.
- Collaborated with staff to maximize internal and external customer satisfaction, streamlining procedures and improving communication and transparency.
- Verified compliance with federal, state regulations and policy regarding mobilization operations to all hazard incidents.
- Assessed proposed changes for potential impacts to internal capabilities throughout the geographic area on training and qualifications.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment at the Eastern Area Coordination Center. Worked with Regional Office Emergency Leadership Team on safety drills.
- Liaised with Agency management on foreseeable issues concerning mobilization and resource shortages, and provided data and recommendations to navigate decision support.
- Planned workload, coordinated staff scheduling and assigned duties to maintain EACC's yearly program of work while accommodating for fluctuating workloads due to staff vacancies.
- Maintained high standards of internal and external customer service.
- Troubleshot and formulated strategies for expected and unanticipated logistics issues for resource mobilization within and outside the geographic area.
- Collaborated effectively in cross-functional team-oriented environment.
- Developed strong rapport with Interagency partners and cooperators enhancing processes and efficiencies in resource mobilization.
- Interpreted and enforced agency policies and procedures pertaining to the coordination and mobilization of resources, travel, purchasing and safety.
- Performed budget management with leadership, analyzing previous purchases and forecasting future needs pertaining to cost share agreements and travel and training dollars.
- Worked collaboratively with customers and staff at various levels.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting functional system designs, basic operational analytics and troubleshooting guides.
- Drafted white papers, created year end reports and performed data inquiries to inform management and customers on potential new EACC policies and procedures, as well as accomplishments.
- Conducted internal reviews of Forest dispatch operations and performed literature reviews, interviews and site visits.
Initial Attack Dispatcher (GS-0462-6/7)
USDA Forest Service
Murphysboro, IL, IL
07.2010 - 03.2015
- Used radio, telephone and computer system to dispatch and update first responders and aircraft with incident information.
- Prioritized responses of public emergency and non-emergent calls to promptly while tracking data in real-time.
- Dispatched calls for fire response to multi federal and state agencies including USFWS, USFS, ILDNR, and federal law enforcement.
- Took caller information, read associated computer information and documented vital details in call tracking and assignment system known as WildCAD.
- Mitigated risks and emergency response delays by efficiently monitoring public safety field units.
- Maintained and updated crucial and confidential information, phone numbers and addresses.
- Read and effectively interpreted small-scale maps and information from computer screen to determine locations and provide directions to incidents, water supplies, and landing zones.
- Monitored switchboard and dispatched emergency services.
- Liaised between public and 911 dispatch centers, strengthening relationships, trust and communication
- Read weather reports over radio and dispatched fire resources to initial attack incidents.
- Scheduled routine service calls to ensure all dispatch equipment was well maintained.
- Prepared yearly casual hire paperwork and updated IQCS records.
- Kept abreast of emerging trends in dispatch response and relevant regulations and policies.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding program of work needs.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Improved operations by working with team members and partners to streamline processes.
- Collaborated with multiple dispatch centers and the Eastern Area Coordination Center on the mobilization of resources to incidents off-local unit.
- Served as hiring panel member on various district positions.
- Held position of Eastern Area WildCAD representative, responsible for providing information to Eastern Area Dispatch Centers on latest CAD updates.
GACC Coordinator (detail) GS-0462-08
USDA Forest Service
Milwaukee, WI
04.2014 - 08.2014
- Maintained high standards of internal and external customer service.
- Supervised daily management of mobilization requests. Provided council on best practices, fiscal responsibility and efficiencies.
- Troubleshot and formulated strategies for expected and unanticipated logistics issues with large crew transports and implementation of mobilization centers.
- Collaborated effectively in cross-functional team-oriented environment.
- Developed strong rapport through collaboration and effective communication with partners and management to ensure the highest level of support.
- Liaised with management on resource shortages, conflicts, and solutions pertaining to resource deployment.
- Worked collaboratively with Agency Partners, Eastern Area Coordination Group members and EACC staff to effectively mobilize aviation, equipment, crews and overhead assets to wildland fire incidents in western states.
- Logged, processed and followed up on resource mobilization and demobilization in internal and nationally standard databases.
- Performed needs assessments to determine potential logistical pinch points and issues and developed appropriate tactics to resolve issues.
- Supervised and trained over 7 detailed personnel. Provided oversight, maintained work schedules and performed work evaluations.
Customer Service Representative GS-0303-5
USDA Forest Service
Jonesboro, IL
12.2007 - 07.2010
- De-escalated problematic customer concerns, maintaining calm, friendly demeanor.
- Educated customers on Forest policies and regulations to enhance recreation opportunities.
- Fielded customer complaints and queries, fast-tracking them for problem resolution to district staff.
- Remained constantly aware of public/customer activity to ensure safe and secure environment for myself and district staff.
- Answered 100+ inbound calls per day and directed to individuals or departments.
- Trained new frontline personnel on procedures and policies to maximize team performance and buy-in.
- Upheld security and maintenance requirements for records retention established by agency policies.
- Worked with Support Services Specialist to develop customer service improvement initiatives.
- Provided procurement support of supplies and service to local district staff for field and office needs.
- Participated in community outreach, attending job fairs representing Forest Service opportunities.
Initial Attack Dispatcher GS-0462-6
USDA Forest Service
Bishop, CA
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish center goals.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding supervisor's needs
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train other staff and detailers on new mobilization process and data systems.
- Provided excellent service and attention to Partners/Cooperators and Management when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Prioritized responses to emergencies and non-emergent calls to promptly dispatch police, fire while tracking data in real-time via WildCAD.
- Evaluated incident response using multiple databases and tools to notify nearest responders and provide accurate information including directions, water supplies, and landing zones.
- Conducted multiple fire dispatch assignments across Forest Service Region 5 and the Sierra Front.
- Dispatched calls to relevant federal law enforcement or fire response personnel depending on individual call situations.
- Took caller information, read associated computer information and documented vital details in call tracking and assignment system.
- Assisted Local County Police and Sheriff offices with special requests for assistance and BOLOs (Be on the Look Out bulletins).
Forestry Technician-Apprentice GS-0499-04
USDA Forest Service
Bridgeport, CA
03.2002 - 08.2005
- Completed the Forest Service Apprenticeship Fire Academy. Engaged in classroom instruction and field training for wildland fire suppression tactics and leadership training.
- Informed and educated local community members about fire prevention and safety.
- Actively engaged in suppressing wildland fires as part of a engine module using pumps, hose-lays, and hand tools.
- Stayed in close contact with dispatchers to obtain and relay current information about fire status, supplies and personnel.
- Collaborated with aircraft, heavy equipment, and crews in containment operations efforts.
- Organized fire caches and positioned equipment for most effective response at emergency calls, which resulted in quicker action times.
- Trained continuously to maintain required physical fitness for demanding work.
- Cleaned, serviced and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire property.
- Actively participated in fuels reduction projects including prescribed fire events and mechanical treatment of fuels.
- Provided mentorship and training to three seasonal crew members, providing performance evaluation input.
- Participated in Smokey the Bear outreach to various communities with classroom and parade participation.
Customer Service Representative GS-462-03 & 04
USDA Forest Service
Bridgeport, CA
10.1998 - 03.2002
- Educated visitors on recreational opportunities and forest regulations and policies.
- Fielded visitor complaints and queries, fast-tracking them for problem resolution.
- Remained constantly aware of visitor activity to ensure safe and secure work environment for myself and staff.
- Answered 250+ inbound calls per day and directed to individuals or departments.
- Recommended improvements to visitor center processes for efficiency.
- Trained new front line employees on procedures and policies.
- Worked with Recreation Staff Officer and Wilderness Manager to convey up to date information on trails, road conditions and hunting to visitors.
- Supported operational improvements and resolution of problems to deliver top-notch customer service.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WISkills
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Conflict resolution
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Team building
- Organization
- Planning
- Working collaboratively
- Time management
- Troubleshooting
- Inclusivity minded
- Analytical thinking
- Emotional awareness
- Worth Ethic
- Decision-making
- Flexible
- Reliable and trustworthy
Accomplishments
Completed the 2020 Eastern Region Middle Leader Program
Current IQCS Qualifications:
- EDSP
- EDSD
- EDRC
- IADP
- ESFA
- ESFL (t)
Awards:
2021 Cash Award from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2020 Quality Step Increase from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2019 Cash Award from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2018 Cash Award from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2017 Cash Award from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2015 Cash Award from the Eastern Area Coordination Center
2012 Quality Step Increase from the Illinois Interagency Dispatch Center
2011 Eastern Area Excellence in Dispatch Award: In recognition of your dedication and support of dispatch and mobilization efforts during the 2011 season.
08/11: Certificate of Merit for your dedication and hard work in getting the Illinois Interagency Dispatch Center's new website up and running.
10/09: Certificate of Merit recognition and appreciation for your dedicated services in time keeping and as the Customer Service Representative on the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District in FY09.
11/08: Certificate of Merit in recognition and appreciation for your dedicated services as the Customer Service Representative on the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District FY 08.
09/06: Spot Award for Dispatching at Owens Valley Interagency Coordination Center
10/03: Certificate of Appreciation 2003 for outstanding performance, leadership and dedication to the Bridgeport Ranger District Fire Management Program during 2003 fire season.
09/00: Certificate of Merit 2000 for excellent leadership for the Visitor Services program and Customer Service on the Bridgeport Ranger District.
09/99: Certificate of Merit 1999 for excellent customer service both internally and externally on the Bridgeport Ranger District.
Additional Information
Proficiently skilled in the following programs, IROC, WildCAD, FIRECOD, AFF, SIT/209, Paycheck 8, WFDSS, EGP, Irwin Observer
I am currently serving on the EA Dispatch Working Team under the Eastern Area Coordination Group as the GACC Liaison.
I am currently a Coordinator Representative on the National Incident Management Remote Response Team (IMRR)
I have participated on national and regional committees including next generation CAD system, Eastern Area Dispatch Team Committee, and the National Emergency Rental Vehicle (NERV) taskgroup.
I am a government micro purchaser with purchase card and travel card all in good standing.
Certification
Job Related Training:
Training includes but is not limited to:
Emergency Support Function 4 training completed 11/16
M-410 (Facilitative Instructor) completed 06/2014
IQCS (Incident Qualification and Certification System) completed 4/12
D-110 (Dispatch Recorder) completed 10/05
D-310 (Expanded Dispatcher) completed 03/07
D-311 (Initial Attack Dispatcher) completed 05/09
D-312 (Aircraft Dispatcher) completed 06/08
D-510 (Supervisory Dispatcher) completed 10/16
S-491 (NFDRS)completed 09/12
S-260 (Fire Business Mgmt) completed 05/02
IS-700 (Introduction to National Incident Mgmt System) completed 02/07
IS-800 (National Response Plan) completed 01/08
S130, S190, I-100: completed 06/01
References
- Maris Gabliks, Forest Service Eastern Region Cooperative Fire Specialist, 609-235-7524
- Persephone Whelan, Forest Service Southwest Region Acting Regional Fuels Program Manager 414-312-3357
- Kathy Pipkin, Northern Rockies Geographic Area Coordination Center Manager, 406-544-2433
- Randee Olson, Forest Service Eastern Region Incident Business Coordinator, 218-370-0561
Timeline
Deputy GACC Center Manager
USDA Forest Service
03.2019 - 07.2019
Deputy GACC Center Manager
USDA Forest Service
02.2018 - 05.2018
GACC Coordinator GS-0301-11
USDA Forest Service
03.2015 - Current
GACC Coordinator (detail) GS-0462-08
USDA Forest Service
04.2014 - 08.2014
Initial Attack Dispatcher (GS-0462-6/7)
USDA Forest Service
07.2010 - 03.2015
Customer Service Representative GS-0303-5
USDA Forest Service
12.2007 - 07.2010
Initial Attack Dispatcher GS-0462-6
USDA Forest Service
08.2005 - 06.2007
Forestry Technician-Apprentice GS-0499-04
USDA Forest Service
03.2002 - 08.2005
Customer Service Representative GS-462-03 & 04
USDA Forest Service
10.1998 - 03.2002
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology
University of Wisconsin - Madison