Fire and Aviation Technician - NR Tech Forestry

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Cambridge (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES in Cambridge, MN is seeking a Fire and Aviation Technician to support statewide wildfire suppression, aviation operations, and training. The role emphasizes safe, efficient suppression and alignment with division policy, with flexible telework up to 50% and regular field duties.

The position requires NWCG qualifications, S-series certifications, and experience in firefighting techniques, incident management, and helicopter operations.

Qualifications

• 4 seasons of wildland fire suppression experience.
• NWCG ICT4 (ICT4 Trainee) and HMGB qualifications prior to appointment.
• Completion of S-130, S-190, S-131, S-200, S-230, S-290, S-271, S-372 training prior to appointment.
• Knowledge of wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models.

Responsibilities

• Assist with statewide helicopter operations, fire training, pre-suppression and suppression activities.
• Implement pre-suppression tasks at the Area administrative level for routine fire suppression readiness.
• Suppress wildfires statewide and in Area admin levels to minimize losses.
• Lead helicopter modules and other fire personnel in suppression and training.
• Coordinate and conduct aerial application and related activities.
• Conduct silviculture and maintenance of roads/trails.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

Fire behavior

GPS navigation

Equipment maintenance

Team leadership

ArcGIS

Education

S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter

S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

S-131 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss

S-200 Initial Attack IC

S-230 Crew Boss

S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior

S-271 Helicopter Crew Member

S-372 Helicopter Manager

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Working Title: Fire and Aviation Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Forestry

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97165
• Location: Cambridge
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/22/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• 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, statewide for fire suppression
• Salary Range: $24.84 – $34.84 /hourly; $51,866 – $72,746 /annually
• Job Class Option: Fire Suppression
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Cambridge Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 DNR is looking for one (1) Fire and Aviation Technician in Cambridge, MN. This position exists to implement Division of Forestry fire aviation and training tasks at the statewide and Area administrative levels so that wildfires are suppressed in a safe, efficient and effective manner in accordance with division policy and procedure.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist with statewide helicopter operations, fire training, pre‑suppression and suppression activities to promote safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement pre‑suppression tasks at the Area administrative level so that the Area is prepared for routine fire suppression operations.
• Suppress wildfires at the statewide and Area administrative level so that losses to human life, property, and natural resources are minimized.
• Lead helicopter modules and other fire personnel in fire suppression, training, and pre‑suppression activities.
• Coordinate and conduct natural resource management activities such as aerial application.
• Conduct silviculture activities and maintenance of roads/trails.

This position requires intermittent travel to perform fire suppression and aerial application duties on a statewide basis. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part‑time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4 seasons of wildland fire suppression experience.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified prior to appointment:

• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) (or ICT4 Trainee)
• Single Resource Boss – Helicopter Manager (HMGB)

Completed training prior to appointment:

• S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• S-131 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss
• S-200 Initial Attack IC
• S-230 Crew Boss
• S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior
• S-271 Helicopter Crew Member
• S-372 Helicopter Manager

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models.
• Knowledge of fire and incident management including fire line leadership, suppression techniques, wildfire behavior, initial attack, extended attack, air operations, fire‑line control, equipment operation and capabilities, personnel capabilities, mop‑up, and fire line safety so that fires can be effectively suppressed.
• Ability to use maps, legal descriptions and GPS so that fires and access routes can be quickly located.
• Ability to maintain and organize the operation and maintenance of fire line equipment (including chainsaws) so that the equipment functions well in fire suppression activities.
• Ability to complete assigned trainings.
• Computer skills sufficient to keep records, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using various applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Helibase Manager (HEBM).
• Extended Attack Incident Commander (ICT3).
• M-410 Facilitative Instructor.
• Experience coordinating aerial application projects.

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

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Darren Neuman at [e-mail]