Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026

State of Wyoming; Casper (WY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation & sick leave

Retirement plans

Job summary

Wyoming State Forestry Division seeks a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation to manage an exclusive use helitack program. You will direct helicopter operations for fast initial attack and large fire support, supervise helibases, and oversee contracts on state trust land.

The role requires coordinating training, fitness programs, and project work, with duties including incident command roles during emergencies and serving as a helicopter operations instructor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry)
• 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)
• Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license
• Education & Experience Substitution: 3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)
• Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support to execute wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions.
• Serves as a project inspector (PI) and is the field PI for the helicopter service contract.
• Performs as a helicopter specialist for the State, providing technical expertise for helicopter projects.
• During initial attack and wildfires, may serve as incident commander or helicopter manager as needed.
• Instructs Wyoming State Helitack and cooperating agency personnel in helicopter operations and wildland fire topics.
• Plans work for subordinates, sets priorities, prepares schedules, and approves leave.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

Incident command

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation, to provide direct management of an exclusive use helitack program and personnel/firefighters that provides fast initial attack and large fire support, on wildland fires, and other incidents via helicopter; manages permanent and temporary helibases; provides contract administration; plans and directs helicopter operations in support of fire suppression, emergency incidents, natural disasters and resource management projects. Directs and manages crew and contract personnel on daily operations, coordinates/prioritizes training, physical fitness program, and project work on state trust land.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? ?? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / [e-mail]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

• Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support to execute wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions.
• Serves as a project inspector (PI) and is designated as the field Project Inspector for the helicopter service contract assigned to the State.
• Performs as a helicopter specialist for the State, providing technical expertise for helicopter projects.
• During initial attack, ongoing fires, other natural disasters, search and rescue, and other emergencies, may serve in the capacity of incident commander, helicopter manager, or other positions as needed or assigned.
• Coordinates and serves as an instructor for Wyoming State Helitack and other cooperating agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire, and other related subject areas
• Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, prepares schedules for completion of work, and approves leave.
• Ensures daily staffing is appropriate to ensure the highest level of response and safety.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to applicants that possess a current Red Card with qualifications as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee HMGB(T), Helibase Manager HEBM or Helibase Manager trainee with Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4) per NWCG 310-1, June 2013 minimum standard.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of complex wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models, and the Incident Command System.
• Knowledge of fire behavior including causes of wildland fire, the influence of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope, and fuel moisture conditions, and fuels to know where to attack the fire, build fire line, where to be positioned to manage wildland fire and to identify hazards.
• Knowledge of air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, helicopter contracts, load balance and capacity, load calculating, and personnel and equipment manifests.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
• Knowledge of fire terminology to communicate with other crewmembers.
• Knowledge of work procedures and practices in working with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Skills in written and oral communication to effectively interact with people at all levels, internal and external to the organization, including the public.
• Ability to communicate policies, procedures, and methods to crewmembers.
• Skills in creating educational and informational materials for displays, print, speeches, and training courses.
• Skills in communicating and presenting to diverse groups.
• Skills in the use of Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and function with minimal supervision.
• The Applicant must meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the level III "Arduous" level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry)

Experience:

0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home.
• Duties include, but may not be limited to, the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.
• A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures candidates' physical fitness is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the "Arduous" level for a firefighter crewmember.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator. Wyoming State Forestry Website - http://wsfd.wyo.gov/ Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.