Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026

State of Wyoming; Glenrock (WY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wyoming seeks a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation to manage an exclusive use helitack program and helicopter operations for fast initial attack on wildland fires and other incidents. The position oversees helibase operations and contract administration at the Duncan Ranch base near Glenrock, WY.

Qualifications include a Forestry degree and NWCG competencies; a valid driver's license is required. Salary and benefits reflect state compensation and agency resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry required.
• 0-2 years of progressive work experience in Forestry.
• Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support for wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions.
• Serves as project inspector for helicopter service contracts.
• Acts as helicopter specialist providing technical expertise on helicopter projects.
• During initial attack and emergencies, may serve as incident commander or helicopter manager.
• Coordinates and teaches helicopter operations to Wyoming State Helitack and partner personnel.
• Plans work, sets priorities, and manages schedules and leave.
• Ensures staffing levels support maximum response and safety.

Skills

Helicopter operations

Fire management experience

Strong leadership

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Driver's license

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.

The duty station is at the Wyoming State Forestry Division’s permanent helibase located at Duncan Ranch, which is approximately six miles southeast of Glenrock, WY, an equal distance between Douglas and Casper, WY. The ranch is comprised of a contiguous block of 6,439 acres of deeded State land with some BLM, private inholding, and Converse County Park lands. This is a working cattle ranch which lies within two mountain valleys on the northern flank of the Laramie Range. Wyoming is one of only seven states with no state income tax.

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! Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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

060-Office of State Lands and Investments - Forestry Division

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.