Wildland Firefighter - Helicopter Manager

State of Montana; North Dakota; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Generous leave

Longevity pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is seeking a Helicopter Manager to coordinate, supervise, and train wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment to provide safe, effective fire management for the Area. This role emphasizes frontline leadership, interagency cooperation, and operational readiness in outdoor settings.

You will work with state and federal agencies, lead a Helitack Crew, manage rotor-wing operations, and build cooperative relationships across DNRC

Responsibilities

• Directs an initial attack Helitack module for suppression of wildland and interface fires.
• Manages mission-specific rotor-wing operations with the Pilot-in-Command.

Job description

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values:

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We practice accountability.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work.

Job Overview:

This position has responsibilities to coordinate, implement, and supervise wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment to provide a safe and effective fire management capability for the Area. Work assignments require cooperation and coordination with State and Federal agencies, the general public, permanent and seasonal employees and private contractors. The position supervises seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection, buildings, grounds, vehicles and fire-related program projects of the Area and Units. The incumbent will plan, coordinate, and implement training for Permanent and Seasonal personnel. One of the priorities for the Area is our cooperator relationships; therefore the Helicopter Manager will maintain relationships with the adjoining DNRC Areas, Federal agencies, and surrounding Counties. This position is supervised by the Area Aviation Operations Supervisor. The Helicopter Manager coordinates daily helicopter operations, directly supervises a Helitack Crew as well as a Fuel Tender driver as directed by the Area Aviation Operations Supervisor. This supervision may be extended on and off the Area during various work schedules. This position performs training, prevention, general forestry work, equipment and facilities maintenance, as well as other duties as assigned. This position may drive Helicopter support vehicles when requested by supervisors.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• Fire Suppression and Preparation for Suppression

  Directs an initial attack Helitack module in preparation for suppression, and suppression of wildland and residential/wildland interface fires.

• Helicopter Management

  Working directly with the Pilot-in-Command, manages mission specific operations assigned to DNRC Rotor-wing aircraft.

Application Materials Required For This Position Are:

• Online State of Montana Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References

Benefits:

• Work/life balance.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans ( Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Work Environment:

Over 50% of the work this position performs is conducted outdoors in mountainous terrain with exposure to environmental hazards for long time periods. Work is seasonal in nature and requires exposure to wildfires with associated discomforts, risk of serious injury, and exposure to adverse weather and terrain. Wildfires typically involve smoke, dust, hot temperatures, and high noise levels next to aircraft, equipment, and pumps. Hazards encountered can include erratic and unpredictable fire behavior; fatigue; working at night; falling snags; insects; rolling rocks; hazardous materials; poisonous plants; working around vehicles, fire engines and heavy equipment; exposure to hovering or low flying aircraft; wild animals; operating power tools; using sharpened hand tools; driving vehicles in all conditions including off road; urban interface hazards; and prolonged exposure to smoke. Work shifts