Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026-01817

State of Wyoming•Glenrock, WY

37d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation. This role provides direct management of an exclusive use helitack program and personnel/firefighters that offers fast initial attack and large fire support on wildland fires and other incidents via helicopter. The specialist will manage permanent and temporary helibases, handle contract administration, and plan and direct helicopter operations in support of fire suppression, emergency incidents, natural disasters, and resource management projects. The position directs and manages crew and contract personnel on daily operations, coordinates and prioritizes training, physical fitness programs, and project work on state trust land. The duty station is at the Wyoming State Forestry Division’s permanent helibase located at Duncan Ranch, approximately six miles southeast of Glenrock, WY.

Requirements

Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license.
The Applicant must meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the level III “Arduous” level.
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry)
0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)
Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license.
3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry) (Education & Experience Substitution)
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.