Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation 2026-02571

State of Wyoming•Casper, WY

About The Position

The Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), within the Office of State Lands and Investments, is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation to manage an exclusive-use helitack program and its personnel. The program provides rapid initial attack and large-fire support on wildland fires and other incidents by helicopter. The role manages permanent and temporary helibases, administers contracts, and plans and directs helicopter operations supporting fire suppression, emergency incidents, natural disasters, and resource-management projects. The specialist directs crew and contract personnel in daily operations, coordinates and prioritizes training and physical-fitness programs, and oversees project work on state trust land. The position plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support for wildfire, emergency-response, and resource-management missions. It serves as the State's helicopter specialist and as field Project Inspector for the assigned helicopter services contract. During fires, natural disasters, search-and-rescue operations, and other emergencies, the specialist may serve as incident commander, helicopter manager, or in other assigned roles. The position also coordinates and instructs Wyoming State Helitack and cooperating-agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire, and related subjects. Supervisory duties include assigning and scheduling work, setting priorities, approving leave, and ensuring appropriate daily staffing for effective response and safety. Work is conducted outdoors in varied terrain and weather, may involve long hours and extended periods away from home, and requires meeting the firefighter physical-fitness standard at the arduous level. A work-capacity or pack test is administered during selection. The position is non-exempt under FLSA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, typically in Forestry, and 0–2 years of progressive work experience, typically in Forestry; alternatively, 3–5 years of progressive work experience, typically in Forestry.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Meet firefighter physical-fitness qualifications at the Level III “Arduous” level and pass the required work-capacity or pack test.
Knowledge of complex wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models, and the Incident Command System.
Knowledge of fire behavior factors, including causes of wildland fire and the influence of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope, fuel moisture, and fuels, to assess fire attack, fireline construction, positioning, and hazards.
Knowledge of air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, helicopter contracts, load balance and capacity, load calculations, and personnel and equipment manifests.
Knowledge of accepted fire-safety practices and procedures, fire terminology, and work procedures for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Written and oral communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external audiences, 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, and presenting to diverse groups.
Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb; ability to work outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, work long hours, and spend extended periods away from home.

Nice To Haves

Current Red Card with qualifications as Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee (HMGB(T)), Helibase Manager (HEBM) or Helibase Manager trainee, and Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4), per NWCG 310-1, June 2013 minimum standard.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and direct helicopter support for wildfire, emergency-response, and resource-management missions.
Serve as project inspector and field Project Inspector for the State's assigned helicopter service contract.
Provide technical expertise as the State's helicopter specialist for helicopter projects.
Serve, as needed or assigned, as incident commander, helicopter manager, or in other capacities during fires, natural disasters, search and rescue, and other emergencies.
Coordinate and instruct Wyoming State Helitack and cooperating-agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire, and related subject areas.
Plan subordinate work, set and adjust short-term priorities, prepare completion schedules, and approve leave.
Ensure daily staffing is appropriate to support response capability and safety.
Manage permanent and temporary helibases and administer contracts.
Direct crew and contract personnel in daily operations; coordinate and prioritize training, physical fitness, and project work on state trust land.