Fire Seasonal Wildland Firefighter 2 - Fixed Wing Mission Sensor Operator

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d

About The Position

Each year, DNRC seeks hundreds of dedicated individuals to help protect Montana wildlands from wildfire. These seasonal, temporary firefighting jobs are offered statewide throughout DNRC Units. Employment is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September with the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October depending on fire activity. We provide training, safety clothing, and protective gear. You bring enthusiasm and the ability to perform courageous outdoor work safely, productively, and responsibly.
Applications are accepted each year beginning in January. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from us right away – it can be into spring before we start contacting applicants for interviews. Feel free to reach out to the contact listed on the recruitment announcement with questions you may have.
These seasonal positions will be open until filled with our first review of applications starting mid to late February. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks until filled.
Early application is strongly encouraged.
The position is responsible for operating, calibrating, and maintaining systems used in collecting data and information from various sensors. They work with highly technical, advanced equipment that provides information which provides the Department with key wildland fire detection and mapping intelligence. They ensure that the data is available and accurate in a timely manner for use by field personnel.

Requirements

• Education, or experience equivalent to an associate degree in forestry, geographic information systems (GIS), aviation, fire science, or a related field is preferred.
• Basic experience and skills managing information systems, computer system analysis, information technology in storing, retrieving, and sending information, or geographic information systems (GIS) analyst background.
• The position requires knowledge of wildland fire; related state rules and regulations; fire suppression principles and practices (e.g., fire behavior, fire assessment, tactical methods); rotary and fixed-wing aviation operations; the Incident Command System (ICS); fireline safety procedures; radio use policies and procedures; State and DNRC personnel policies and procedures; and training methods.
• The work requires flight operations, including tactical fire suppression, and fire detection, for extended periods of time, occasionally in adverse conditions, including low-level flying while encountering up and down drafts, ridge top winds, turbulence, and heavy smoke and fire which may reduce visibility.
• Skill in reading maps; planning and organization; using and maintaining a variety of specialized forestry tools and equipment; operating all types of fire suppression equipment; driving off-road and on unimproved road systems; the use of a map and compass; the use of hand (e.g., axe, shovel, Pulaski) and power (e.g., chainsaw) tools; the use of hoses, and water handling accessories (e.g. nozzles, valves, couplings, and hose clamps); communicating clearly with others using correct terminology and processes; and skill in using tools and equipment, cleaning, and making minor repairs.
• The position requires the ability to make effective decisions under critical stress levels during dangerous situations to avoid high suppression costs, property damage, and injury or loss of life; safely, effectively, and efficiently manage the tactical use of fire suppression aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing; perform physically and mentally demanding work under adverse conditions; low level flights, develop unique solutions to complex problems based on extensive knowledge and experience of both local conditions and broader aviation related fire suppression techniques; complete agency paperwork; and complete yearly demonstrations of proficiency.
• Good physical condition is mandatory. All persons performing firefighting duties are required to achieve a physical fitness rating of “Arduous” in the NWCG and DNRC physical fitness standards within two weeks of employment. Good eyesight and resistance to motion sickness are necessary to perform the duties of this position.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of aviation, fire management, forestry, resource management, accounting, computer science and technology, data and geographic information systems and data analysis is desired.
• One season of wildland fire experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Execute all assigned pre-flight, mission flight, and post-flight duties as required to safely and effectively operate mission systems supporting initial/extended attack. This includes mission planning, pre-briefings, mission system inspection, operation, troubleshooting, post-flight inspections, debriefings, fire activity product preparation and distribution, and mission documentation.
• Aerial patrolling of protection areas; detecting, locating, evaluating, and reporting wildland fires in the fixed wing spotter aircraft; maintaining flight following with all dispatch centers in the patrol area using standard check-in and checkout points; and operating communication and navigation equipment.
• Serves as a sensor operator in fixed wing aircraft. Operate a combination of Electro Optic Infrared (E/O IR) sensors, mapping systems, and communications equipment to include troubleshooting mission equipment issues that may arise during mission operation.
• Responsible for data acquisition of fire incident mission equipment suite providing analysis and dissemination of multi-source collections. Analyze and interpret collected data from sensors. Ensure accurate information processing, transmission and storage including maintaining data logs, annotating and archiving data, and providing data upon request.
• Prepare aircraft flight logs for statistical use and to document flight and standby times and use costs for billing purposes. File standard reports as necessary to report unsafe practices or situations or to report faulty aircraft or equipment.
• As needed, conducts flights within forested areas to collect data on forest health, including tree canopy health, pest infestations, disease spread, prescribed fire, and potential fire risks, by utilizing aerial imagery and sensor technology, allowing forest management teams to make informed decisions regarding conservation and mitigation strategies.

Benefits

• As a DNRC Firefighter you are eligible for added assignment pay of 10%25 in addition to your regular hourly rate for employees assigned to and supporting authorized emergency work.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees