DFPC WFMS Firefighter II: Helicopter Lead

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is seeking a Firefighter II: Helicopter Lead to join their Wildland Fire Management Section (WFMS). This is an operational, field-level position with supervisory responsibilities, focused on wildland fire suppression, incident response, mitigation, fuels management, prescribed fire, and all-hazard incident response. The role operates year-round on either a Type 1 S-70M FireHawk or Type 2 B-205A++ aerial platform. The Helicopter Lead Firefighter functions as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Helicopter Crew Member (HECM), supporting fire suppression and mitigation projects. The position aligns with DFPC values and may assist with missions including wildfire initial attack, prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction, resource management, prevention, education, and all-hazard incident operations such as search and rescue. The role requires maintaining a high level of physical fitness and may involve extended periods of work in challenging conditions.

Requirements

Qualification to NWCG standards as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
Qualification to NWCG standards as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM)
Upload a copy of your IQS or IQCS Master record or incident qualification card showing your NWCG qualification.
Current valid driver's license at time of hire.
Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.
Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times.
Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.
The normal work schedule of this position may include the requirement to work on weekend days, holidays, and extended shifts.
This position may require call-back, extended staffing, and days-off staffing based on fire conditions, incident activity and availability of firefighter resources.
Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen.
Position must maintain the NWCG required fitness levels for the employee’s NWCG wildland fire qualifications throughout the employment period.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) or more years of wildland firefighting experience and/or additional fire service experience.
Previous experience with state level fire programs, with a preference for experience with the state of CO fire programs.
Additional experience in advanced helicopter operations, including search & rescue, hoist, hoverstep, and other all hazard response.
NWCG qualifications: Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher.
NWCG qualifications: Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) or higher.
NWCG qualifications: Helicopter Manager - Single Resource Boss (HMGB).
Additional Single Resource Boss Qualifications.
State of Colorado/DFPC: Structural Firefighter I, Structural Firefighter II or equivalent.
Medical certifications and qualifications including: Wilderness First Responder, Emergency First Responder, or Emergency Medical Technician.
Previous supervisory, team lead or fireline lead experience.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Responsibilities

Provide wildland fire suppression response and incident response.
Assist in mitigation, fuels, and prescribed fire functions.
Assist in fire-preparedness support including training.
Provide response and support in other all-hazard incident response as qualified.
Function as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Helicopter Crew Member (HECM).
Construct fireline utilizing hand tools and clear vegetation utilizing power saws.
Perform structure protection, mop up, and patrol operations.
Conduct ignition operations and operate pumps.
Install hose lays and water delivery systems.
Perform and assist with rescue operations.
Operate and travel in vehicles on and off-road.
Haul and pack fire-related equipment and supplies.
Use various tools and equipment such as chainsaws, shovels, drip torches, fusees, pulaskis.
Use various communication methods including radios.
Use maps, compass, GPS, and other technology and tools to gather information and navigate an incident.
Perform safety inspections, maintaining and repairing tools and equipment.
Perform and follow demobilizing duties, including required incident documentation.
Perform non-wildfire and all-hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped (e.g., structure fire, hazmat, search and rescue, medical).
Recognize and communicate safety considerations and other factors (fire intensity, fuel conditions, weather observations, etc.).
Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
Temporarily work as a Firefighter III as qualified on an incident.
Travel to active fires, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado and across the nation.
Travel in rotor and/or fixed-wing aircraft for detection, reconnaissance, communication, coordination, command and control purposes.
Work long hours (up to 16 hours per day) in outdoor settings and perform strenuous manual labor under extreme environmental conditions.
Participate in physical conditioning activities for up to one hour each day.
Plan and implement mitigation, fuels treatment, and resource management projects.
Cut, clear, pile, and dispose of treated vegetation.
Use tools and equipment such as chainsaws, firing equipment, portable pumps, chippers, air curtain burners.
Construct firelines and perform prescribed fire burning as assigned.
Perform ignitions and holding operations.
Collect, document, and gather data and records information on fuels sampling, fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.
Assist in design, development, and writing of plans for various resource management projects.
Establish and maintain the physical fitness level necessary to effectively perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
Mentor and train new firefighters and validate readiness of assigned personnel.
Inspect and maintain crews' response equipment, vehicles, tools, PPE, and more.
Contribute to implementing processes to inventory tools, PPE, equipment.
Account for any safety issues and communicate repair/replacement needs to supervisor.
Collect, compile, and calculate various wildland fuels and fire danger rating indices.
Communicate effectively with multichannel radios, prepare and program radios for assignments.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
May assist or lead the logistics and instruction of various courses, training and events.
Assist other DFPC programs (reports, data entry, filing, training and testing, inspections, research, fire billing, logistics etc.) as needed and available.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage.
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to annual earnings (minimum $50,000, maximum $250,000) provided at no cost to employees.
State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health (no-cost, year-long program with personalized health coaching, skill groups, and potential for a $20/month health insurance premium discount).
Access to discounts, promotions, and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues through BenefitHub.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
Excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) available in every region of the state for short-term counseling, referrals, resources, and training.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.