DFPC WFMS Firefighter III: Helicopter Lieutenant

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is seeking a Helicopter Lieutenant to join the Wildland Fire Management Section (WFMS). This operational, field-level position involves work lead responsibilities for a full-time, year-round helicopter module, primarily operating on a Type 1 S-70M FireHawk. The role also includes potential temporary assignments to other aerial platforms or ground crews. The primary purpose is to serve as a NWCG Helicopter Manager (HMGB) and DFPC Aircrew Mission Specialist (AMS), providing leadership and direction to helicopter module personnel and operations. The position supports diverse missions including wildfire initial attack, mitigation projects (prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction), prevention, education, and all-hazard incident response such as search and rescue. The Helicopter Lieutenant must have prior supervisory or work lead experience and wildland firefighting experience. This role also assists with training programs, qualification and dispatch systems, and other preparedness activities.

Requirements

Two (2) years of documented professional wildland firefighting experience.
Qualification to the NWCG Helicopter Manager - Single Resource (HMGB).
Must upload a copy of your IQS or IQCS Master record or incident qualification card showing your NWCG qualification to Helicopter Manager - Single Resource (HMGB).
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

Four (4) + years of documented wildland firefighting experience, and/or additional fire service experience, including fireline supervision.
Exceptional candidates will have a well documented track record of multiple years of experience as a supervisor or work lead, and will be proven leaders whose management approach is fundamentally grounded in the DFPC values of honor, integrity, service, and loyalty.
Previous experience in advanced helicopter operations, including search & rescue and other all hazard response.
Previous supervisory or team lead experience.
Previous experience with state level fire programs, with a preference for experience with the state of CO fire programs.
Exceptional candidates will also have one or more of the following NWCG qualifications: Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher; Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher; Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3) or higher, Strike Team or Task Force Leader; Additional Single Resource Boss Helibase Manager (HEBM)
Certification as a DFPC Aircrew Mission Specialist
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.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Responsibilities

Lead helicopter module operations during fire suppression and incident response, organizing and deploying helicopter and crews based on objectives and capabilities.
Construct fireline utilizing hand tools, cut and clear vegetation using power saws, conduct mop-up and patrol operations, and carry out ignition operations.
Coordinate, 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, and pulaskis.
Utilize various communication methods including radios, maps, compass, GPS, and other technology for navigation and information gathering.
Perform safety inspections, maintain and repair tools and equipment.
Perform and follow demobilizing duties, including required incident documentation such as Crew Time Reports and Equipment Shift Tickets.
Perform and oversee non-wildfire and all-hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped, including resource management and search and rescue.
Provide direction, oversight, support, and training to assigned employees.
Evaluate employee schedules and work load, communicating with supervisor for adjustments.
Assist in developing professional development plans for assigned employees.
Assist in developing work plans and schedules for subordinate staff, including training programs, community outreach, and statistical reporting.
Schedule, coordinate tasks and logistical needs, evaluate, and provide safety guidance and oversight to assigned employees.
Provide input on performance evaluations of assigned employees and make recommendations for remediation or advancement.
Assist with the hiring process, including interviews and recommendations.
Assist with informal grievances and provide documentation for corrective actions.
Oversee and review work products and employee health, adjusting deadlines and plans as needed.
Compile required incident documentation, including tracking Crew Time Reports and Equipment Shift Tickets, and entering/approving time in the state timekeeping system.
Approve overtime, travel, and purchase forms.
Lead and participate in safety sessions and critiques, maintaining awareness of changes in aviation policy, regulations, and procedures.
Direct and lead the Helitack crew (or other resource) on a regular basis, including on an incident.
Function as a contracting officer representative, monitor and ensure contract compliance.
Responsible for the overall readiness of the helicopter crew, pilots, mechanics, and related personnel.
Participate in pre-mission planning and briefings, coordinate pre-flight briefings, and direct personnel in helicopter operations missions.
Prepare aircraft and crew for daily operations, ensure familiarity with aircraft, and assist flight crew with any needs or requests.
Ensure all mission requests are made through the proper chain of command.
Maintain situational awareness for safe flight operations and appropriate mission response readiness.
Use and understand multiple communication systems in and on aircraft, including multi-channel radios.
Ensure all flight logs and related information are entered in a timely manner in the aviation database.
Establish and maintain the physical fitness level necessary for hard physical labor under adverse conditions.
Mentor and train new firefighters and validate readiness of assigned personnel.
Inspect and maintain crew response equipment, vehicles, tools, and PPE.
Implement processes to inventory tools, PPE, and equipment, and account for safety issues.
Coordinate repair/replacement needs and ensure vehicle & equipment readiness, including daily maintenance checks.
Coordinate with Captain on crew qualifications and develop a crew training plan.
Implement annual operational preparedness training for assigned personnel.
Communicate effectively with multichannel radios, prepare and program radios for assignments.
Manage ongoing training and professional development of crew members in State of Colorado, CDPS, DFPC & WFMS standard operating policies, procedures & guidelines.
Oversee the logistics and instruction of various courses, training, and events.
Assist other DFPC programs as needed and available to support the mission of CDPS and DFPC.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental options 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.
State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, offering personalized health coaching, skill groups, and a $20/month health insurance premium discount for participants.
Access to discounts, promotions, and special programs through BenefitHub.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
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) 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.