Seasonal Lead Helicopter Crewmember 2026-02660

State of Wyoming•Casper, WY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wyoming State Forestry Division seeks a Lead Helicopter Crewmember to lead a helitack crew and work as a specialized firefighter in wildland fire management and control. The helicopter-transported crew performs work related to wildland fire suppression and control, including preparedness, prevention, hazardous fuels monitoring and reduction, and prescribed burning. The Lead Crewmember leads helicopter-module fire suppression efforts, oversees safe loading and transport of personnel and cargo, manages manifests and other flight and operational records, and inspects and inventories helicopter accessories, tools, and equipment. On incidents, the role may serve as Helispot and Dipsite Manager and carry out fire operations such as preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up. The position evaluates fire conditions and hazards, recommends suppression methods and deployment approaches, and considers weather, terrain, fuels, and fire behavior when responding. The role provides daily leadership and training to crewmembers, ensures safe work practices, maintains support-vehicle records, and completes time and fire activity reporting. It also performs project work such as fuel reduction, timber stand improvement, and pile burning, along with general facility and compound duties. When the Assistant Crew Supervisor is absent, the Lead Crewmember fulfills that role’s responsibilities. Work can involve considerable physical exertion outdoors in varied terrain and weather, long hours, and extended periods away from home. The role requires the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and climb. A physical fitness work-capacity test is part of selection; candidates must pass at the Arduous level.

Requirements

Meet firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the Level III Arduous level and pass the required Arduous-level work-capacity test.
Possess a current Red Card with qualifications as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee (HMGB(T)), and Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) with Incident Commander Type V (ICT5), per the stated NWCG 310-1 minimum standard.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.
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.
Knowledge of standard first aid procedures sufficient to provide preliminary first aid and triage as needed.
Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
Knowledge of fire terminology and ability to communicate with crewmembers.
Knowledge of air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, helicopter contracts, load balance and capacity, load calculations, and personnel and equipment manifests.
Knowledge of work procedures and practices for working with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Written and oral communication skills to interact effectively with people at all levels, both inside and outside the organization, including the public.
Ability to communicate policies, procedures, and methods to crewmembers.

Nice To Haves

At least three seasons of experience on a helitack crew; preference may be given to candidates with this experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the helicopter module’s fire suppression efforts.
Direct helicopter loading of personnel and cargo, considering weight and balance and securing cargo.
Prepare manifests for personnel and equipment transported to fires or other work sites.
Inspect and inventory helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment, and ensure needed equipment is available.
Serve as Helispot and Dipsite Manager when incidents require those sites.
Prepare and maintain flight invoices, manifests, daily diaries, and load calculations.
Perform fire operations, including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
Monitor fire behavior, fire effects, and fire weather on wildland fires.
Evaluate fire situations, including spread, hazards, suppression methods, hose lays, crew deployment, initial-attack points, tools, and water application.
Use weather, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior information to respond to wildland fire incidents and recommend safe, effective deployment approaches.
Provide daily leadership and training in wildland fire, safety, suppression methods, and safe and efficient use of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
Ensure assignments are carried out safely.
Maintain accurate maintenance record books for support vehicles.
Complete accurate time and Fire Activity Reporting, including mid-month and end-of-month reporting as requested by the supervisor.
Perform project work such as fuel reduction, timber stand improvement, and pile burning, on and off the duty station.
Perform general facility and compound duties.
Fulfill the Assistant Crew Supervisor’s responsibilities when that person is absent.