Program Specialist 1- Helicopter Program Manager / Central Land Office

State of Montana•Helena, MT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana. The Central Land Office (CLO) is responsible for Department of Natural Resources programs within the geographic area of Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Gallatin, Meagher, Cascade, Teton, Toole, Glacier, Liberty, Park and Pondera Counties. The Land Office administers the programs and operations of the department in the region. The Land Office mission is to manage state-owned lands to produce income for various trust accounts; implement and enforce agency programs and state laws, rules and policies; protect property, resources and land from destruction by wildfires; and to provide needed services to the public. The CLO Fire Program manages area aviation operations and statewide helicopter operations. The CLO operates and maintains a fixed-wing aircraft used primarily for fire patrol and personnel transportation and two helicopters used for statewide fire support. This includes the management of resources and personnel operating on a statewide basis including staging areas such as Miles City and Billings. This position is the Assistant Aviation Supervisor for the CLO. The position supervises the staff and activities of CLO aviation operations and to support statewide aviation operational and logistical assignments; and oversees or performs helicopter and helibase air operations support including helicopter manager. The position reports to the Aviation Supervisor (position #57600225); directly supervises three Helicopter Managers (2.25 FTE), indirectly oversees three Lead Helicopter Crewmembers, twelve seasonal positions, and supervises additional staff as needed for mission support.

Requirements

Education, or experience equivalent to an associate degree in forestry, aviation, fire science, or a related field.
At least four seasons (20 months) of wildland fire suppression experience, including roles such as Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander, Helicopter Manager.
Ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire.
Ability to coordinate extensive and complex amounts of personnel and equipment to meet the needs of fire suppression and support forces during fire actions on multiple jurisdictions.
Ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision.
Ability to express views and provide clear direction both in writing and through verbal communications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government officials, and agency employees.
Knowledge of wildland fire tactical methods.
Knowledge of fire behavior.
Knowledge of related state rules and regulations.
Knowledge of the incident command system (ICS).
Knowledge of techniques for leading others in driving and/or operating a wildland fire aviation support equipment.
Knowledge of fire suppression principles and practices (e.g., fire behavior, fire assessment, tactical methods).
Knowledge of rotary and fixed-wing aviation operations.
Knowledge of fireline safety procedures.
Knowledge of radio use policies and procedures.
Knowledge of fire prevention regulations, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
Knowledge of mechanical, carpentry, and painting procedures and methods.
Knowledge of state and DNRC personnel policies and procedures.
Knowledge of supervisory practices.
Knowledge of training methods.
Skill in reading maps.
Skill in planning and organization.
Skill in using and maintaining a variety of specialized forestry tools and equipment.
Skill in operating all types of fire suppression equipment.
Skill in driving off-road and on unimproved road systems.
Skill in the use of a map and compass.
Skill in the use of hand (e.g., axe, shovel, Pulaski) and power (e.g., chainsaw) tools.
Skill in the use of hoses, and water handling accessories (e.g. nozzles, valves, couplings, and hose clamps).
Skill in communicating clearly with others using correct terminology and processes.
Skill in using tools and equipment, cleaning, and making minor repairs.
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.
Ability to safely, effectively, and efficiently manage the tactical use of fire suppression aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing.
Ability to perform physically and mentally demanding work under adverse conditions.
Ability to develop unique solutions to complex problems based on extensive knowledge and experience of both local conditions and broader aviation related fire suppression techniques.
Ability to complete agency paperwork.
Ability to 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.
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.

Responsibilities

Supervise the staff and activities of CLO aviation operations and to support statewide operational and logistical assignments and provide ground support for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Perform or oversee helicopter and helibase operations support including helicopter manager, aerial observer and fuel tender functions to maintain proficiency in these functions and to ensure adequate operational support.