Program Specialist 1- Helicopter Program Manager / Northwestern Land Office

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the Assistant Aviation Supervisor for the Northwestern Land Office (NWLO). The position supervises the staff and activities of NWLO rotorwing operations and supports statewide aviation operational and logistical assignments. It also oversees or performs helicopter and helibase air operations support, including the role of helicopter manager. The position reports to the Aviation Supervisor and directly supervises one Helicopter Manager (.5 FTE), indirectly oversees one Lead Helicopter Crewmember, five 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; fire behavior; related state rules and regulations; the incident command system (ICS); techniques for leading others in driving and/or operating a wildland fire aviation support equipment; 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; fire prevention regulations, practices and procedures; basic vehicle maintenance; mechanical, carpentry, and painting procedures and methods; state and DNRC personnel policies and procedures; supervisory practices; and training methods.
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.
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 NWLO 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.