Program Specialist 1- Land Office Fixed Wing Program Manager / Southwest Land Office

State of Montana • Missoula, MT

50d

About The Position

This position is the Land Office Fixed Wing Program Manager for the Southwestern Land Office. The position supervises the activities of Land Office fixed wing aviation operations and supports statewide aviation operational and logistical assignments. The position is responsible for operating, calibrating, and maintaining systems used in collecting data and information from various sensors. They work with highly technical, advanced equipment that provides information which provides the Department with key wildland fire detection and mapping intelligence. They ensure that the data is available and accurate in a timely manner for use by field personnel. The position reports to the Aviation Officer and supervises additional staff as needed for mission support.

Requirements

• Education, or experience equivalent to an associate degree in forestry, geographic information systems (GIS), aviation, fire science, or a related field. Equivalent experience should include at least four seasons (20 months) of wildland fire suppression experience, including roles such as Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander.
• Experience and skills managing information systems, computer system analysis, information technology in storing, retrieving, and sending information, or geographic information systems (GIS) analyst background. Knowledge of aviation, fire management, forestry, resource management, accounting, computer science and technology, data and geographic information systems and data analysis is desirable.
• The position requires 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); fire line 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.
• The work requires flight operations, including tactical fire suppression, and fire detection, for extended periods of time, occasionally in adverse conditions, including low-level flying while encountering up and down drafts, ridge top winds, turbulence, and heavy smoke and fire which may reduce visibility. 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.
• The position requires the 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; safely, effectively, and efficiently manage the tactical use of fire suppression aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing; perform physically and mentally demanding work under adverse conditions; low level flights, develop unique solutions to complex problems based on extensive knowledge and experience of both local conditions and broader aviation related fire suppression techniques; complete agency paperwork; and complete yearly demonstrations of proficiency.
• Candidates 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.
• In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"

Responsibilities

• Supervise the program activities of the Land Office aviation operation to support statewide operational and logistical assignments.
• Execute all assigned pre-flight, mission flight, and post-flight duties as required to safely and effectively operate mission systems supporting initial/extended attack. This includes mission planning, pre-briefings, mission system inspection, operation, troubleshooting, post-flight inspections, debriefings, fire activity product preparation and distribution, and mission documentation. Use a combination of skill, Crew Resource Management, and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member. Liaison with the DNRC management team, contractors, and other natural resource management agencies to ensure effective and efficient mission accomplishment.
• This position is responsible for staffing the fixed-wing detection aircraft.
• This position will supervise additional staff as needed for mission support and supervise fire staff during wildland fire operations.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees