Supervisory Forestry Technician (Helitack) (Wildland Firefighter)

United States Forest Service • Mena, AR

265d

About The Position

The Supervisory Forestry Technician (Helitack) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing helitack crews in support of fire suppression efforts, including initial attack and ongoing fires. This position involves independently managing complex helicopter operations, determining incident needs, ordering personnel, equipment, and supplies, and directing initial incident activities. The technician provides leadership and direction during incidents by implementing various tactics such as direct and indirect fire line construction, hot spotting, backfiring, aerial ignition, water delivery systems, tree felling, and mop-up operations. Additionally, the role includes supervising complex aviation operations, ensuring helicopter safety, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures. The technician also assists in developing training techniques related to helicopter firefighting duties and manages the helicopter program budget, including requisitions for supplies and materials.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• This is a drug testing designated position.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management positions.
• Under age 37 or eligible for a waiver if older.
• Must have specialized experience or education as defined for GS-09 level.

Nice To Haves

• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM).
• Successfully completed the NWCG Course Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
• Experience in overseeing helicopter service contracts.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and directs helitack crews in support of fire suppression.
• Independently manages complex helicopter operations.
• Determines incident needs and orders personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Directs and monitors initial incident activities.
• Completes and maintains reports and records for aircraft use.
• Provides leadership and direction during incidents.
• Implements tactics such as direct and indirect fire line construction.
• Supervises complex aviation operations and provides direction to pilots and firefighters.
• Assists in the development of training techniques for helicopter firefighting.
• Plans helicopter budget and administers helicopter program budget.

Benefits

• Government housing may be available.
• Federal day care facilities may be available.
• Telework may be available.
• Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree