Wildland Firefighter 2 - Helicopter Manager

State of Montana • Missoula, MT

2d

About The Position

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.
Core Values:
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.
We value and respect each other.
We create collaborative work environments.
We build and maintain strong relationships.
We practice accountability.
We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work
Department Overview: The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s (DNRC) mission is to help ensure Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The Department consists of the Director’s Office; the Conservation and Resource Development, Forestry, Trust Lands Management, and Water Resources Divisions; the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission; the Board of Oil and Gas; and an extensive network of 35 field offices.
Job Overview: This position has responsibilities to coordinate, implement, and supervise wildland fire initial attack personnel and equip­ment to provide a safe and effective fire manage­ment capability for the Area. Work assignments require coopera­tion and coordina­tion with State and Federal agencies, local fire departments, the general public, permanent and seasonal employ­ees and private contrac­tors. The posi­tion supervises seasonal activities related to wild­land fire protec­tion, build­ings, grounds, vehicles and fire-related program pro­jects of the Area. The incumbent will plan, coordinate, and implement training for Permanent and Seasonal personnel. One of the priorities for the Area is our cooperator relationships; therefore, the Helicopter Manager will maintain relationships with the adjoining DNRC Areas, Federal agencies, and Counties within and outside the Area. This position is supervised by the Area Aviation Operations Supervisor. The Helicopter Manager coordinates daily helicopter operations, directly supervises a Helitack Crew as well as a Fuel Tender driver as directed by the Area Aviation Operations Supervisor. This supervision may be extended on and off the Area during various work schedules. This position performs training, prevention, general forestry work, equipment and facilities maintenance, as well as other duties as assigned. This position may drive Helicopter support vehicles when requested by supervisors.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge of how to quickly and accurately assess a wildland fire situation and determine strategies and tactical methods to control wildland and residential/wildland fires.
• Knowledge of fire behavior, Montana forest fire rules and regulations (contained in Administrative Rules of Montana), Montana burning permit requirements, local fire prevention needs, Incident Command System, CPR, first aid, hazardous materials awareness, and radio use.
• Requires skill in driving on unimproved road systems, reading maps, using a hand compass, hand tools, chainsaws, and other firefighting or project-related equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct safe, cost-effective control of wildland fires, perform physically demanding, arduous work for extended time periods, effectively communicate verbally to others, properly complete agency paperwork, and complete wildland firefighter training courses.
• Most knowledge, skills, or abilities, such as CPR and hazardous materials awareness, require yearly demonstration of proficiency.
• The position is required to meet arduous physical fitness requirements stipulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation policy.
• The position requires possession of a Class C Montana Driver’s license (or equivalent interstate driver’s license).
• The above knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through completion of high school or equivalency, three seasons of satisfactory progressive performance in wildland fire suppression (with one season as a Helicopter Manager), and satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander (Type 5) during the initial response to two wildland fires.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in wildland fire suppression with supervisory responsibilities and be fully qualified as Helicopter Manager, ICT5, and Faller A.
• Must have successfully performed on two qualifying uncontrolled fires as a Helicopter Manager.
• Must be able to complete a physical performance test known as the “Pack Test” which requires you to carry a 45 pound pack the distance of 3 miles in not more than 45 minutes.
• 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"

Nice To Haves

• Performance on at least one qualifying uncontrolled fire as a Type 4 Incident Commander is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Directs an initial attack Helitack module in preparation for suppression, and suppression of wildland and residential/wildland interface fires.
• Working directly with the Pilot-in-Command, manages mission specific operations assigned to DNRC Rotor-wing aircraft.

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. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees