Wildland Firefighter - Helicopter Manager

State of Montana•Billings, MT

About The Position

The Helicopter Manager coordinates, implements, and supervises wildland fire initial-attack personnel and equipment to provide safe and effective fire management for the Area. The work involves cooperation with State and Federal agencies, the public, permanent and seasonal employees, and private contractors. The position supervises seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and fire-program projects, and plans and coordinates training for permanent and seasonal personnel. Maintaining relationships with adjoining DNRC Areas, Federal agencies, and surrounding Counties is a priority. Reporting to the Area Aviation Operations Supervisor, the Helicopter Manager coordinates daily helicopter operations and directly supervises a Helitack Crew and, as directed, a Fuel Tender driver. Supervision may extend on and off the Area across different work schedules. Duties also include training, prevention, general forestry work, equipment and facilities maintenance, and other assigned work. The position may drive helicopter-support vehicles when requested by supervisors. The work is primarily outdoors, often in mountainous terrain and hazardous wildfire conditions. Fire assignments typically involve 12- to 16-hour shifts and may require staying at remote fire camps for up to two weeks. The incumbent must respond to the assigned duty station outside normal working hours, with response times varying according to fire conditions. The role requires arduous physical work, including travel on steep terrain, carrying heavy objects, and operating firefighting tools and equipment.

Requirements

Knowledge of wildland fire assessment, fire behavior, and strategies and tactics for controlling wildland and residential/wildland fires.
Knowledge of Montana forest fire rules and regulations, burning permit requirements, and local fire prevention needs.
Knowledge of the Incident Command System, CPR, first aid, hazardous materials awareness, and radio operation.
Skill in quickly assessing wildland fire situations and selecting appropriate control strategies and tactics.
Skill in driving on unimproved roads, reading maps, using a hand compass, and using hand tools, chainsaws, and other firefighting or project equipment.
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct safe, cost-effective wildland fire suppression operations and adapt tactics to varied situations.
Ability to perform arduous physical work for extended periods, walk long distances over steep and uneven terrain, and lift and carry objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
Ability to dig and clear fire lines using hand tools and chainsaws, and operate tools and equipment during 12- to 16-hour shifts.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and accurately complete agency paperwork.
Ability to complete required wildland firefighter training and maintain and demonstrate required proficiency.
Ability to meet the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's arduous physical fitness requirements.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in office settings.
Ability to work outdoors in mountainous terrain and wildfire hazards, including exposure to smoke, dust, heat, noise, adverse weather, and unpredictable fire conditions.
Ability to respond to the assigned duty station outside normal working hours and travel as needed, including driving on and off road.

Responsibilities

Direct an initial-attack Helitack module in preparing for and suppressing wildland and residential/wildland interface fires.
Work with the Pilot-in-Command to manage mission-specific operations assigned to DNRC rotor-wing aircraft.
Coordinate daily helicopter operations and supervise a Helitack Crew and, as directed, a Fuel Tender driver.
Coordinate, implement, and supervise initial-attack personnel and equipment for Area fire management.
Supervise seasonal activities involving wildland fire protection, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and Area and Unit fire-related projects.
Plan, coordinate, and implement training for permanent and seasonal personnel.
Maintain cooperative relationships with adjoining DNRC Areas, Federal agencies, and surrounding Counties.
Perform training, fire prevention, general forestry work, and equipment and facilities maintenance.
Drive helicopter-support vehicles when requested by supervisors.
Complete agency paperwork and maintain required firefighter knowledge, skills, and proficiency.

Benefits

Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, with vacation leave increasing with service.
Longevity pay with continued state service.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457(b) Plan.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Career progression and professional development.
State employee discounts.
Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.