Wildland Firefighter - Lead Helicopter Crew Member​/Southern Land Office

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.

• 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

This position has limited Administrative Supervision responsibilities. However operationally, responsibilities will include assisting in the coordination, implementation, and supervision of 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, the general public, permanent and seasonal employees and private contractors. The position is expected to complete assigned seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection, buildings, grounds, vehicles and fire-related program projects of the Area and Units.

The incumbent will assist the Helicopter Manager plan, coordinate, and implement training for Permanent and Seasonal personnel. One of the priorities for the Area is cooperator relationships; therefore, the Lead Helicopter Crew member will maintain relationships with the adjoining DNRC Areas, Units, Federal agencies, and surrounding Counties. This position is supervised by the Area Helicopter Manager or Area Helicopter Program Manager.

The Lead Helicopter Crew member receives daily assignments related to helicopter operations and is responsible for coordinating crew tasks to meet assignment objectives. This coordination role 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 perform as an Aerial Observer in the Fixed-wing aircraft and drive helicopter support vehicles when requested by supervisors (if a State of Montana Class B CDL is obtained).

This position is a temporary role to work 6-9 months, including work during the wildland fire season.

• Online State of Montana application
• Cover Letter
• Resume

You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application.

• Work/life balance
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
• A vibrant Employee Assistance Program
• State of Montana employment may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether or not you may qualify.

Additional benefit package information is available here.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who requires a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff, as identified on the job listing, or by dialing the Montana Relay tana Job Service Offices also offer services, including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

* If you are interested in a complete job description, please contact HR rio.

High School diploma or equivalent. Applicant must at a minimum be fully qualified at the following:
Helicopter Crew member and Firefighter Type 1. It is desired that the incumbent be Incident Commander Type 5, Helicopter Manager, and Faller Class 2.

Over 50% of the work this position performs is conducted outdoors in mountainous terrain with exposure to environmental hazards for long time periods. Work is seasonal in nature and requires exposure to wildfires with associated discomforts, risk of serious injury, and exposure to adverse weather and terrain. Wildfires typically involve smoke, dust, hot temperatures, and high noise levels next to aircraft, equipment, and pumps.

Hazards encountered can include erratic and unpredictable fire…