Fire and Aviation Technician - Tech Forestry

Working Title:
Fire and Aviation Technician

Job Class:
Natural Resources Technician Forestry

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Cambridge
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/22/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Forestry
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes, statewide for fire suppression
• Salary Range: $24.84 – $34.84 /hourly; $51,866 – $72,746 /annually
• Job Class Option:
  Fire Suppression
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area:
  Cambridge Area
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The DNR is looking for one (1) Fire and Aviation Technician in Cambridge, MN. This position exists to implement Division of Forestry fire aviation and training tasks at the statewide and Area administrative levels so that wildfires are suppressed in a safe, efficient and effective manner in accordance with division policy and procedure.

• Assist with statewide helicopter operations, fire training, pre‑suppression and suppression activities to promote safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement pre‑suppression tasks at the Area administrative level so that the Area is prepared for routine fire suppression operations.
• Suppress wildfires at the statewide and Area administrative level so that losses to human life, property, and natural resources are minimized.
• Lead helicopter modules and other fire personnel in fire suppression, training, and pre‑suppression activities.
• Coordinate and conduct natural resource management activities such as aerial application.
• Conduct silviculture activities and maintenance of roads/trails.

This position requires intermittent travel to perform fire suppression and aerial application duties on a statewide basis. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part‑time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

• 4 seasons of wildland fire suppression experience.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified prior to appointment:

• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) (or ICT4 Trainee)
• Single Resource Boss – Helicopter Manager (HMGB)

Completed training prior to appointment:

• S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• S-131 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss
• S-200 Initial Attack IC
• S-230 Crew Boss
• S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior
• S-271 Helicopter Crew Member
• S-372 Helicopter Manager

• Knowledge of wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models.
• Knowledge of fire and incident management including fire line leadership, suppression techniques, wildfire behavior, initial attack, extended attack, air operations, fire‑line control, equipment operation and capabilities, personnel capabilities, mop‑up, and fire line safety so that fires can be effectively suppressed.
• Ability to use maps, legal descriptions and GPS so that fires and…