Wildland Firefighter - Lead Helicopter Crew Member​/Land Office

Wildland Firefighter 2 – Lead Helicopter Crew Member / Central Land Office )

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) seeks a qualified individual to assist in the coordination, implementation, and supervision of wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment for the area. Responsibilities include coordinating and implementing training for permanent and seasonal personnel, maintaining cooperator relationships with adjoining DNRC areas, federal agencies, and surrounding counties, and performing duties as an aerial observer, firefighter, and maintenance worker as required.

Assisting in the coordination, implementation, and supervision of wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment; cooperating with State and Federal agencies, the general public, permanent and seasonal employees, and private contractors; completing seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and fire‑related program projects; managing helicopter operations; and providing training, prevention, general forestry work, equipment and facility maintenance. This role may involve Aerial Observer work in fixed‑wing aircraft and driving helicopter support vehicles upon obtaining a State of Montana Class B CDL.

This is a temporary position lasting 6‑9 months, including work during the wildland fire season. Approximately 20% travel time with occasional overnight travel.

• Online State of Montana application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

• Work/life balance
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Potential student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

High School diploma or equivalent. Fully qualified as Helicopter Crew member and Firefighter Type
1. Desired:
Incident Commander Type 5, Helicopter Manager, and Faller Class

B.

Over 50% of the position is outdoors in mountainous terrain with exposure to environmental hazards. Work is seasonal and may require exposure to wildfires, smoke, dust, high temperatures, and high noise levels. Hazards include erratic fire behavior, fatigue, nocturnal work, falling snags, insects, rolling rocks, hazardous materials, poisonous plants, heavy equipment, low‑flying aircraft, wild animals, power tools, hand tools, vehicular operations, urban interface hazards, and prolonged smoke exposure.

Work shifts typically 12–16 hours, with possible relocation to remote fire camps lasting up to two weeks. The position requires physically demanding work, including digging, clearing, traversing long distances on foot, lifting and carrying objects over 50 pounds, and operating hand tools and equipment on steep terrain.

Must be eligible to work in the United States; a valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the last 36 months is required. Within three days of hire, the person must produce documents proving authorization to work in the U.S. (e.g., birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, passport, or green card).

If another department vacancy occurs within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for selection. Employees may be paid below the base pay under a training assignment; training assignment terms will be provided in writing at hire.

Hourly rate: $24.55

1

Standard

Day job

Yes, 20% of the time

Helena

Dec 10, 2025. Closing Date:
Jan 12, 2026.

Name:
Stacey Gabrio
Email:
Stacey.

Gabrio
Phone:

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.