Wildland Firefighter - Helicopter Manager

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 in our work.

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, 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 and Units.

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 surrounding Counties. 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.

• Fire Suppression and Preparation for Suppression

  Directs an initial attack Helitack module in preparation for suppression, and suppression of wildland and residential/wildland interface fires.

• Helicopter Management

  Working directly with the Pilot-in-Command, manages mission specific operations assigned to DNRC Rotor-wing aircraft.

• Online State of Montana Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References

• Work/life balance.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans ( Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

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 behavior; fatigue; working at night; falling snags; insects; rolling rocks; hazardous materials; poisonous plants; working around vehicles, fire engines and heavy equipment; exposure to hovering or low flying aircraft; wild animals; operating power tools; using sharpened hand tools; driving vehicles in all conditions including off road; urban interface hazards; and prolonged exposure to smoke.

Work shifts