Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter

2026 Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter

Join to apply for the 2026 Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter role at State of Washington. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is searching for hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Helitack crews based in Yakima. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/16/25.

It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Recruitment #/4572/7662/7663/7664/7380/7381/7382-Helitack

Locations:
Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Yakima, WA)

Full-time, Exempt, Non‑represented positions.

Salary: $3,642.00 - $4,074.00 Monthly

The fire season is quickly approaching! Are you someone who loves firefighting and has an interest in fire aviation? As a member of one of DNR’s Helitack crews, you will perform wildland fire pre‑suppression and suppression‑related activities. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. Working for the DNR as a Helitack Air Crew Member/Firefighter is extremely rewarding, offering collaboration with other fire professionals, exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington.

The experience and training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in fire, forestry, and other natural resource professions.

If you would like to experience wildland firefighting operations while flying in and working with helicopters, this is the job for you.

• Prepare for fire duty and maintain assigned helicopters, equipment, and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform wildland fire duties including hand‑line construction, water handling, general suppression, and prevention activities or training.
• When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, wildland firefighters will perform tasks such as maintaining helicopter bases, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.
• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion; working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include, but may not be limited to, the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

• Must be 18 years of age or older by your available hire date.
• Must provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and IS-100 before or on the day of the scheduled Work Capacity Test. If you have previously taken and received credit by DNR for these courses, you are NOT required to retake or resubmit the certificates of completion.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” during the selection process and before starting work. The “Pack Test” is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45 lbs vest, 3 miles within 45 minutes).
• Firefighters require the competencies related to being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and work with and lead subordinates in wildland fire organizations.
• Ability to act promptly, use good judgment in day‑to‑day activities and emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above‑average endurance and superior conditioning. Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions.
• A typical workday is either an 8‑hour day, five days a week, or a 10‑hour day, 4 days a week. Positions require response during off‑duties hours for emergency fire suppression needs. Positions required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
• Requ…