What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2025 Helitack Air Crew Lead, WFML position at State of Washington?
Recruitment #2025-HelitackWFML-12-0904, 4578, 4793, 7377, 7378, 7383, 4590, 4599, 7379, 7656, 7657, 1155
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented positions
Anticipated Seasonal employment is April -November 2025.
Locations: Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/3/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The fire season is quickly approaching! Are you someone who loves firefighting and has an interest in fire aviation? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Helitack crews based in Yakima and Olympia. As a member of one of DNR's Helitack crews, you will perform wildland fire pre-suppression and suppression-related activities.
Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. Working for the DNR as a Helitack Air Crew Lead is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, and federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a high level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path. The experience and training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in fire, forestry, and other natural resource professions.
If you are an experienced wildland firefighter who would like to continue using your fire operations background while flying in and working with helicopters, this is the job for you.Responsibilities:
Support Suppression Readiness
Ensures aircrew members’ suppression equipment is prepared for initial attack, including fire line gear, PPE, tools, chain saws, drip torches, Bambi Bucket maintenance, external use equipment inspections, vehicle cleanliness, and daily inspections. Maintains accurate MER and maintenance record books for chase vehicles. Complete accurate TAR and travel documentation. Assist with aviation suppression training and orientation. Request through the Helicopter Manager any needs or replacements for equipment. Is competent in tasks outlined in WADNR Aviation Program expectations and Aviation Operating Plans, Manuals, and Standards as it pertains to helicopter operations for the DNR. Supports engagement and training of regional staff detailed with the program working on aviation qualifications.
Wildland Fire Suppression
Accurately relay fire behavior information to dispatch and to the supervisor. With approval from the Helicopter Manager, safely implements appropriate fire suppression tactics, complying with safety guidelines outlined in the DNR AOPS, NSHO, and IRPG. Complete accurate fire reports, IIRs, and time sheets for fires as requested by the supervisor. Oversight of aircrew members and firefighters working on and with aircraft.Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Incident Command System.
- Qualified as National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) with the ability to become qualified as a Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) within 6 months.
- Effective writing skills, communication skills, and public speaking skills.
- 1 or more seasons of Wildland Fire experience as FFT2.
- Ability to think critically in high stress, complex situations.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Must pass the work capacity test at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
- Field and Office: The position’s assigned duty station is Olympia or Yakima (depending on the hiring unit). 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.
- Requires a large majority of time in the field traveling between fire assignments and fire training. The position requires frequent overnight travel and extended work assignments generally 14 days in length with infrequent travel of 21 days.
- A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
- Qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
- Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
- One (1) or more years of supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of outdoor burning regulations, policies, and procedures.
- To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
- Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ). Applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous level work capacity test. However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity, please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary. You may contact DNRRecruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov for a copy of the HSQ.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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Salary : $41,724 - $55,584
