Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist – Aviation to directly manage an exclusive use helitack program and crew on wildland fires and other incidents. The position is located at the WSFD permanent helibase at Duncan Ranch, southwest of Glenrock, WY.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan, coordinate, and direct helicopter support for wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions. Serve as the project inspector and field Project Inspector for the State helicopter service contract. Provide technical expertise for helicopter projects and serve as a helicopter specialist. Act as incident commander, helicopter manager, or other leadership roles during initial attack and ongoing operations. Instruct Wyoming State Helitack and partner agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire tactics, and related subject areas. Manage daily staffing, set short‑term priorities, schedule work, and approve leave. Ensure daily staffing meets response and safety standards.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants who possess a current Red Card with qualifications as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB), Helicopter Manager trainee (HMGB(T)), Helibase Manager (HEBM), or Helibase Manager trainee with Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4) per NWCG 310‑1 (June 2013 minimum standard).

KNOWLEDGE

Complex wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models, and the Incident Command System. Fire behavior, including influences of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope, fuel moisture, and fuel characteristics. Air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, contracts, load balancing, capacity, load calculation, and manifests. Accepted fire safety practices and procedures. Fire terminology for effective crew communication. Procedures and practices involving helicopters and fixed‑wing aircraft. Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to create educational and informational materials for training. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision. Firefighter physical fitness qualifications at Level III “Arduous.”

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Forestry). Experience: 0–2 years of progressive work experience in Forestry. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid driver’s license. OR Education & Experience Substitution: 3–5 years of progressive work experience in Forestry. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work requires considerable physical exertion in all terrain and weather conditions, often outdoors, with long hours and extended periods away from home. Must be able to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and climb. Undergo a physical fitness test (“pack test”) and must pass at the “Arduous” level for a firefighter crew member.

NOTES

FLSA: Non‑Exempt

HUMAN RESOURCE CONTACT

Ryan Scheer – View phone number on click.appcast.io – View email address on click.appcast.io

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Wyoming