Job Description

Description2025 Helitack Air Crew Member FirefighterRecruitment #2023-11-7382/7662/4572/7381/4571/7663/7664-WFF-HelitackLocations: Base of Operations - Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions.
Salary: $3,536.00 - $3,955.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/21/24. 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 in search of 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 Member/Firefighter is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, 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 would like to experience wildland firefighting operations while flying in and working with helicopters, this is the job for you.Work Locations
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. The primary Base of operations will be in Yakima or Olympia Washington. Other possible locations during fire suppression season could be Omak, Colville, Wenatchee, Mount Vernon, and the Vancouver area. Crew housing is not available at either primary site, but rental options are available. Check out: or .DutiesPosition Profile:
What to Expect as a DNR Firefighter:

• 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.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• Must provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and ICS-100 prior to 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 prior to starting work. The "Pack Test" is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs 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 and emergency situations, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.
• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 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 an 8-hour day, five days a week. Positions require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs. Positions required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
• 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.
• Field duties require the use of hand tools, power tools, GPS, topographic maps, a compass, and an iPad. Must be able to carry appropriate wildland fire tools on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Day-to-day responsibilities require the ability to safely operate pickup trucks and Type 5 Wildland Fire Engines.
• Successful certification at the minimum level of Firefighter Type 2 is required after the annual work capacity test and firefighter courses are completed for the fire year.

Desired Qualifications:

• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience.
• NWCG Qualification of Firefighter Type 1.
• NWCG Qualification of Helicopter Crewmember.

Supplemental InformationApplication Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at

(Click on the APPLY button above). * 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.

Questions? Please contact (Olympia) Brian Looper at , (360)480-1254 or (Yakima) Will Dickinson at , (509) 899-0767 or e-mail us at .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 DNR Recruiting at for a copy of the HSQ.About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the heal needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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 .Veteran's 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. 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.Check us out on: | Facebook | | Instagram | |

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