2025 Helicopter Manager, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS)/(WFML In-Training) 

Full-time, Seasonal, and Non-Permanent, Represented positions
Anticipated Seasonal employment begins in March 2025
Anticipated Non-Permanent employment begins April 2025
Locations: Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Salary: $3,477.00 - $5,117.00 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.

If you are an experienced wildland firefighter who would like to continue using your fire operations background while flying in and managing helicopters, this is the job for you.

Responsibilities:
Helicopter Management

• This position is responsible for adhering to and maintaining responsibilities outlined in the WA DNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards for pre-suppression and suppression activities. In addition, supports the Pilot in Command (PIC), daily supervision of personnel assigned, and maintaining agency vehicle(s) assigned.
• Responsible for safety and readiness of personnel and equipment during suppression as well as responsible for air crew member safety/operational training.
• Responsible for the completion of passenger manifest, SAFECOMs/AVCOMMs, digital applications, initial incident reports, supervisor's report of injury, fire situation narratives, agency fire reports, program crew and helicopter reports, interagency/contract availability, suppression cost reports, contracted aviation cost reports and credit card use logs.
• Ensures functionality of fire line equipment/gear and inspections/repairs to ensure properly working external load suppression equipment. With the concurrence of the PIC, establish GO / NO-GO criteria for incident operations.
• May serve in various ICS roles including Incident Commander, Helibase Manager, Strike Team/Task Force Leader, any Single Resource position, Firefighter, Aircraft Base Radio Operator, Deck Coordinator, or as a public relations contact. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Responsible for the safety of personnel while suppressing wildland fire using standard fire line tactics.
• Serves as an agency representative to ensure compliance with state law, regulations, DNR policies, and business practices, and represents the Agency Administrator in interactions with the Incident Commander. Follows guidance within the WA DNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards on all incidents and NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations and helicopter contracts on federal incidents.

Supervision 

• May conduct interviews and participate in the selection process for seasonal Squad Boss (Wildland Fire Management Lead) and Exempt Firefighter positions. Provides recommendations for the program’s annual interview and hiring plan to be presented to the Helitack Assistant Base Managers.
• Responsible for ongoing training, scheduling work projects, reviewing time and activity reports, equipment mileage, and maintenance logs. Must evaluate and provide feedback to crewmembers using mid and end-of-season evaluations, and recommend disciplinary actions as needed.
• Assists with employee orientation, mandatory safety classes and procedures, position specifics, and human resource-related training are completed within agency policy and timelines.
• These positions are responsible for providing new Squad Bosses and Firefighters comprehensive onboarding (on-the-job orientation) including how their contributions fit into the agency’s values, culture, and mission. The position sets clear job performance standards and expectations and provides timely feedback to ensure prompt correction and mastering of duties assigned. Provide employees with the tools and resources to develop, plan, and pursue further career opportunities that will bring value to the employee and the agency.

Aviation External Load/Aviation Life Support Equipment Preparedness

• Responsible for ongoing training to support safe operational use, inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs of aviation life support and external load equipment. 
• These positions are responsible for assuring all external load and aviation life support equipment meet standards within the WADNR Aviation Operating Plans and Standards.

Helitack Module Preparedness, Suppression Training, and NWCG Trainings

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing aviation and wildland fire training. Ensure personnel are current with Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) per position dictated by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), and National Incident Management System (NIMS) per federal interagency requirements, WADNR Aviation Operations Plans and Standards, and agency policies. Assist in coordinating and planning aviation and wildland fire training for the program, cooperators, and agency staff. Ensure staff are meeting required, short and long-term training plans.
• Provide competent and qualified oversight and mentorship for Helicopter Crew Members (HECM). Monitor and complete PTB’s and achieve fire suppression deliverables effectively and safely.

Qualifications

The Full-time, Non-Permanent positions will be considered at the Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS) level.

The Full-time, Seasonal positions may be considered as Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML In-Training) or Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS), depending on qualifications. This in-training is designated as a 12-24 month training plan. If all elements of the training steps are completed in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required.

Required Qualifications: 
Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML In-Training) 
(Salary range: $3,477-$4,632 per month)

• Qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), with the ability to obtain Helicopter Manager (HMGB) within 24 calendar months.
• Become qualified as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), within 12 months.
• Successfully supervised aerial wildland fire preparation and suppression efforts.
• Ability to understand and interpret interagency aviation plans and contracts.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities, and assessing training needs.
• Effective writing, communication, and public speaking skills.

Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS) 
(Salary range: $3,811-$5,117 per month)

• Qualified as any single resource boss (CRWB, ENGB, HEQB, FALB, FIRB), with the ability to obtain Helicopter Manager (HMBG) within 12 calendar months.
• Qualified as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM).
• Experience in wildland fire suppression.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of interagency aviation plans and contracts.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities, and assessing training needs.
• Experience as a successful leader and contributing team player within a defined workgroup.