2026 Aircrew Technician, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/(WFML In-Training)

Full Job Description

2026 Aircrew Technician, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/(WFML In-Training)
Recruitment #26-1-Helitack-8552/8553
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented positions (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal employment begins in March 2026
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 1/29/26. 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 experienced firefighters to join our Helitack crews based in Yakima and Olympia. Our Helitack crews staff DNR’s initial attack helicopters, and perform preparedness and suppression activities to support DNR’s aviation program.

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 Aircrew Technician (Helicopter Manager) 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.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Helicopter Management

This position is responsible for adhering to and maintaining responsibilities set forth in the WADNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards for pre-suppression and suppression activities.

In addition, supports the Pilot in Command (PIC), provides daily supervision of personnel assigned, and maintains agency vehicle(s) assigned.

Responsible for the 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 WADNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards on all incidents and NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations and helicopter contracts on federal incidents.

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 use equipment.

These positions are responsible for assuring all external use and aviation life support equipment meet standards within the WADNR Aviation Operating Plans and Standards.

Oversees equipment maintenance, inspection, and documentation.

Helitack Module Leadership

• Supports mentorship of unit aircrew members and helicopter manager trainees during training and while staffing aircraft as part of an assigned module.
• Responsible for ongoing training, scheduling work projects, equipment mileage, and maintenance logs. Must evaluate and provide feedback to crewmembers using incident performance evaluations and position task books.
• Assists with employee orientation, mandatory safety classes and procedures, position specifics, and human resource-related training that are completed within agency policy and timelines.
• Responsible for guiding crewmembers on how their contributions fit into the agency’s values, culture, and mission. Position sets clear job performance standards and expectations, and provides timely feedback to ensure prompt correction and mastery of duties assigned.

Helitack Unit and Aviation Program Training

Deliver aviation and wildland fire training for program staff, cooperators, and agency staff.

Coordinate and plan weekly training for assigned resources, using weekly topics provided by Assistant Base Managers.

Ensure trainings meet the standards of Interagency Aviation Training (IAT), National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG), WADNR Aviation Operations Plans and Standards, and agency policies.

Provide competent and qualified oversight and mentorship for firefighters working toward Helicopter Manager (HMGB) and Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) qualifications.

Monitor and complete PTB’s to achieve aviation program deliverables effectively and safely. Support staff to meet short and long-term training plans.

Perform Physical Fitness Training

• Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (PO20-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires.

Building and Maintaining Cooperating Agency Partnerships

• Provides guidance and information sharing of preparedness levels, staffing levels, training, radio frequencies, aircraft availability, etc. Communicates incident objectives and priorities, ensuring they are consistent with each agency’s mission and policies.

Performs other duties as assigned

• May take duty station-based responsibilities in the absence of a supervisor on station.
• Attend required meetings and trainings; ensure a clean, safe, and secure work area for self and others.
• May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies.
• May assist in pre-commercial thinning for the DNR or other agencies.
• May participate in aviation night operations.

Qualifications

The Full-time, Seasonal positions may be considered as Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML In-Training) or Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup), 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).
• Qualified as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM).
• Experience directing aerial wildland firefighting resources.
• Understanding, interpreting, and applying interagency aviation plans and contracts.

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

• Qualified as any single resource boss: Crew Boss (CRWB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Basic Faller (FALB), Firing Boss (FIRB).
• NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) qualification.
• Two years' experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Knowledge of interagency aviation plans and contracts.
• Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
• 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.
• Effective writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Must pass the work capacity test at the arduous level to meet required incident qualifications.
• Must obtain and maintain the NWCG Helicopter Manager (HMGB) qualification.

Position’s assigned duty station is Olympia or Yakima.

Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.

Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions.

• Position requires travel (60%) to the field for project work, suppression preparedness, fires, supervision, attending meetings, or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments.

A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

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.

Desired Qualifications:
• Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
• Qualified as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB).
• Qualified as a Faller 3 (FAL3).
• Associate's degree or higher with professional experience in a Natural Resource or aviation field.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal, and career employees.
• Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of general forest management.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• 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.
Questions? Please contact Brian Looper at brian.looper@dnr.wa.gov /360-480-1254 or Will Dickinson at will.dickinson@dnr.wa.gov/509-899-0767 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Before 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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress