2026 Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter

Full Job Description

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age or older by your available hire date.
• Must provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and ICS-100 before 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 before 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 activities and emergencies, 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 either an 8-hour day, five days a week, or a 10-hour day, 4 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 11-14 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 two years of driving experience.
• NWCG Qualification of Firefighter Type 1.
• NWCG Qualification of Helicopter Crewmember.

Additional Information

Application Requirements:
• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• 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 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 DNR Recruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov for a copy of the HSQ.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health 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 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 before 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 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.

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