DFPC Firefighter VI:Unit Chief of Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA)

Full Job Description

This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.

An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

This position will be based out of Centennial Airport. Please refer to DFPC Fire Management Regions and Staff Link for more information regarding district boundaries Fire Management Regions and Staff

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans.

We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.

Careers with a purpose:

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS.

Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

Classification and Salary:
Firefighter VI
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,803 - $9,365/month; $93,636 - $112,380/year
Full Salary Range: $7,803 - $10,906/month; $93,636 - $130,872/year

Benefits:

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.

• Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.

• The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.

• Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.

• State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.

• Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).

• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.

• We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.

• We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.

• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.

• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.

• We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.

Requirements

• This position administers unit level program(s) in order to carry out the agency’s mission and objectives.
• Provides direct supervision and oversight of the Work Unit:
  • Supervises assigned staff and serves as a second-level supervisor for WFMS MMA program employees.
  • Provides direction, oversight, support, and training to Work Unit staff to enable them to deliver fire detection, mapping, and surveillance services and support to local, County, State, and federal agencies across Colorado.
  • Based on general guidance from the DFPC Director, by and through the WFMS Chief, develops work plans, develops professional development plans, and oversees implementation of goals and activities for the Work Unit to support all WFMS programs and emergency response.
• Leadership and Management of Work Unit:
  • This position develops, directs, and administers the implementation of Unit Level functions and services in order to carry out the agency’s mission and objectives.
  • In conjunction with the Branch Chief and consultation with other DFPC Work Units and field staff, makes programmatic and process decisions related to the collection and dissemination of incident data, information and geospatial products.
  • Position prioritizes projects, assigns tasks and establishes deadlines, provides project context and background, and provides training and support to affected staff.
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for integration of Incident Awareness and Assessment (IAA) programs and processes with other DFPC Work Units and programs.
  • This position partners with the Fire Planning Branch Chief for assessment and monitoring of Unit level programs and functions, and provides recommendations and input for Section level needs, priorities, and strategic planning.
  • Regularly represents and makes decisions on behalf of the Fire Planning Branch Chief.
  • Provides direction and oversight to all Work Unit personnel on administrative processes and procedures.
  • Provides guidance, mentoring, support, tracking for identification and implementation of employee: job related training needs, maintenance of skills and certifications, professional development planning, and career track identification.

• Provides daily leadership, direction, and implementation of Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program operations on a statewide basis.
• Serves as Colorado Subject Matter Expert on fire detection, mapping, monitoring, and surveillance, and as State of Colorado liaison to national level program system managers.
• Oversees implementation of WFMS MMA program on a statewide basis. Program areas include, but are not limited to:
  • Serves as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for applicable contracts tied to MMA operations,
  • Administers and manages the SOW on all MMA related aircraft and technology contracts,
  • Develops and updates standard operating procedures and guidelines to include: development and updates of checklists; development of and implementation of business rules; integration of equipment and multiple computer and software systems; and integration of federal and state programs and policies.
    

This position is responsible for articulating the agency key policies, positions and strategies, interpreting and applying policy and procedures to subordinates and the public.

This position also promotes the philosophies and programs implemented by the agency, serving as the Division’s principal liaison with all other fire, intelligence, and other related agencies involved in assigned programs.

Represents the Fire Planning Branch Chief and functions as a Liaison between DFPC Work Units, external fire agencies, and the Interagency Dispatch system.

Coordinates with internal (WFMS) and external (CDPS) Work Units and personnel, resulting in necessary actions and/or processes to meet WFMS and stakeholder business needs.

Coordinates and facilitates with both intra-division and inter-agency Work Units and staff to develop and implement high level systems and processes for statewide, aviation-based Incident Awareness and Assessment (IAA) programs.

Ensures that systems and processes meet WFMS business and operational needs. Trouble shoots issues and problem areas, and develops recommendations and solutions to correct these as needed.

• In the absence of the WFMS Fire Planning Branch Chief position, performs all duties assigned to that position.
• Position assists with other WFMS programs, and may be assigned other duties to support the mission of DFPC and CDPS.

DFPC personnel may be relieved of regular duties and assigned to wildfire and/or all-hazard incidents in a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Incident Command System (ICS), or support position to perform incident management, firefighting, or emergency incident support activities.

When assigned to an emergency incident, the position will be: working outside of regular job duties; working under the operational control of the incident; and compensated per the current DFPC emergency and incident guidelines and procedures.

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications and Experiences

This must be specifically documented in your application submission.

Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application.

Please note, your application will not be considered if documentation to support this qualification is not provided.

Nine (9) years of professional wildland fire management work experience or closely related experience.

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to nine (9) years may be substituted.Professional wildland fire management experience, or closely related experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position will be considered.

These include, but are not limited to:Wildfire Preparedness: developing and implementing strategies, plans, and activities prior to ignition, to meet identified readiness objectives.

• Wildfire Response: direct involvement in suppressing wildfires, including tactical operations, resource deployment, and incident command.

• Incident Management: experience in managing complex incidents, adhering to Incident Command System (ICS) principles, and coordinating multi-agency efforts.

• Prescribed Fire: planning, executing, and/or overseeing prescribed fire projects.

• Wildfire detection, surveillance, and mapping

• Fire Intelligence - compiles and analyzes a variety of diverse data sources to develop products and information to support firefighters and fire managers before, during, and after wildfire incidents.

• Fire behavior modeling - utilize software and systems to predict fire spread, intensity and interaction with the physical environment for planning and suppression activities.

Successful candidate will be required to attain

• Interagency Aviation Training, Fixed Wing Flight Manager - Special Use within one year of hire; and

• MMA Manager Training Curriculum and Position Task Book completion within six months of hire.

Required Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate effectively with varying levels of an organization.

• Knowledge of and ability to apply Federal and State wildland fire and aviation management regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask and work in a faced paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experiences

• Ten (10) or more years documented firefighting experience that includes wildland fire.

• Bachelor's Degree or higher with a preference for Geographic information systems, fire science, fire service administration/management or related

• Five (5) or more years documented experience in an aviation-based Incident Awareness and Assessment (IAA) or similar incident situation and intelligence program

• Documented experience of increasing program management, supervision of multiple personnel, and working with multiple work units

• Varied experience in wildland fire management (i.e. ground-based resources, aviation management, incident management, fire management programs, etc.).

• Experience in Interagency wildland fire aviation operations and administration

• Education and experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Experience in training development and delivery

• Experience in program level budget management and contract administration

• Experience with interagency, cooperative fire programs is preferred, including documented experience and relationships working with local fire departments and counties, with additional preference for Colorado fire programs

• A complete CDPS Application for announced vacancy (please submit online using the link in this announcement).

• A complete supplemental questionnaire (must submit online as a part of the application).

• A copy of your NWCG qualifications (IQS or IQCS master record and/or incident qualification card).

• Detailed, chronological resume of experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Upon initial employment, individuals will be required to provide a complete training file to DFPC that contains all necessary qualification documentation (course certificates, position task books, personnel evaluations, and incident experience history) to demonstrate that NWCG and other requirements have been met.

• Position may be required to attain additional training and/or certifications within a specified period of time, per current DFPC qualifications and professional development Standard Operating Guidelines and Policies.

• Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 1 month of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.

• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire.

• This position is a public safety officer as defined by 42 U.S.C. § 3796b Sec. 1204 (9).

• Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times. Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.

Wildland Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of aviation operations and various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks.

This includes the preparation, implementation and storage of drip torch fuel, Fire Retardant, Water Enhancers, Aluma Gel, Phosphorus and cleaning chemicals.

• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, drug screen.

Medical physical will be required to candidates who have a NWCG qualification that requires a work capacity test (WCT) and who plan to perform in those roles and maintain currency in the qualification.

In these cases, a complete firefighter medical exam will be required in the pre-employment testing.

• Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application

Additional Information

• Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.

Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them.

Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.

Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification.

Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service.

This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials.

Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points.

Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.

• Application Tips: For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.

• Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).

Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application.

Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position.

We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

• e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

• Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change):

  • Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - Week of April 20th

  • Interviews - Late April 2026