2021 Helitack Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Operations Technician 1

Description

Helitack Squad Boss Positions
Base of Operations – Wildfire Division (Tumwater, Yakima)
Non-Permanent. Seasonal (4-6 months, may be extended up to 7 months). Represented.
Recruitment #2020-11-4578+
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently recruiting for Helitack Squad Bosses to become members of Washington state's Aviation Program. Helitack personnel are based out of Yakima and Tumwater while providing state-wide aviation support for fires throughout the season. Helitack personnel primarily perform initial attack firefighting often in remote locations (accessed by helicopter) and support DNR's firefighting helicopter fleet.
This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who desire a career in natural resource management or to gain fundamental forestry experience through fire crew employment. Individuals must be willing and capable of acting responsibly, accepting direction, and performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively, typically in a very hot environment. The experience and training gained as a Helitack Squad Boss can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions. Hired applicants will receive S-271 (Helicopter Crew Member) and A-219 (Helicopter Longline Remote Specialist) trainings and will perform duties as such on and off the fire line under the direction of the Helicopter Manager. The duration of these positions is generally 4-6 months.

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. Primary Base of operations will be in Yakima or Tumwater Washington. Other possible locations thru fire suppression season could be Omak, Colville, Wenatchee, Mount Vernon and Vancouver area.
Crew housing is not available at either primary site, but rental options are available. Check out: http://www.yakima.org/yakima/relocate.html or https://www.tumwaterchamber.com/ .

Duties

Position Profile:
Under the direction of a Helicopter Manager, the Helitack Squad Boss is responsible for the daily direction, and safe operation of a Helitack Squad performing pre-suppression, fire prevention and wildland fire suppression activities for the DNR. In addition, they are expected to

• Provide helicopter support
• Participate in statewide fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and fire-line rehabilitation under the direction of the Helicopter Manager.
• Report directly to the Helicopter Manager and/or fireline supervisor.
• Perform Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) duties including Helispot and Helibase support.
• Operate Agency Vehicles in a safe manner throughout the state.
• Ensure accurate Time and Activity Report (TAR), mid-month and end of the month as requested by supervisors.
• Follow all safety protocols and implement basic aviation and fire behavior principles.
• Ensure squad readiness and preparedness for all tasks under the direction of the Helicopter Manager.
• Lead by example and mentor crew members.
• Adhere to all program and agency polices and follow the chain of command.
• Take responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of Aviation utilized facilities.
• Take responsibility for crew and equipment readiness to the expectations set forth by the DNR Aviation Program on a daily basis.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Must be age 18 or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and 2 years of driving experience.
• Acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (see application form below).
• The ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public and fellow co-workers.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "pack" test at the arduous level during the selection process and prior to starting work.
• Fire Fighter 2 qualified.
• Ability to be certified as a Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) within 6 months of hire.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Fire Fighter 1 qualified.
• Aviation and Initial Attack experience.
• Strong leadership skills.
• 3-5 years of wildland fire experience
• 1 or more years of Helitack related experience.
• Familiar with DNR Aviation Operating Plan and Standards, NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (SHO), Helicopter flight manuals, Federal Aviation Regulations and performances and NWCG Standards for Wild land Fire position qualifications.
• Current with intern-agency Aviation Training (IAT)
• Current Red Card rating of Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
• Qualified as Air Base Radio Operator (ABRO), and/or Deck Coordinator (DECK).
• Experience in structure triage
• Experience in burnout operations
• ICT4(t) and HMGB(t)

Working Conditions
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. A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the "arduous" level. Below is a chart describing what the work of a Helitack Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Operations Technician 1 may include:

• Time/Work Volume:
  • Long hours
  • Shift work
  • Multiple and consecutive assignments
  • Pace of work typically set by emergency situations
  • Living out of a backpack for 2 or more weeks
• Physical Requirements:
  • Using hand tools and chain saws to construct fire line
  • Lifting and loading boxes and equipment
  • Driving/riding for long hours
  • Flying in helicopters
  • Working both independently and in teams
  • Wearing PPE (hard hat, boots, eyewear, ear plugs, fire shelter, etc.)
  • Extensive walking, climbing, hiking, kneeling, stooping
  • Pulling and pushing heavy objects
  • Providing rescue or evacuation assistance
• Environment:
  • Very steep terrain
  • Rocky, loose, or muddy ground surfaces
  • Thick vegetation
  • Down/standing trees
  • Wet leaves/grass
  • Varied climates (cold, hot, wet, dry, humid, snow, rain)
  • High altitudes
  • Heights
  • Holes and drop offs
  • Very rough roads
  • Open bodies of water
  • Isolated/remote sites
• Physical Exposures:
  • Light (bright sunshine, UV)
  • Burning materials
  • Extreme heat
  • Airborne particles
  • Smoke, fumes, gases
  • Falling rocks and trees
  • Allergens
  • Loud noises
  • Snakes, insects, poisonous plants
  • Trucks and other large equipment
  • Close quarters, same people, limited/disrupted sleep

Required Safety Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
DNR provides fire crewmembers with required safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing is expected to be worn during regular work hours and must be worn while firefighting. Crew members are required to wear lace-up boots with Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup (inside of boot). DNR will reimburse (as approved) up to $350 (with original receipt) for the cost of pre-approved boots. Other clothing, such as rain-gear, coats, hats etc., must be provided by the individual.

Depending on training needs job training may be provided for firefighter positions at DNR. This training may take place at the agency's fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days. Training may also be provided through Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) web page.

If selected for an interview you will be required to:

• Provide a current, three (3) year Employment/Commercial driving record from every state you possess a driver’s license in.
  • For applicants meeting position qualifications and who may be considered for an interview, you will be required to provide a current Employment/Commercial driving record issued from every state you possessed a driver's license in during the last three years. Details on how to obtain this record from Washington State can be found on the
  • Department of Licensing website at: www.dol.wa.gov
  • You may attach a current, three year driving abstract to this application. The driving abstract must be 3 years from the date of your submitted application.
• Provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and IS-100
  • Successful candidates must provide copies of their certificates of completion for these two courses PRIOR to or on the day of the scheduled Work Capacity Test.
  • Failure to do so will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions. These courses are free
  • 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
• Complete and Pass the Work Capacity Test “Pack Test”
  • The Pack Test is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.
  • Firefighter candidates must pass the arduous fitness level Work Capacity Test by completing a 3 mile walk with a 45 pound pack in under 45 minutes.
  • During the DNR Work Capacity Testing, safety is of primary importance and concern. An element of safety is personal physical fitness and is important for co-worker safety, personal safety and health and for efficient fire line operations.
  • Firefighters, strike team leaders, line scouts, and others assigned arduous duty must be prepared to work in steep terrain; and in extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke-while maintaining reserve work capacity to meet unforeseen emergencies.
  • Before starting the course, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ)
  • PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, 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.

Hours and Benefits:

• Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked per week.
• For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee's regular hourly rate of pay.
• Returning agency employees may be eligible for health and dental coverage.
• Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Application Process
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)

Questions? Please contact Callan Wilkins at (509) 607-3761/ Callan.Wilkins@dnr.wa.gov or Will Dickinson at (509) 899-0767/ Will.Dickinson@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, genetic information, military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350. DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.

Supplemental Information