Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter

2025 Helitack Air Crew Member Firefighter
Locations: Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions.
Salary: $3,536.00 – $3,955.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/21/24. 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 in search of hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Helitack crews based in Yakima and Olympia. As a member of one of DNR’s Helitack crews, you will perform wildland fire pre-suppression and suppression-related activities.

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 Air Crew Member/Firefighter is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, 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 would like to experience wildland firefighting operations while flying in and working with helicopters, this is the job for you.

What to Expect as a DNR Firefighter:

• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• 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.