2026 Helitack Air Crew Lead, WFML
State of Washington
Description
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2026 Helitack Air Crew Lead, WFML
Recruitment #2025-11-HelitackWFML- 1155
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented positions (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal employment is April – September 2026.
Locations: Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/3/25. 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 Air Crew Lead 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. Duties
Responsibilities:
Support Aerial Suppression Readiness:
Ensure aircraft firefighting equipment, Helitack gear/tools, vehicles, facilities, and personnel are prepared and maintained. Assist with aviation suppression training and orientation. Request replacement of equipment and consumable goods through the chain of command. Adhere to WA DNR Aviation Program expectations and aviation operating plans, manuals, and standards. Supports the training of regional staff within the program to obtain aviation qualifications.
Wildland Fire Suppression:
Accurately relay fire behavior information, implement appropriate fire suppression tactics, while complying with guidelines outlined in the DNR AOPS, NWCG SHO, and IRPG. Complete accurate fire reports, time sheets, and other documentation for fires as requested by the supervisor. Oversight of aircrew members and firefighters working on and with aircraft. In conjunction with the Helicopter Manager, coordinate aircraft operations and communications.
Assist with Fire Aviation Program Outreach:
Attend community events with assigned aircraft and educate the public on program capabilities. Participate in regional training events to integrate helicopter operations with other federal, state, and local firefighting resources.Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Two seasons of fire suppression experience qualified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
- Knowledge of Incident Command System.
- Effective writing skills, communication skills, and public speaking skills.
- Accustomed to thinking critically in high-stress, complex situations.
- 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.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Must pass the work capacity test at the arduous level to meet required incident qualifications.
- Field and Office: 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.
- Requires significant time in the field, traveling between fire assignments and fire training. The position requires frequent overnight travel and extended work assignments, generally 11 days in length with infrequent assignments up to 21 days.
- A 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.
- Qualified as a NWCG Helicopter Crew Member (HECM).
- Qualified as NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
- Qualified as NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
- Supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of outdoor burning regulations, policies, and procedures.
Supplemental Information
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Application Requirements:
- 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 atinfo@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.
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.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or emailDNRrecruiting@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.
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 with 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.
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.
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