| SALARY: |
$1,914.00 – $2,789.00 Monthly |
| OPENING DATE: 01/22/13 |
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| CLOSING DATE: 03/31/13 11:59 PM |
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| DESCRIPTION: |
2013 Summer “Fire” Job Opportunities
Seasonal Helitack Positions Only
Helitack Fire Fighter
Helitack Squad Boss
Helicopter Manager
Helitack Fuel Support Truck Driver (This position is currently under a
seperate announcement, if interested please apply by Clicking Here )
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently recruiting for Helitack Fire Fighters, Helitack Squad Bosses and Helicopter Managers to become members of Washington state’s seasonal wildland fire Helitack Aviation Operations crew. Helitack crew members are centrally based out of Ellensburg but provide state-wide aviation support for fires throughout the season. Helitack crew members perform initial attack fire fighting in remote locations (accessed by helicopter) and support DNR’s fire fighting 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 performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively and of accepting direction and acting responsibly. The duration of these positions is generally 3-4 months. The experience and training gained as a Helitack Fire Fighter, Helitack Squad Boss or Helitack Manager can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.
DNR provides all fire personnel 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. All undergarments are the responsibility of the individual and should be 100% cotton. Helitack Fire Fighters, Helitack Squad Bosses, Helicopter Managers and Helitack Fuel Support Truck Drivers 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 (every three years) up to $270 (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.
HELITACK FIRE FIGHTER
POSITION PROFILE
Under the direction of a Helitack Crew Supervisor, the Helitack Fire Fighter is primarily transported by helicopter and is responsible for performing pre-suppression, fire prevention and wildland fire suppression activities for DNR. In addition:
- Perform wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general and aerial suppression support and prevention activities and training
- Perform Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) duties including Helibase support, under the direction of the Helitack Squad Boss.
- Maintains accurate maintenance record books for support vehicle
- Completes accurate Time and Activity Report (TAR), mid-month and end of the month as requested by supervisor
- Performs general facility and compound duties
Pay, Hours and benefits
The Helitack Fire Fighter salary range is:
- $1,914 – $2,161 per month or $11.00 – $12.42 per hour
- Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked. For purposes of overtime administration, the agency work week begins at 0001 Monday morning and ends at 2400 Sunday night.
- For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D at the time of hire.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and two 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.
- Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “pack” test at the arduous level during the selection process and prior to starting work.
- Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions
- Some positions may be subject to pre-employment drug testing and/or require the ability to operate a manual transmission in a fire truck.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- One or more seasons as a Helitack Fire Fighter or equivalent
- Fire Fighter 2 Rated
- Trained and certified as Fire Fighter 1 within 3 months of hire
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Required at time of application to provide the following.
- A copy of your current Employment/Commercial driving record issued from the state in which you are currently licensed. Details on how to obtain this can be found at the Department of Licensing. DOL Licensing
Required at time of interview to provide the following:
- A copy of their driver’s license to verify proof of age and current license.
Required at time of Work Capacity Testing:
Required upon hire:
- Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
- All applicants wil be subject to a criminal background check upon conditional offers of employment.
Submit all materials by March 31, 2012 – See Instructions Below
HELITACK SQUAD BOSS
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 DNR. In addition:
- Participates in statewide fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, and patrol and fire-line rehabilitation under the direction of the Helicopter Manager.
- Reports directly to the Helicopter Manager and /or fireline supervisor
- Follows all safety protocol and implements basic aviation and fire behavior principles.
- Ensures squads readiness and preparedness for all tasks under the direction of the Helicopter manager.
- Leads by example and mentors crew members.
- Adheres to all crew and agency polices and follows the chain of command.
- Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Helitack utilized facilities.
- Responsible for crew and equipment readiness to the expectations set forth by the DNR Helitack on a daily basis.
NOTE: Helitack Squad Boss Pay, Benefits and Job Requirements are the same as Helicopter Manager – See Below
HELICOPTER MANAGER
Under the direct supervision of a Helitack Crew Supervisor, the Helicopter Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient use of the helicopter, crew and support equipment performing pre-suppression, fire prevention and wildland fire suppression activities for DNR. In addition:
- Participates in statewide fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, and patrol and fire-line rehabilitation.
- Acts as liaison between the Helitack module and the incident commander and multiple agency dispatch centers or the project manager
- Works with Squad Boss to ensure specialized aviation and suppression equipment and crew readiness at the beginning of each shift
- Responsible for the security of the assigned aircraft while on incidents and at staging locations.
- Completes accurate Time and Activity reports, mid-month and end of the month as requested by supervisor
- May act as lead worker when assigned general facility, compound or other project-related work
- May set up and run a Helibase during initial attack and or support an established Helibase
Pay, Hours and benefits
The Helitack Squad Boss and Helicopter Manager salary range is:
- $2,161 – $2,789 per month or $12.42 – $16.03 per hour
Note: From July 1, 2011 through June 29, 2013 a 3% temporary salary reduction is in effect for most positions.
- Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked. For purposes of overtime administration, the agency work week begins at 0001 Monday morning and ends at 2400 Sunday night.
- For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.
- Typical work is an 8-hour day, five days a week, or a 10-hour day, four days a week. Positions may require response during off-duty hours to emergency fire suppression needs.
- Some Helitack Squad Boss and Helicopter Manager positions may be eligible for health and dental coverage.
HELICOPTER SQUAD BOSS & HELICOPTER MANAGER
- Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D at the time of hire.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
- Acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see application form below).
- The ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public.
- Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” at the arduous level during the selection process and prior to starting work.
- Some positions may be subject to pre-employment drug testing and/or require the ability to operate a manual transmission in a fire truck.
- Working knowledge of the Incident Command System
- Basic computer skills – word processing and spreadsheets
- Single Resource Boss/Helicopter Manager (T), Incident Commander Type 5 rated or above.
DESIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Aerial delivered size up and Initial attack experience
- Strong leadership skills.
- ICS rated at Helibase Manager 2 (T) level
- Four years of wildland fire related experience of which two or more years are Helitack related experience
- Familiar with DNR Helicopter Operations Plan, IHOG, Helicopter flight manuals and performances and 310-1 position qualifications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience
- Current Red Card rating of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
- Must pass work capacity test at the arduous level
- Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions
Required at time of application to provide the following:
- A copy of your current Employment/Commercial driving record issued from the state in which you are currently licensed. Details on how to obtain this can be found at the Department of Licensing. DOL Licensing
Required at time of interview to provide the following:
- A copy of driver’s license to verify proof of age and current license.
Required at time of Work Capacity Testing:
Required upon hire:
- Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Submit all materials by March 31, 2012 – See Instructions Below
HELITACK FUEL SUPPORT TRUCK DRIVER
APPLICATION PROCESS
How and Where to Apply:
- Complete the State of Washington profile and by clicking on apply
- Provide as an attachment a current copy of your Employment/Commercial driving record issued from the state in which you are currently licensed (see link above).
- Please consider submitting an online voluntary Applicant Profile Questionnaire. (This information is not required and is provided on a voluntary basis only. This information is confidential and is not used in hiring decisions. This information is for reporting purposes only.)
CONDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS MAY BE MADE AS EARLY AS JANUARY 31, 2013
PLEASE APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Apply with all materials no later than March 31, 2013 to:
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| SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: |
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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 45 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 for a fire fighter crew member or natural resource worker position.
Employees must reside within a short commute of their crew assembly point which is typically considered to be within 35 miles or an equivalently reasonable commute time. Employees must have their own reliable transportation and a home telephone or personal cell phone.
What you should know about the IS-700 and ICS-100 courses
IS-700 and ICS-100 courses are pre-employment training required for Helitack Fire Fighter, Helitack Squad Boss and Helicopter Manager candidates. Helitack Fire Fighter, Helitack Squad Boss and Helicopter Manager (regardless of work experience with DNR) who receive a contingent employment offer, must provide copies of their certificates of completion for these two courses to the appropriate region contact listed in this packet by their first day of work. Failure to do so will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions. If you have previously taken and received credit by DNR for these courses, you will not have to retake the courses or submit a certificate of completion.
Note: Certificates of completion are not required until time of Work Capacity Testing.
What You Should Know About The Work Capacity Test (“Pack Test”)
Helitack Fire Fighters, Helitack Squad Bosses and Helicopter Managers must pass the arduous fitness level by completing a 3-mile hike with a 45lb pack in 45 minutes. The test is Pass/Fail only. Failure to pass will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions.
Work Capacity Test (“Pack Test”) Training
Prior to reporting for work, applicants are strongly encouraged to train for arduous level work capacity. 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 the region office for a copy of the HSQ.
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| Helitack Crew Seasonal Supplemental Questionnaire |
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| * |
1. |
Are you or will you be 18 years of age or older by the hire date? |
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 Yes
No |
| * |
2. |
Will you have a high school diploma or G.E.D. by the hire date? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
3. |
Do you have a valid drivers license with a minimum of two years driving experience? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
4. |
Are you willing to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
5. |
Within the past 3 years have you had any suspension/revocation of license for reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI or other vehicle related felony? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
6. |
Have you had more than 3 moving violations in the past 12 months? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
7. |
Have you had more than 4 moving violations in the past 24 months? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
8. |
Have you ever been employed as a forest fire fighter by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
9. |
Are you interested in applying for the Helitack Squad Boss? |
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Yes
No |
| * |
10. |
Are you interested in applying for the Helicopter Manager? |
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Yes
NO |
| * Required Question |
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Source: Kittitas County Department of Natural Resources
NW Fire Blog 