2026 Helitack Air Crew Lead
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (State) | https://www.dnr.wa.gov/
Details
Application Deadline:
02/01/2026
Published:
12/01/2025
Starting Date:
after 4/1/2026
Ending Date:
before 10/30/2026
Hours per Week:
40
Salary:
$3,477 to $4,632 per month
Education Required:
none
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Locations:
Olympia, Washington
Yakima, Washington
Yakima, Washington
Description
2026 Helitack Air Crew Lead, WFML
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
- 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.
Desired Qualifications:
- 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.
Contact
DNR Recruiting
contact via the web posting is preferred (see Details section)