2026 Aircrew Technician, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/(WFML In-Training)
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented positions (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal employment begins in March 2026
Locations: Base of Operations – Wildland Fire Management Division (Olympia, Yakima)
Salary: $3,477.00 – $5,117.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/29/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:
Helicopter Management
- This position is responsible for adhering to and maintaining responsibilities set forth in the WADNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards for pre-suppression and suppression activities. In addition, supports the Pilot in Command (PIC), provides daily supervision of personnel assigned, and maintains agency vehicle(s) assigned.
- Responsible for the safety and readiness of personnel and equipment during suppression, as well as responsible for air crew member safety/operational training.
- Responsible for the completion of passenger manifest, SAFECOMs/AVCOMMs, digital applications, initial incident reports, supervisor’s report of injury, fire situation narratives, agency fire reports, program crew and helicopter reports, interagency/contract availability, suppression cost reports, contracted aviation cost reports, and credit card use logs.
- Ensures functionality of fire line equipment/gear and inspections/repairs to ensure properly working external load suppression equipment. With the concurrence of the PIC, establish GO / NO-GO criteria for incident operations.
- May serve in various ICS roles, including Incident Commander, Helibase Manager, Strike Team/Task Force Leader, any Single Resource position, Firefighter, Aircraft Base Radio Operator, Deck Coordinator, or as a public relations contact. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Responsible for the safety of personnel while suppressing wildland fire using standard fire line tactics.
- Serves as an agency representative to ensure compliance with state law, regulations, DNR policies and business practices, and represents the Agency Administrator in interactions with the Incident Commander. Follows guidance within WADNR Aviation Operations Plan and Standards on all incidents and NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations and helicopter contracts on federal incidents.
Aviation External Load/Aviation Life Support Equipment Preparedness
- Responsible for ongoing training to support safe operational use, inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs of aviation life support and external use equipment. These positions are responsible for assuring all external use and aviation life support equipment meet standards within the WADNR Aviation Operating Plans and Standards.
- Oversees equipment maintenance, inspection, and documentation.
Helitack Module Leadership
- Supports mentorship of unit aircrew members and helicopter manager trainees during training and while staffing aircraft as part of an assigned module.
- Responsible for ongoing training, scheduling work projects, equipment mileage, and maintenance logs. Must evaluate and provide feedback to crewmembers using incident performance evaluations and position task books.
- Assists with employee orientation, mandatory safety classes and procedures, position specifics, and human resource-related training that are completed within agency policy and timelines.
- Responsible for guiding crewmembers on how their contributions fit into the agency’s values, culture, and mission. Position sets clear job performance standards and expectations, and provides timely feedback to ensure prompt correction and mastery of duties assigned.
Helitack Unit and Aviation Program Training
- Deliver aviation and wildland fire training for program staff, cooperators, and agency staff. Coordinate and plan weekly training for assigned resources, using weekly topics provided by Assistant Base Managers. Ensure trainings meet the standards of Interagency Aviation Training (IAT), National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG), WADNR Aviation Operations Plans and Standards, and agency policies.
- Provide competent and qualified oversight and mentorship for firefighters working toward Helicopter Manager (HMGB) and Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) qualifications. Monitor and complete PTB’s to achieve aviation program deliverables effectively and safely. Support staff to meet short and long-term training plans.
Qualifications
The Full-time, Seasonal positions may be considered as Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML In-Training) or Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup), depending on qualifications. This in-training is designated as a 12-24 month training plan. If all elements of the training steps are completed in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required.
Required Qualifications:
Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML In-Training)
(Salary range: $3,477-$4,632 per month)
- Qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
- Qualified as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM).
- experience directing aerial wildland firefighting resources.
- Understanding, interpreting, and applying interagency aviation plans and contracts.
Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)
(Salary range: $3,811-$5,117 per month)
- Qualified as any single resource boss: Crew Boss (CRWB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Basic Faller (FALB), Firing Boss (FIRB).
- NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) qualification.
- Two years’ experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
- Knowledge of interagency aviation plans and contracts.