Program Specialist 1- Helicopter Program Manager / Northwestern Land Office

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values:

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana's forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We practice accountability.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work

Work Unit Overview:

The Northwestern Land Office (NWLO) is responsible for Department of Natural Resources programs within the geographic area of Flathead, Sanders, Lincoln, and Lake Counties. The Land Office administers the programs and operations of the department in the region. The Land Office mission is to manage state-owned lands to produce income for various trust accounts; implement and enforce agency programs and state laws, rules and policies; protect property, resources and land from destruction by wildfires; and to provide needed services to the public.

The NWLO Fire Program manages area aviation operations and supports statewide helicopter operations. The NWLO operates and maintains a fixed-wing aircraft used primarily for fire patrol and personnel transportation and a helicopter used for Land Office and statewide fire support. The seasonal fixed base of operations for the NWLO is Kalispell City airport (S27) however aircraft may be relocated or prepositioned to other locations in the state based on fire conditions and needs.

Position Summary:

This position is the Assistant Aviation Supervisor for the NWLO. The position supervises the staff and activities of NWLO rotorwing operations and to support statewide aviation operational and logistical assignments; and oversees or performs helicopter and helibase air operations support including helicopter manager. The position reports to the Aviation Supervisor; directly supervises one Helicopter Manager (.5 FTE), indirectly oversees one Lead Helicopter Crewmember, five seasonal positions, and supervises additional staff as needed for mission support.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.

Aviation Program Supervision:

Supervise the staff and activities of NWLO aviation operations and to support statewide operational and logistical assignments and provide ground support for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Aviation Operations:

Perform or oversee helicopter and helibase operations support including helicopter manager, aerial observer and fuel tender functions to maintain proficiency in these functions and to ensure adequate operational support.

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE:

• Online State of Montana application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

HELPFUL HINT: You must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application.

Benefits:

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.  Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!
• If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at Stacey.Gabrio@mt.gov

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Education, or experience equivalent to an associate degree in forestry, aviation, fire science, or a related field. Equivalent experience should include at least four seasons (20 months) of wildland fire suppression experience, including roles such as Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander, Helicopter Manager. Requires the ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Requires the ability to coordinate extensive and complex amounts of personnel and equipment to meet the needs of fire suppression and support forces during fire actions on multiple jurisdictions; the ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision, to express views and provide clear direction both in writing and through verbal communications; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government officials, and agency employees. Communications and decisions are frequently conducted under duress and with fire personnel having different backgrounds and management priorities. The position requires knowledge of wildland fire tactical methods; fire behavior; related state rules and regulations; the incident command system (ICS); techniques for leading others in driving and/or operating a wildland fire aviation support equipment; fire suppression principles and practices (e.g., fire behavior, fire assessment, tactical methods); rotary and fixed-wing aviation operations; the Incident Command System (ICS); fireline safety procedures; radio use policies and procedures; fire prevention regulations, practices and procedures; basic vehicle maintenance; mechanical, carpentry, and painting procedures and methods; state and DNRC personnel policies and procedures; supervisory practices; and training methods.

The work requires skill in reading maps; planning and organization; using and maintaining a variety of specialized forestry tools and equipment; operating all types of fire suppression equipment; driving off-road and on unimproved road systems; the use of a map and compass; the use of hand (e.g., axe, shovel, Pulaski) and power (e.g., chainsaw) tools; the use of hoses, and water handling accessories (e.g. nozzles, valves, couplings, and hose clamps); communicating clearly with others using correct terminology and processes; and skill in using tools and equipment, cleaning, and making minor repairs.

The position requires the ability to make effective decisions under critical stress levels during dangerous situations to avoid high suppression costs, property damage, and injury or loss of life; safely, effectively, and efficiently manage the tactical use of fire suppression aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing; perform physically and mentally demanding work under adverse conditions; develop unique solutions to complex problems based on extensive knowledge and experience of both local conditions and broader aviation related fire suppression techniques; complete agency paperwork; and complete yearly demonstrations of proficiency.

• Good physical condition is mandatory. All persons performing firefighting duties are required to achieve a physical fitness rating of "Arduous" in the NWCG and DNRC physical fitness standards within two weeks of employment. Good eyesight and resistance to motion sickness are necessary to perform the duties of this position.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"

Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.