Seasonal Lead Helicopter Crewmember

• Leads the fire suppression efforts of the helicopter module.
• Directs the loading of the helicopter personnel and cargo considering weight and balance securing cargo etc.
• Completes manifests of personnel and equipment being transported to the fire or other work sites.
• Inspects and inventories helicopter accessories fire tools and equipment.
• Assures needed tools and equipment are available for firefighting tasks.
• Serves as Helispot and Dipsite Manager on incidents requiring the establishment of these sites.
• Prepares and maintains required documents including flight invoices manifests daily diaries and load calculations.
• Performs fire operations including preparation ignition monitoring holding and mop-up.
• Monitors fire behavior fire effects and fire weather on wildland fires.
• Performs initial evaluation of fire situations determines the rate of spread potential hazards to property and other improvements suppression method to use hose lays deployment of crew point of the initial attack type of tools to use and application of water.
• Gathers and considers weather data topography fuel types and fire behavior to respond to wildland fire incidents. When positioning and deploying personnel and equipment recommend best approaches and practices to protect the values at risk.
• Provides daily leadership and training for crewmembers including training in wildland fire and safety techniques practices and methods of fire suppression and in the safe efficient operation and use of tools equipment and vehicles used in fire suppression activities.
• Ensures work is carried out safely in all aspects of assignments.
• Maintains accurate maintenance record books for support vehicles.
• Ensures accurate time and Fire Activity Reporting mid-month and end of the month as requested by supervisor.
• Performs project work both on and off duty station including but not limited to fuel reduction timber stand improvement and pile burning.
• Performs general facility and compound duties.
• In the situation where the Assistant Crew Supervisor is absent the Lead Crewmember fulfills the responsibilities.

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:


Preference may be given to candidates with at least three seasons of experience ona helitackcrew.

**The Lead Helicopter Crew Member must meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the level III Arduous level and must possess a current Red Card with qualifications as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee HMGB(T) Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) with Incident Commander Type V (ICT5) per NWCG 310-1 June 2013 minimum standard.

**Must possess a valid drivers license.


KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of complex wildland firefighting techniques fire equipment fire behavior fuel models and the Incident Command System.
• Knowledge of fire behavior including causes of wildland fire the influence of temperature humidity wind topography slope and fuel moisture conditions and fuels to know where to attack the fire build fire line where to be positioned to manage wildland fire and to identify hazards.
• Knowledge and skill of standard first aid procedures sufficient to perform preliminary first aid and triage as necessary.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
• Knowledge of fire terminology to communicate with other crew members.
• Knowledge of air operations helicopter capabilities and limitations helicopter contracts load balance and capacity load calculating and personnel and equipment manifests. Knowledge of work procedures and practices in working with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Skills in written and oral communication to effectively interact with people at all levels internal and external to the organization including the public.
• Ability to communicate policies procedures and methods to crew members.

PHYSICAL 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 candidates physical fitness is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the Arduous level for a firefighter crewmember or natural resource worker position.

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• The employment period is from approximately April 2026 to November 2026 but may be extended to support the agencys mission.
• This is a seasonal hourly position.
• Housing is furnished at the Duncan Ranch Helibase.
• Additional benefits may be available depending on the length of the season.