HELITACK CREWMEMBER - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES / FORESTRY / FIRE NATIONAL AVIATION PROGRAM

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

HELITACK CREWMEMBER

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES / FORESTRY / FIRE

NATIONAL AVIATION PROGRAM

Open: February 7, 2024

Closing: February 23, 2024 5:00p.m.

INTRODUCTION:

This is a full-time seasonal, Wildland Fire Aviation position with benefits and salary dependent on qualifications and experience. It is established to provide fast initial attack, large fire support on wildland fires and other incidents and is a specialist in helicopter operations for Exclusive Use and Call-When-Needed (CWN) helicopter contracts.

The position provides assistance for helicopter operations in support of fire suppression, emergency incidents and resource management projects. Incumbent must meet the requirements in the Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG) and the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book). This is an arduous position and subject to medical screening and physical fitness testing for arduous duty. Prior experience in wildland firefighting is a requirement of this position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• The incumbent serves as a skilled crewmember on a helitack crew, assisting in loading and preparing helicopters for fire suppression and prescribed burning projects, recon, survey, bucket/tank, external load, aerial ignition, spraying, seeding, etc.

• Will be annually certified to operate, maintain, inspect and service a wide range of helicopter accessory equipment such as the Premo Mark III and Red Dragon plastic sphere dispensers, and longline/remote hooks.

• May assist in the construction of remote helispots, or initial attacks on small fires, hot spots and spot fires

• Performs basic fireline activities such as line construction, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring and mop-up operations.

• Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior

• Cleans, maintains, reconditions and stores firefighting tools and equipment.

SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

• This position is under the direct supervision of the Aviation Manager and Assistant Manager.

• Incumbent is responsible for applying their experience and using good judgement in performing helicopter support activities in a safe manner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Most work is performed within the boundaries of the Red Lake Reservation at remote locations during the spring fire season with significant exposure to dust, smoke, wind, and noise.

• This position requires frequent travel for outstate helicopter management assignments after the local spring fire season threat has passed. The assignments often involve range and forest environments of high elevation, steep terrain and temperature extremes.

• Extended outdoor living and travel is required with frequent exposure to low-flying aircraft, heavy equipment and uncontrolled wildfire.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• The incumbent must possess a valid state driver's license and meet the requirements of the Red Lake Tribal vehicle operation policy, and federal policies.

• The employee is responsible for staying drug-free and for demonstrating knowledge of Red Lake employee drug abuse policy and procedures and is obligated to submit to frequent drug testing.

• This position is for physically vigorous individuals and requires successful completion of the arduous pack test (3 miles with 45 pounds in 45 minutes) and medical examination.

• Employment contingent upon passing pre-employment drug testing in accordance with the Red Lake Bands' Personnel Policy and background check.

TO APPLY: Applications are being accepted at the Government Center – Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 546, Red Lake, MN 56671 Phone (218) 679-1847