Helitack South Unit Assistant Base Manager (Operations)

Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly
Location : Yakima County - Yakima, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 2023-12-A217-15850
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 12/13/2023
Closing Date: 1/14/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Helitack South Unit Assistant Base Manager (Operations)
Recruitment #2023-12-A217
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position
Anticipated Seasonal appointment is 9-11 months
Location: Yakima, WA
Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/20/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you someone who loves the outdoors and aviation, and is passionate about becoming a key player in managing our Helitack staff working for Washington State? Maybe you enjoy working with helicopters, and airplanes and seeing a whole new perspective from the air. Do you appreciate a team-driven environment, and enjoy working hard and seeing results? Do you have excellent practical skills, and enjoy teaching and developing people and plans with a proven ability for working as part of a team? If so, then this is the job for you.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development and execution of air operations plan based on fire suppression and preparedness program budget and deliverables; Coordinates and determines training needs with regions in executing pre-suppression aviation training, including tactics, communication, locations, times, land use, and logistics;
• Analyzes training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG and IAT position qualification and readiness levels per the DNR Aviation Operations Manual.
• Serves as a unit instructor for National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) fire courses; Plans and executes drills and training exercises for crews;
• Implements Helicopter Manager and Air Crew Member aviation training, ensuring staff, resources, equipment, and facilities are available and ready to meet standard operating plans and objectives:
• Assigns work plans to staff and monitors performance;
• Ensures Helicopter Managers aircraft and staff training documentation are completed, accurate, and provided to appropriate Division staff within expected timeframes.
• Responsible for professional use and upkeep of assigned helicopter staging bases: pre-, during, and post-season.
• Manage staff in ways that ensure and promote professional problem solving that increase and maintain open dialog and effective knowledge sharing. Provide employees with the tools and resources to develop, plan, and pursue further career opportunities that will bring value to the employee and the agency.
• Personnel management of program staff with direct supervision of two or three Wildfire Operations Technician 2 (Helicopter Managers), indirect supervision of three Wildland Operations Technician 1, and three wildland Fire Management Technicians.
• Interview and selection process of WFOT2 Helicopter Managers.
• Provides recommendations for the annual interview and hiring plan to the Unit Manager for Division Management approval.
• Responsible for providing Helicopter Managers comprehensive onboarding (on-the-job orientation); including how their contributions fit into the agency's values, culture, and mission; Setting clear job performance standards and expectations, and providing timely feedback; to ensure prompt correction and mastering of duties assigned.
• Oversees and/or conducts the interview process for seasonal Wildland Operations Technicians 1 and Wildland Fire Management Technicians.
• Responsible for ensuring Helicopter Managers performance, effectiveness, and timeliness of overall job duties.
• Prepares and provides Helicopter Managers mid-season review followed by annual performance evaluations.
• Addresses unit-related personnel issues and resolves them at the appropriate level and/or recommends disciplinary action as needed.
• Maintains oversight and development of all assigned personnel for training and qualification needs monitoring Position Task Books (PTBs) and seeking out training opportunities and assignments that will grow the organization.
• Responsible for managing and tracking assigned equipment,
• Recommends purchase and replacement, ensuring reporting of lost or damaged equipment
• Responsible for assuring aviation equipment is serviceable and maintained
• Administers and reviews external use maintenance records to ensure standardization and effective use in meeting standards.
• Maintaining and assigning inventory at the assigned duty station.
• Submit annual resupply orders needed for staff and other cache equipment
• Completed and submitted IIR's for all unit equipment
• Analyzes, determines, and recommends aerial suppression action needed on Type 3, 4, and 5 wildland fires; Develops and implements appropriate suppression response as required; Ensures the assignment of appropriate fire suppression resources meet the operational plan; Directs or oversees the progression of suppression work to extinguishment or until transition to another level of fire staff;
• Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs.
• Works closely with other agencies in coordinating fire suppression activities.
• Ensures safe and effective use of Helicopter resources.
• Duties may involve fieldwork requiring routine demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in an emergency, under adverse environmental conditions, for extended periods.
• Participates in wildland fire suppression assignments; May serve in a variety of positions from firefighter to incident commander;
• Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires
• Serves as Air Operations Representative to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, DNR policies, and business practices.
• Reviews and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, agency fire reports, program crew and helicopter reports, Interagency/contract availability, suppression cost reports, and contracted aviation cost reports.
• Assists with implementing prevention activities;
• Creates initial incident reports, fire situations narratives, and follow-up investigative reports for fire recovery billings; Reviews fire reports written by subordinate staff.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Helicopter Manager qualified (HMGB).
• Evaluate and select the appropriate level of command required for the safe, efficient, and effective management of an incident;
• Experience in the development and implementation of personnel and program work plans.
• Proven experience as a successful leader and contributing team player within a defined workgroup.
• Experience supervising multiple wildland fire resources.
• Understanding and use of agency and cooperators aviation contracts.
• Professional communication.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles, merit system rules, and employee union agreements.
• Skills in evaluating others' abilities, and assessing training needs.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Must pass the work capacity test at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
• Field and Office: Work is performed in an office setting (50%) and in isolated unimproved natural areas within the state (50%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The position requires travel (40%) to the field for project work, suppression preparedness, fires, supervision, and attending meetings or various trainings. Overnight travel may be required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments.
• A valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. 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:

• Four years of experience in wildland fire suppression and regulation, including at least two years of supervisory experience OR one year as a Wildland Fire Operations Technician 2.
• Incident Commander type 4.
• Helibase Manager qualified (HEB).
• Task Force Leader (TFL).
• 4 years of supervisory experience.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - you may attach a document, use the
• References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Will Dickinson at /509- 899-0767 or e-mail us at
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email
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