Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation-2026-01194

Fire Operations Specialist-Aviation-2026-01194

Salary

$32.33 Hourly

Location

Glenrock, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-01194

Department

Office of State Lands & Investments

Division

Office of State Lands & Investments

Opening Date

04/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Classification

ENFM08

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is seeking a Fire Operations Specialist - Aviation, to provide direct management of an exclusive use helitack program and personnel/firefighters that provides fast initial attack and large fire support, on wildland fires, and other incidents via helicopter; manages permanent and temporary helibases; provides contract administration; plans and directs helicopter operations in support of fire suppression, emergency incidents, natural disasters and resource management projects. Directs and manages crew and contract personnel on daily operations, coordinates/prioritizes training, physical fitness program, and project work on state trust land.

The duty station is at the Wyoming State Forestry Division's permanent helibase located at Duncan Ranch, which is approximately six miles southeast of Glenrock, WY, an equal distance between Douglas and Casper, WY. The ranch is comprised of a contiguous block of 6,439 acres of deeded State land with some BLM, private inholding, and Converse County Park lands. This is a working cattle ranch which lies within two mountain valleys on the northern flank of the Laramie Range. Wyoming is one of only seven states with no state income tax.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? ?? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / ryan.scheer2@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter support to execute wildfire, emergency response, and resource management missions.
• Serves as a project inspector (PI) and is designated as the field Project Inspector for the helicopter service contract assigned to the State.
• Performs as a helicopter specialist for the State, providing technical expertise for helicopter projects.
• During initial attack, ongoing fires, other natural disasters, search and rescue, and other emergencies, may serve in the capacity of incident commander, helicopter manager, or other positions as needed or assigned.
• Coordinates and serves as an instructor for Wyoming State Helitack and other cooperating agency personnel in helicopter operations, wildland fire, and other related subject areas
• Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, prepares schedules for completion of work, and approves leave.
• Ensures daily staffing is appropriate to ensure the highest level of response and safety.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to applicants that possess a current Red Card with qualifications as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager trainee HMGB(T), Helibase Manager HEBM or Helibase Manager trainee with Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4) per NWCG 310-1, June 2013 minimum standard.

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 of air operations, helicopter capabilities and limitations, helicopter contracts, load balance and capacity, load calculating, and personnel and equipment manifests.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
• Knowledge of fire terminology to communicate with other crewmembers.
• 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 crewmembers.
• Skills in creating educational and informational materials for displays, print, speeches, and training courses.
• Skills in communicating and presenting to diverse groups.
• Skills in the use of Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and function with minimal supervision.
• The Applicant must meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at the level III "Arduous" level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Forestry)

Experience:

0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses and maintains a valid drivers license

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses and maintains a valid drivers license

Necessary Special Requirements

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.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

060-Office of State Lands and Investments - Forestry Division

Wyoming State Forestry Website - http://wsfd.wyo.gov/

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(ENFM08) Which of the following best describes your work experience in Forestry? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: forestry, agriculture, construction trades, Conservation of Wildland Resources, Environmental science, farm hand, fire suppression, Forest fire science, game warden with foresty experience, rangeland resources, geology, horticulture, landscape architecture, natural resources, range management, watershed sciences, wildlife bilology, wood science and technology)

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.(

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

Do you possess a current Red Card certification as a Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or Helicopter Manager - Trainee (HMGB-T) per NWCG 310-1?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have the ability to meet the firefighter physical fitness qualifications at level III Arduous?

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your wildland firefighting experience.

08

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

09

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

10

(A) If you answered Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

11

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

12

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

13

(AA) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm