Entry Level Aig Wildfire Protection Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Fire Protection Bureau provides support and direction for all fire management programs and activities on over 50 million acres of state, federal, and private forest and non-forest lands in accordance with state laws, policies, and procedures.  Specifically, the Fire Protection Bureau protects, sustains, and improves the natural resources on state and private lands for the benefit of all Montanans through aggressive wildfire prevention, protection, and prescribed fire activities.

The Air Operations Section provides professional aviation support for all department functions and the Reclamation Division of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  The DNRC maintains and operates three fixed-wing airplanes, two light helicopters, and five medium helicopters. The Section supplies the aerial water drops for initial attack on fires, troop movements, and the aerial observation platform needed to gather information and intelligence on developing wildland fires.

Position Overview:
This position is the Rotary Wing Pilot and is responsible for preforming rotary wing mission flights piloting light and medium helicopters to support agency wildfire suppression and other resource management activities in accordance with departmental policies and applicable laws after revaluation mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively. Duties also include coordinating mission preparation, administration, compliance and post action documentation activities to ensure preparedness in carrying out rotary wing requirements in adherence to applicable state and federal regulations. The incumbent reports to the Air Operations Program Manager and does not supervise other Aviation unit staff.

Aviation:
Perform rotary wing mission flights piloting light and medium helicopters to support agency wildfire suppression and other resource management activities including operating support equipment, maintaining communication, performing air transport, providing reconnaissance and observation and ensuring proper pre- and post-flight procedures are followed in accordance with departmental policies and applicable state and federal laws.

Pre-flight assessment, preparation and planning:
Evaluate air operations mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively according to applicable laws and departmental policies.

Mission preparation and regulatory / departmental compliance:
Coordinate mission preparation, administration and compliance activities to ensure preparedness to carry out rotary wing requirements and ensure adherence to applicable state and federal regulations including maintenance and repair activities; maintaining proficiency in aircraft and related equipment; attending training and education; maintaining physiological preparedness; ensuring proper post-flight procedures are followed; and performing administrative tasks such as billing and mission/aircraft documentation.

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!

• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a FAA approved or military flight school; commercial instrument rating; and three years progressively responsible mission experience (including high-risk flying such as fire suppression).
• The position requires the following certifications:
  • FAA Commercial certificate with rotary wing and rotary wing instrument or ATP Rotary Wing.
  • Current FAA Class 2 medical
• The incumbent must remain qualified in the following aircraft:
  • Helicopters - Light Bell Jet Ranger and Medium Bell MT205
• The position applicant must have logged the following hours:
  • 1500 hours total pilot in command time rotary-wing aircraft
  • 1500 hours Rotor Wing Turbine
  • 100 hours night flying
  • 100 hours category and class
  • 200 hours extended cross-country
  • 200 hours mountainous terrain
  • 100 hours last twelve months
  • 10 hours last 60 days
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory compliance, program management, public administration, water resource management, data management, personnel management, public speaking, technical writing, and conflict resolution, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered in recruiting for the position.
• At least 1-2 years of demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.

         Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of rotary wing flight.

         Aircraft maintenance and inspection.

         Aircraft test program administration. 

         Advanced rotary wing aircraft maintenance and repair methods and specifications.

         DNRC aviation program and resources.

         Aviation procurement specifications and policies.

         FAA, Agriculture USFS, and state laws, policies, and operating procedures.

         The use of aircraft and aviation equipment in fire and forest management.

         Specialized supply and equipment procurement processes.

         Special knowledge of Bell UH-1 and 206 series helicopters; the U.S. Army helicopter maintenance program.

         Meteorological conditions and fire behavior and their impact on aviation.

         Contract administration.

         Operation of specialized aircraft and aircraft components.

         Low-altitude and speed and mountain flying.

         Performing detailed inspections.

         Organizing and reviewing the work of others.

         Troubleshooting maintenance malfunctions.

         Piloting aircraft under adverse conditions

         Specialized piloting techniques include test flight, vertical reference longline, low altitude and high-density altitude flying, etc.

         Make quick and sound decisions regarding mission risk assessment and airworthiness that directly impact human safety.

         Assess complex and rapidly changing technological issues.

         Communicating effectively.

         Quickly and accurately making operational decisions.

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.