DFPC WFMS Firefighter V: Aviation Specialist

Under the general guidance of the Director of DFPC and the WFMS Section Chief, this position is the primary mid-level supervisor of DFPC Helicopter Modules. The Aviation Specialist serves as the primary liaison between the Aviation Branch, the local DFPC District, and other DFPC Work Units, fostering a "One DFPC" operational culture. This position directs, manages, supervises, evaluates, organizes, and provides technical assistance to aviation management and operations within the assigned District(s).

Key Responsibilities include:
- Leadership & Supervision: Provide direct leadership, supervision, and support to Helicopter Module crewmembers ensuring safe operations, professional development, and adherence to agency standards.
- Integration & Coordination: Serve as critical link between Aviation Branch and local DFPC District, while supervised by Aviation Branch, working in close collaboration with District staff.
- District Fire and Aviation Program Operations: Directs DFPC fire aviation programs, acts as SME for aviation programs within assigned geographic area, interprets policies and regulations, determines resource needs, represents DFPC on committees and boards.
- Fire Preparedness Support: Directs action and provides oversight to fire preparedness and response programs, oversees readiness of response in region, coordinates interagency programs, evaluates weather and resource availability.
- Supervision and Leadership: Provides direction and oversight to assigned Captains, develops professional development plans, develops work plans and schedules, conducts performance evaluations, oversees incident documentation.

This is a hybrid position expected to work onsite majority of the time, with minimum requirement of two days per week onsite. Position may be assigned to on-call rotation. During emerging incidents, position expected to be available outside standard work hours. Full Salary Range: $7,149 - $10,009/month; $85,788 - $120,108/year. Position is FLSA Exempt and not eligible for overtime compensation.

Requirements: Eight (8) years documented professional fire aviation management or wildland fire management experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience); Current or previously qualified to NWCG standards: Helicopter Manager Single Resource (HMGB) or higher in Aviation Section, or Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader (TFLD) or higher in Operations Section; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Experience as formal supervisor or work lead over multiple personnel; Computer proficiency; Strong organizational skills; Ability to multitask and work in fast-paced environment

Salary: $85,788.00 - $102,960.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-12