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:
- Provide direct leadership, supervision, and support to the Helicopter Module crewmembers ensuring safe operations, professional development, and adherence to agency standards.
- Serve as the critical link between the Aviation Branch and the local DFPC District, integrating aviation resources into District operations.
- Direct DFPC fire aviation programs within the assigned District(s).
- Acts as the State's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for aviation programs, services, and functions within the assigned geographic area.
- Represents DFPC, other State agencies, counties, and local fire agencies on committees, work groups, and boards concerning aviation management.
- Regularly attends District meetings, planning sessions, briefings, and participates in District activities and events.
- Directs action and provides oversight to fire preparedness and response programs within their assigned geographic area.
- Develops, implements, and directs operations, training, and professional development programs based on assigned personnel and agency needs.
- Provides direction, oversight, support and training to assigned Captains; evaluates assigned resource's projects, schedules and work load.
- Oversees the coordination of assigned resource's schedules, prioritizes tasks and logistical needs.
- Conducts performance evaluations of all assigned employees.
- Position may be required to attain additional training and/or certifications within a specified period of time.

Work Environment: This is a hybrid position that is expected to work onsite the majority of the time. Onsite scheduling will be based on operational and business needs and may vary from week to week, with a minimum requirement of two days per week onsite. This position may be assigned to an on-call rotation on a written schedule. During emerging incidents in assigned region, this position will be expected to be available outside of standard work hours to coordinate DFPC response.

Benefits: Medical and dental options, short and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, Basic Life and AD&D insurance, Wellness Program with potential $20/month health insurance premium discount, PERA Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan, optional 401K and 457 plans, 11 paid holidays annually, accrued annual and sick leave, four annual wellness days, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

How to Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Requirements: Eight (8) years of documented professional fire aviation management or professional wildland fire management work experience (or related education and experience combination); current or previously qualified to NWCG standards of Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB) or higher in Aviation Section, or any Strike Team Leader or 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; current valid driver's license; ability to operate motor vehicles and travel extensively; willing to travel to wildfire incidents throughout Colorado and across nation; successful background investigation including polygraph exam, fingerprint-based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen; must maintain NWCG required fitness levels

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

Application Deadline: 2026-10-12