DFPC Firefighter II : Helicopter Lead

DFPC Firefighter II : Helicopter Lead

Salary : $63,396.00 - $76,068.00 Annually

Location : Other (see multiple locations in job posting), CO

Job Type : Full Time

This position is not subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009 due to being critical to protecting the health, life and safety of Coloradans.

A residency waiver has been granted for these positions. Applications will be accepted from both Colorado residents and non-residents.

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for current and future vacancies statewide at the following locations :

Northeast District 1 : Flatiron Helicopter Lead - Broomfield, CO

Southeast District 3 : Canon City Helicopter Lead - Penrose, CO

Southwest District 4 : Montrose Helicopter Lead - Montrose, CO

An eligibility list may be established with this recruitment and could be used to fill similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property, resources, environment, and quality of life in Colorado.

The Division achieves this mission and vision through its four (4) Sections : Center of Excellence, Fire and Life Safety, Professional Qualifications and Training, and Wildland Fire Management.

The Helicopter Lead Firefighter works as part of a firefighting resource - typically a helicopter module, but may also be assigned to a suppression squad / module / hand crew or engine crew - to provide a range of firefighting and related services.

Fire Suppression and Incident Response

While providing for their individual safety, the employee works as a crewmember fireline lead during fire suppression and incident response. Fire suppression and incident response work includes, but is not limited to :

constructs fireline utilizing hand tools;

cuts and clears vegetation utilizing power saws;

performs structure protection;

conducts mop up and patrol operations;

carries out ignition operations;

operates pumps;

installs hose lays and water delivery systems;

performs and assists with rescue operations;

operates and travels in vehicles on and off-road;

hauls and packs fire related equipment and supplies;

uses various tools and equipment such as chainsaws, shovels, drip torches, fusees, pulaskis;

uses various communication methods including radios;

uses maps, compass, GPS, and other technology and tools to gather information and navigate an incident;

performs safety inspections, maintaining and repairing of tools and equipment;

performs and follows demobilizing duties, including required incident documentation.

Based on location and business needs, the position will perform non-wildfire and all-hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped including, but not limited to : structure fire, hazmat, search and rescue, medical, etc.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Required Minimum Qualifications and Experiences :

One (1) year of documented professional wildland firefighting experience

Qualification to NWCG standards as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Qualification to NWCG standards as a Helicopter Crewmember (HECM)

Preferred Qualifications :

Three (3) or more years of wildland firefighting experience and / or additional fire service experience

Additional experience in advanced helicopter operations, including search & rescue, hoist, hoverstep, and other all hazard response.

Previous experience with state level fire programs, with a preference for experience with the state of CO fire programs.

Exceptional candidates will also have one or more of the following NWCG qualifications :

Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher

Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) or higher

Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB)

Additional Single Resource Boss Qualifications

State of Colorado / DFPC : Structural Firefighter I, Structural Firefighter II or equivalent.

Medical certifications and qualifications including : Wilderness First Responder, Emergency First Responder, or Emergency Medical Technician.

Previous supervisory, team lead or fireline lead experience.

Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Complete Applications Must Include the Following Documents :

A complete CDPS Application for announced vacancy (please submit online using the link in this announcement).

A complete supplemental questionnaire (must submit online as a part of the application).

A copy of your NWCG qualification (IQS or IQCS master record and / or incident qualification card).

Detailed, chronological resume of experience.

Conditions of Employment :

Upon initial employment, individuals will be required to provide a complete training file to DFPC that contains all necessary qualification documentation (course certificates, position task books, personnel evaluations, and incident experience history) to demonstrate that NWCG and other requirements have been met.

Position may be required to attain additional training and / or certifications within a specified period of time, per current DFPC qualifications and professional development Standard Operating Guidelines and Policies.

Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 1 month of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.

Must be 18 years of age at time of hire

This position is a public safety officer as defined by 42 U.S.C. 3796b Sec. 1204 (9).

Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times. Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.

Wildland Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of aviation operations and various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks. This includes the preparation, implementation and storage of drip torch fuel, Fire Retardant, Water Enhancers, Aluma Gel, Phosphorus and cleaning chemicals.

Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen.

Must maintain an Arduous Fitness Level rating (based on NWCG standards) throughout the entire employment period. Must be able to obtain an Arduous Fitness Level rating within 2 weeks of hire.

Appeal Rights :

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board / State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board / State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available atwww.colorado.gov / spb. A standard appeal form is available at : www.colorado.gov / spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action : Colorado State Personnel Board / State Personnel Director, Attn : Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax : 303-866-5038. Phone : 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.