Managing the Frontlines: Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)
Are you prepared to lead from above? The USDA Forest Service is seeking experienced professionals for the position of Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager). This high-stakes role is essential to modern forestry management, requiring technical aviation knowledge and a deep commitment to fire suppression. This guide covers everything you need to know about this career opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Helicopter Manager, your primary duties involve orchestrating aviation support for fire suppression and resource management. Key responsibilities include:
- Operations Management: Plan, coordinate, and direct helicopter personnel.
- Contract Administration: Act as a Contracting Officer Representative to manage aircraft contracts and ensure compliance.
- Strategic Planning: Assess readiness for short-term projects and emergency incidents.
- Financial Oversight: Manage budgets for personnel, training, and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Requirements
This position requires a high level of dedication and physical readiness. Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess prior wildland firefighting experience.
- Pass a Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the moderate level.
- Consent to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Submit a resume that does not exceed two pages.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Education | High School Diploma/Degree relevant to Forestry |
| Physical Requirement | Pass Work Capacity Test |
| Drug Screening | Required (Pre-appointment & Random) |
| Experience | Prior Wildland Firefighter Experience |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $67,617 to $94,687 annually, depending on your specific location and qualifications. Benefits include:
- Federal retirement options (CSRS/FERS).
- Potential for relocation incentives.
- Access to agency daycare and government housing where available.
Application Tips
- Edit relentlessly: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts ready, even if they are unofficial at the time of application.
- Clarity: Use the terminology found in the major duties section to describe your past experience.
- Timeliness: Submit early to avoid technical issues as the closing date approaches.
Serving as a Helicopter Manager is more than just a job; it is a vital service to our nation’s environment. If you are qualified and ready to lead, we encourage you to prepare your application and apply via the official USAJOBS platform today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager) Job Matters
Take command of the skies in the fight against wildfires—join the USDA Forest Service as a Helicopter Manager.
Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager) Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking skilled aviation professionals to serve as Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager). This critical role involves managing helibases, administering aircraft contracts, and coordinating aviation operations to support fire suppression, prescribed burns, and resource management across various regional locations.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Registration with Selective Service (if born after 12-31-1959)
- Pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing
- Successfully complete the Work Capacity Test (Moderate level)
- Prior wildland firefighting experience
- Ability to work in remote and unpredictable environments
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)
- Graduate-level education in forestry, range management, or agriculture
- Direct experience in administering aircraft contracts and aviation logistics
- Expertise in fire suppression planning and personnel coordination
- Experience as an instructor or coordinator for fire aviation training
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (CSRS or FERS)
- ✓Competitive salary based on location
- ✓Opportunity for career development and promotion
- ✓Access to potential government housing
- ✓Daycare facility access where available
- ✓Potential for relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager) Job
- Review the full announcement details and documentation requirements.
- Log into your USAJOBS account to complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload a resume (strictly two-page limit) and required transcripts.
- Submit your application package electronically before the 11:59 p.m. ET closing deadline.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, Word, etc.).
- Clearly link your work experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Double-check that all transcripts (unofficial is acceptable initially) are included.
- Reach out to the listed regional contacts for specific questions about duty locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum resume length?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications exceeding this length will be removed from consideration.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is based at specific USDA Forest Service units and requires working on-site, often in remote or unpredictable locations.
What kind of retirement coverage is provided?
This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Eligibility depends on your individual work history.
Job from Forest Service
The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. As a steward of these lands, the agency relies on aviation units to perform critical tasks that cannot be accomplished from the ground. Joining the team means taking on an awesome responsibility with career rewards as expansive as the landscapes you will protect.