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. Each of the programs described below supports the Division's mission in various ways, including through code enforcement, wildfire preparedness and suppression, training and certification programs, public information and education, or technical assistance to local governments.
WHY JOIN US
- Our employees are proud of their work and believe their work is important and valued by the public.
- Our supervisors do a great job managing employees, providing clear expectations, treating employees with respect and providing timely feedback.
- We value a high work-life balance.
- CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity of backgrounds and ideas. Hence, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
In addition to rewarding meaningful work, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Excellent work-life programs, training, and professional development opportunities;
- Retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans;
- Medical and dental options (for permanent employees and their dependents).
- Short and optional long-term disability coverage
- 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
- Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) available in every region of the state.
- Subsidized RTD FlexPass and free parking at most work locations.
- Reduced college tuition (CSU Global, DeVry University, University of the Rockies)
- CDPS Tuition Reimbursement Program.
- Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
- Effective 7/1/2020, additional employee benefits to the Firefighter classification, including insurance for certain heart conditions and cancers, as well as an increased pension benefit.
For a complete review of the benefits we offer, please click on this link.
ABOUT THE WORK UNITThe 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 through its 5 Sections: Administration, Center of Excellence (COE), Fire and Life Safety Section (FLSS), Professional Qualifications and Training Section (PQTS), and Wildland Fire Management Section (WFMS).
Colorado's structure for managing wildland fires is a cooperative, interagency system involving local, county, state, tribal, and federal agencies. Wildland fire protection responsibilities on non-federal lands in Colorado follow a hierarchy of local jurisdiction, to the county sheriff, and finally to the State of Colorado (DFPC). One of the Wildland Fire Management Section's (WFMS) primary roles is to assist and support local agencies with a range of wildland fire management programs including administrative, technical, preparedness, planning, response, and prescribed fire functions. Another primary role of WFMS is to coordinate with external partners and represent Colorado at the Regional (multi-State) and National levels.
POSITION DUTIES
The Firehawk Helicopter Manager supports the Firehawk Helicopter Captain and Lieutenant as a work leader assigned to a wildland fire resource (primarily on a helicopter crew assigned to the state owned Firehawk Helicopter, but can be assigned to an engine or module) to provide range of firefighting and all hazard response. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a hoist operator and NWCG Single Resource Boss – Helicopter in support of wildfire fire suppression mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction, and other mitigation and prevention related activities), and as qualified, this position provides all-hazard incident response and assists with other WFMS or DFPC programs. The Firehawk Helicopter Manager must have previous wildland firefighting experience and prior supervisory and fuels management experience is preferred.
Work Lead
- Directs and leads the Heltiack crew (or other resource) on a regular and recurring basis on incident and during the Captain’s days off
- Based on general guidance from the DFPC Director, by and through the WFMS Chief, develops work plans for subordinate staff including, but not limited to, training programs for staff and customers, community outreach, statistical reporting, and preparation for emergency response.
- Lead the work of assigned DFPC staff, including but not limited to Temp Aide, Firefighter I and Firefighter II positions.
- Schedule, coordinate tasks, evaluate, and provide safety guidance to assigned employees.
Leading Fire Suppression and Incident Response
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Assists the Helitack Captain with the following duties and performs these duties during the Captain’s days off.
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While providing for their individual safety and the safety of those assigned to them, the employee leads the work of others during fire suppression and incident response. Fire suppression and incident response work includes, but is not limited to: constructing fireline utilizing hand tools, cutting and clearing vegetation utilizing power saws; performing structure protection; conducting mop up and patrol operations; assisting with ignitions operations; operation of pumps; installation of hose lays and water delivery systems; driving vehicles on and off-road; hauling and packing fire related equipment and supplies; and maintenance and repair of tools and equipment.
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Based on location and business need, position will perform 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.
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Requires intermediate fire knowledge and experience, skill in the application of firefighting tasks, and the ability to recognize and communicate safety considerations and other factors (fire intensity, fuel conditions, weather observations, etc.) used by higher qualified firefighters in their decision making process. This knowledge, skill, and ability is shown by being qualified as an NWCG Helicopter Manager Single
Resource.
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Requires being available for incident assignments that may last for 2 weeks or longer in austere living and working conditions. Work schedules will be expected to be flexible and modified at times to fit the business need. Requires working long hours (up to 16 hours or more per day) in outdoor settings and performing strenuous manual labor, under extreme environmental conditions. On a limited basis, the employee may temporarily work as a Firefighter IV if appropriately qualified, or may be required to supervise other single resources such as a squad, module, handcrew or engine if
appropriately qualified. Travel to incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado and across the nation at times.
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Travel in rotor and/or fixed-wing aircraft for detection, reconnaissance, communication, coordination, command and control purposes prior to, during ,and following wildland fire and all-hazard incidents.
• Participate in physical condition activities for up to 1 hour each day.
Mitigation, Fuels Treatment, and Resource Management Projects
- Assist the Helitack Captain with the following duties and performs these duties during the Captain’s days off:
- Design, develop, and write plans for various resource management projects, including but not limited to: hazardous fuels reduction projects, prescribed fire projects and natural resource management projects.
- Requires an intermediate knowledge of the fuel types, forest conditions and forestry practices needed to plan and implement projects.
- Leads the work of others and serves as a crewmember in implementing projects, including but not limited to: use of chainsaws and other tools for cutting and clearing vegetation, piling and disposing of treated vegetation, operation of chippers, constructing fireline using hand tools and power tools, performing ignitions and holding operations, and conducting mop up and patrol operations.
- Assist with related projects such as fuels sampling and inputting fuels data.
- Design, develop, and write plans for various resource management projects, including but not limited to: hazardous fuels reduction projects, prescribed fire projects and natural resource management projects.
- Requires an intermediate knowledge of the fuel types, forest conditions and forestry practices needed to plan and implement projects.
- Leads the work of others and serves as a crewmember in implementing projects, including but not limited to: use of chainsaws and other tools for cutting and clearing vegetation, piling and disposing of treated vegetation, operation of chippers, constructing fireline using hand tools and power tools, performing ignitions and holding operations, and conducting mop up and patrol operations.
- Assist with related projects such as fuels sampling and inputting fuels data.
Fire Preparedness and Support, and Other Duties as Assigned
- Lead and/or assist with the logistics and instruction of various courses and training, such as wildfire suppression, incident management, structural firefighting, medical and first aid, etc.
- Assist with qualification system implementation for the Division and for cooperators.
- Collect, compile and calculate various wildland fire fuels and fire danger rating indices and other wildfire related data.
Please Note:
- Only the application will be reviewed for the initial screening and comparative analysis steps. It is imperative that your application and answers to supplemental questions describe all of your relevant education, knowledge, skills, and experience as it relates to the requirements, duties, and preferred qualifications of this position as described within this announcement.
- Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will only be used in later stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts and IQS/IQCS submitted to verify that the applicant meets minimum qualification or substitution are exempt from this).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
This must be specifically documented on your application. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application.
- High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
- Two years of professional wildland firefighting experience.
- Qualifications to NWCG Standards as a Single Resource Boss-Helicopter Manager (HMGB)
SUBSTITUTIONS
None.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
- 5 seasons documented wildland firefighting experience, and/or additional fire service experience including fireline supervision.
- Supervisory and team lead experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement, and experience with State-level fire programs.
- Medical certifications and qualifications including Wilderness First Responder, Emergency First Responder, or Emergency Medical Technician.
- Preference of qualifications to NWCG Standards of: Helibase Manager (HEBM), Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher; Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher; Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3) or higher, any Strike Team or Task Force Leader, and any additional Single Resource Boss qualifications.
- Advanced Helicopter Experience, including search and rescue, hoist, hover-step, and all hazard response.
- State of Colorado/DFPC Structural Firefighter I, Firefighter II or equivalent.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Upon initial employment, individual 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.
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Position may be required to attain additional training and/or certifications within a specified period of time, per current DFPC qualifications and professional development Stand Operating Guidelines and Policies.
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Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.
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This position is a public safety officer as defined by 42 U.S.C. § 3796b Sec. 1204 (9).
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Applicant must be willing to be fingerprinted, successfully pass a polygraph, drug screen, and a medical physical exam as a condition of hire.
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Must maintain an Arduous Fitness Level rating (based on National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards) throughout entire employment period. Must be able to obtain an Arduous Fitness Level rating within 2 weeks of hire.
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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.
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Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks. This includes the preparation, implementation and storage of drip torch fuel, Aluma Gel, Phosphorus, and gunpowder.
APPEAL RIGHTSIf 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 at
www.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.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA 303.239.4544.
NOTIFICATIONS: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "
state.co.us" and "
info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
SELECTION NOTICEThe first stage of the comparative analysis will be an application review. Your application material will be reviewed as a part of the selection process to establish a ranked order of all applicants who meet the minimum requirements. It is imperative that your application, cover letter, and answers to supplemental questions provide as much information and detail as possible about your education, knowledge, skills, and experience as it relates to the requirements, duties, and preferred qualifications of this position as described within this announcement.
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 part of your application)
- A copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school or your NACES accreditation
- A copy of your NWCG qualification (IQS or IQS Master Record and/or Red Card).
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION
- Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
- All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
- If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.