DFPC Firefighter II: Helicopter Lead
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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
Job Number
DFPC-WFMS-FF2HELI-10/2025
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Opening Date
10/10/2025
Closing Date
10/27/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Nicole Williamson, Human Resources Supervisor, nicole.williamson@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Type of Announcement
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Primary Physical Work Address
Position(s) will report to a primary work location in one of the following counties as assigned: Broomfield County (Northeast District 1), Fremont County (Southeast District 3) or Montrose County (Southwest District 4).
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.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
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. Please refer to DFPC Fire Management Regions and Staff Link for more information regarding district boundaries Fire Management Regions and Staff (https://dfpc.colorado.gov/fire-management-regions-and-staff)
Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado
Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.
CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave) and annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
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. DFPC's vision is to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees.
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. Each of the four sections serve Colorado's fire community in a different capacity- from training firefighters to technological advancements in public safety, responding to and managing wildfires to building code enforcement, DFPC is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the people of Colorado while protecting property, resources, environment and quality of life.
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 and fuels functions. Wildland fire management in Colorado is a cooperative, interagency partnership between local, county, state, tribal, and federal entities. Wildland fire protection responsibilities on non-federal lands in Colorado follow a hierarchy of: local jurisdiction > county sheriff > and finally to the State of Colorado (DFPC). WFMS plays a crucial role in coordinating with external partners and representing Colorado at both regional (multi-state) and national levels.
About the Position
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. As a crewmember and fireline lead, the primary purpose of this position is to function, at minimum, as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) in support of fire suppression and mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction, resource management). The Position operates in alignment with the DFPC values of honor, integrity, service, and loyalty.
Helicopter modules regularly support diverse missions, including wildfire initial attack response, mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction, and resource management), and prevention and education. As assigned, equipped, and qualified, this position may assist with all-hazard incident operations such as search and rescue and other incident response.
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.
Requires use of fire experience and knowledge, rudimentary skill in firefighting tasks, and the ability to recognize and communicate safety considerations and other factors (fire intensity, fuel conditions, weather observations, etc.). This knowledge, skill, and ability is shown by being qualified as an National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter 1 (wildland).
Follows established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
As qualified on an incident, the employee may temporarily work as a Firefighter III
Incident response may require travel to active fires, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado and across the nation.
Incident response may require 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.
Incident response may require crews to be assigned to an incident for two weeks or longer in austere living and working conditions.
Incident response may require working long hours (up to 16 hours per day) in outdoor settings and performing strenuous manual labor under extreme environmental conditions.
Work schedules will be expected to be flexible and modified at times to fit the business need based on fire conditions.
Work duties include participation in physical conditioning activities for up to one hour each day.
Mitigation, Fuels Treatment and Resource Management Projects
While providing for their individual safety, the employee works as a crewmember lead in planning and implementation of mitigation, fuels treatment and resource management projects, including but not limited to:
cuts, clears, piles, and disposes of treated vegetation;
uses tools and equipment such as chainsaws, firing equipment, portable pumps, chippers, air curtain burners and more;
constructs firelines and prescribed fire burning as assigned;
performs ignitions and holding operations;
conducts mop up and patrol operations;
uses various communication methods including radios; may pre-program radios for assignments;
uses and maintains on and off-road vehicles;
hauls and packs fire related equipment and supplies;
performs & mentors others in safety inspections, maintains and repairs tools and equipment; cleans, reconditions, and stores properly.
Collects, documents and gathers data and records information on fuels sampling, fuel @types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.
Assists in design, development, and writing of plans for various resource management projects, including but not limited to: hazardous fuels reduction projects, prescribed fire projects and natural resource management projects.
Follows and enforces the appropriate processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
Work duties include participation in physical conditioning activities for up to one hour each day.
Fire Preparedness and Support & Other Duties as Assigned
Establishes and maintains the physical fitness level necessary to effectively perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions; mentors and trains new firefighters and validates readiness of assigned personnel.
Inspects & maintains crews response equipment, vehicles, tools, PPE and more; contributes to implementing processes to inventory tools, PPE, equipment; accounts for any safety issues; communicates repair/replacement needs to supervisor.
Collects, compiles and calculates various wildland fuels and fire danger rating indices using appropriate tools and technology.
Communicates effectively with multichannel radios, prepares and programs radios for assignments and repair and/or replacement.
On-going training and professional development in the State of Colorado; CDPS, DFPC & WFMS standard operating policies, procedures & guidelines. This includes time-keeping systems, time & leave policies, incident documentation requirements, travel & purchasing policies and more.
May assist or lead the logistics and instruction of various courses, training and events, such as wildfire suppression classes, incident management, structural firefighting, medical and first aid, job fairs and community outreach.
Assists other DFPC programs (reports, data entry, filing, training and testing, inspections, research, fire billing, logistics etc.) as needed and available to support the mission of CDPS and DFPC.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Required Minimum Qualifications and Experiences
This must be specifically documented in your application submission. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. Please note, your application will not be considered if documentation to support this qualification is not provided.
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)
Please upload a copy of your IQS or IQCS Master record or incident qualification card showing your NWCG qualifications with this application.
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.
Supplemental Information
Are you in need of an accommodation?
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 Human Resources at cdps_hr@state.co.us.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
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 Human Resources department at cdps_hr@state.co.us.
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.
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 will advance to the comparative analysis process. However, if fewer than six candidates meet the minimum qualifications, all applicants will be referred directly to interview, and a numerical comparative analysis will not be conducted.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
For those candidates referred to interview, tentative timeframe will be mid-November.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Briefly describe why you are interested in joining the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) as a Helicopter Lead.
02
Do you meet the Minimum Qualification required for this position of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)? (Please note, your application will not be referred if you do not meet this requirement, appropriate documentation must be provided at time of application submission.)
Yes
No
03
Please provide a summary of your NWCG Qualifications, certifications and relevant fire experience, specifically addressing how they meet the special, minimum, and preferred qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
04
Describe your experience in a work lead or fireline supervisory role, including examples of how your leadership approach aligns with the DFPC values of honor, integrity, service, and loyalty.
05
DFPC Helicopter Modules regularly support a range of missions, including wildfire initial attack response, prevention and education, and prescribed fire and fuels treatment. They may also assist with all-hazard response efforts such as search and rescue, resource management, and other incident response as equipped and qualified. Briefly describe your experience with or interest in all-hazard or other @types of incident responses.
06
DFPC is charged with managing effective and efficient staffing of resources to meet response needs statewide, therefore it is imperative that we maintain a state of readiness year-round and maximize the number of days our resources are available. To meet this need, DFPC resources in a region may stagger their schedules for 7 day coverage. This will mean a normal work schedule could include weekend days, holidays, and extended shifts. Are you aware of this requirement?
Yes
No
07
Are you aware this position will include extended assignments on incidents away from home for 2 weeks or longer in austere working conditions, to include long working hours (up to 16 hours or more per day) in outdoor settings performing strenuous manual labor in extreme environmental conditions?
Yes
No
08
I understand that this position requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checks, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen.
Yes
No
09
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
Yes
No
10
Please indicate the location you are applying for (Select One).
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
11
Please select any additional locations you might be interested in.
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
None of the above
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
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Website
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