BOISE BLM HELITACK
Last Update: May 10, 2011 12:00

Boise BLM Helitack is an 12-person crew that operates with a Bell 205 A1++ helicopter on a 115-day exclusive use contract.  Crew structure consists of one GS-0455-08/09 PFT (permanent full time) Superintendent, one GS-0455-07/08 LTCS (long-term career seasonal) Assistant Superintendent, 3 GS-0455-06/07 LTCS Squad Bosses, one GS-0455-05/06 Senior Firefighter, and 6 GS-0455-03/04/05 seasonal not-to-exceed 1039 positions.

The primary goal of the Boise BLM Helitack program is initial attack, both locally and nationally.  Boise BLM Helitack strives to provide professional expertise in wildland fire suppression and management in the safest, most efficient and effective manner.  Additionally, Boise BLM Helitack personnel will be the leaders in aviation supporting Boise District management objectives in non-fire resource projects.

Given this priority, Boise BLM Helitack operates under the following premise: Boise BLM Helitack performs suppression and support operations on initial attack, extended attack, and large fire support.  We place a high degree of emphasis on professionalism, physical fitness, and aim to provide a versatile, service-oriented, low-maintenance, highly skilled initial attack load that can provide ICS overhead on emerging incidents, or effectively integrate into existing ones.

Boise BLM Helitack will strive to provide the following qualifications on a daily basis for the flight crew with the exclusive use helicopter:

• 6 Total Firefighters with the following qualifications:
• 2-HMGBs    
• 3-IC types: 1-ICT3, 1-ICT4, 1-ICT5
• 1-FALB
• 1-TFLD

 ( The goal is to be able to provide key roles for span of control on an escalating initial attack fire)

Boise BLM Helitack will strive to provide the following qualifications on a daily basis for the chase crew:

  (The goal is to be able to provide key roles for an expanding helibase on an escalating initial attack fire)

The Boise Helitack Crew starts in mid May and works until the end of the helicopter contract, typically in mid to late October, with late season work options available in most seasons. Helitack cr ew members are hired as seasonal firefighters not to exceed 1039 hours in one calendar year. Each individual will receive overtime pay for work hours in excess of the scheduled 8 hour daily base and hazard pay while working on active wildland fires. The majority of the crew consists of GS/0455/03-04-05 seasonal fire fighters but there is currently one Permanent Full Time Position, and four Career Seasonal positions established on the crew.

The Boise Helitack Crew believes in providing developmental opportunities for our employees. The crew has been very active in facilitating and accepting fire assignments, training assignments, and details in all aspects of the fire organization.

Boise BLM Helitack typically seeks to fill a limited number of positions on the crew each year. We are looking for self-motivated, physically fit employees who can thrive in a dynamic work environment, conduct themselves in a professional manner and contribute positively to our program and the Boise District BLM.   Applicants must have one season (3-months) of fire experience to be considered on the crew.  Minimum qualification is FFT2.  Additional qualifications such as FFT1, HECM and ICT5 are beneficial but not required.  Applicants must meet all agency requirements for employment in a primary fire fighting job.  The application process begins in late November to early December and typically closes in early January.  Work dates are typically mid May until the end of the helicopter contract inearly October.  In severe seasons the contract can be extended.  Late season fuels or resource work is often available extending into November or December. 

For more information, or to apply, please refer to www.usajobs.opm.gov

Joe Rogan, Helitack Superintendent
(208) 334-1004
Joseph_Rogan@blm.gov

Ray Raddatz, Assistant Helitack Superintendent
(208) 334-1028
Raymond_Raddatz@blm.gov