What We Have to Offer

Helitack offers a unique fire suppression experience.  We are often first on the scene, a critical time when good judgment, teamwork and aggressive action make a difference.  We actively seek out fire assignments, training opportunities and details and expect our crewmembers to progress each year in experience, training and qualifications.

Helitack personnel can expect to work long hours and it is common to travel directly from one fire to another.  Between 2000 and 2011, we initial-attacked 434 wildland fires and supported 85 extended-attack or resource benefit fires.  From 2007 through 2011, we provided 138 days of single resource support to California, 90 days to Alaska, and the module together spent 45 days in California, 45 days in Alaska as well as time in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington.  On average, the helitack crew spends 75-plus days in travel status, on and off-district.

Our standard initial attack configuration includes a qualified exclusive-use helicopter manager/ICT4 and two helicopter crewmembers/firefighters.  Standard aircraft equipment includes a Bambi Bucket, chainsaw and kit, three hand tools and personal initial attack gear. Ely Helitack also performs Cargo-Let-Down operations to support fire operations and other incidents. 

Crew Organization and Facilities

Our crew consists of a supervisor, assistant supervisor, squad leader, lead firefighter and five crewmembers utilizing an A-star B-2 helicopter and support truck, crew cab pickup truck and crew carrier.

We are stationed at the Ely airport with on-site office facilities and ready room, storage and two helicopter pads.  Government housing is not available, but arrangements for housing can be made, if necessary.

Selection Criteria

Our success depends on the efforts of each individual and we consider only those applicants with previous wildland firefighting experience.  Qualities we consider essential include a strong work ethic, and good judgment and situational awareness despite stress, fatigue or hardship.  The ability to work as a member of a team or independently, and adaptability, self-discipline and motivation, and a sense of humor are also essential.
Being in excellent physical condition is a must.  Due to the extreme physical and hazardous nature of initial attack, all helitack personnel are required to meet the following standards in addition to successfully completing the standard pack test:

• Pack Test in 45 minutes or less
• 1.5 mile run in under 10:30 minutes, 7 pull-ups, 25 push-ups and 45 sit-ups

They are encouraged to meet the following standards:

• Pack Test in 40 minutes or less 
• 1.5 mile run in 9.30 minutes or less 
• Peacock hike in 75 minutes or less (Peacock Mountain is 1,900 foot vertical gain over 1.8 miles, starting at 7,300 ft and ending at 9,200 ft.) 
• 10 pull-ups, 35 push-ups, 60 sit-ups 

Helitack Training

Classroom Training: Approximately 40 hours will be spent in the classroom during your initial Helitack Training (S-271).  It is mandatory that rookie crewmembers successfully complete this course.  In addition to S-271 we will cover a wide variety of fire and aviation subjects during our annual crew refresher training including: LCES, Aviation Watchout Situations, Fire Tactics and Strategy, Fireline Construction, Firing Techniques, Fire Behavior, Radio Use and Programming, Cargo Letdown Operations, Pumps and Saws, Land Navigation, Aircraft Crash Rescue, and Helitack Operations with Engines, Handcrews, Smokejumpers, and Medivac Aircraft.
Physical Training (PT): The purpose of our PT program is to prepare you physically and mentally for the demands of wildland firefighting and specifically initial attack.  It is imperative that you report for work in excellent physical condition. Initially PT will be done as a group twice each day.  The following workouts will be incorporated into our program:

• 3 to 6-plus mile runs 
• Intervals 
• Hill runs 
• Multiple sets of push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups 
• Timed hikes in the hills with a pack 
• Weightlifting  

Work Dates and Rates of Pay

Seasonal firefighters usually work from mid-May to mid-November, depending on the district budget.  Selected crewmembers begin at pay grade scale 3, 4 or 5, depending on the individual’s qualifications and experience.  Returning crewmembers must update their resume and re-apply to qualify for a pay upgrade. 

How to Apply

Helitack anticipates filling two seasonal positions in 2011.  Only applicants with previous wildland firefighting experience will be considered.  Those interested are asked to contact Justin Jager, Helicopter Crew Supervisor, at 775-296-1990  (jjager@blm.gov) or Raymond Maestes, Assistant Fire Management Officer 775-289-1923 (rmaestes@blm.gov).

For information about the application process, go to www.firejobs.doi.gov/ or call the FIRES Help Desk at (303) 236-6476.  For information about White Pine County and the Ely community, visit www.elynevada.net/