"Alerted.org

Working Title: Fixed Wing Operations Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID** : 87806

+ **Location** : Grand Rapids

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 07/25/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 08/14/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Natural Resources

+ **Division/Unit** : Forestry

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : Yes, in-state travel up to 25% of time

+ **Salary Range:** $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) State Program Admin Principal, Fixed Wing Operations Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

This position coordinates the statewide wildfire tactical fixed wing operation, forest management and all risk aviation program. The position is responsible for aircraft contracting and the development, administration, planning and coordination of a safe and efficient tactical fixed wing operations program. In addition to statewide responsibilities, this position provides technical expertise and support to Minnesota Incident Command System agencies, federal, Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact partners and other cooperating agencies regarding aviation issues.

Responsibilities include to:

+ Develop program goals, work and spending plans, recommend program policy and monitor the work of forestry and interagency fire personnel.

+ Develop reports in one or more forestry program and/or subprogram and/or activity areas and coordinate program activities with other agencies.

+ Training/Continuing Education: Develop and deliver educational programs/materials. Train natural resource staff in the administration and implementation of forestry programs. Educate the public.

+ Administration: Participate in statewide program planning. Draft legislative proposals and special reports. Testify or brief managers to testify.

Frequent travel required statewide. Occasional travel out of state required. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

Past or current NWCG qualifications as follows:

+ Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) or

+ Single Engine Airtanker Manager (SEMG) AND Mixmaster (MXMS) or

+ Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS)

AND

+ Two years of professional work experience in budgeting, contract administration, scheduling, performance management, supervision or lead work, ordering and inventory management, and project management or a Bachelor of Science, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management, Wildland Firefighting, Forest Resources, or Forestry or related field.

IN ADDITION:

+ Experience providing leadership, oversight and technical direction of a complex aviation or wildfire operation either inside or outside the organization

+ Knowledge of interagency air-to-air and air-to-ground communications, including VHF-AM, VHF-FM and 800 MHz, along with aircraft flight following and navigation systems needed to conduct aerial suppression activities on fires.

+ Knowledge of fire suppression techniques, tactics and strategies and the capabilities, limitations and tactical use of firefighting aircraft.

+ Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations, state statutes, fundamentals of contracting and the aviation regulations of cooperating Federal agencies and states to evaluate contracts and interagency programs and procedures.

+ Ability to apply principles of National Incident Command System (ICS) sufficient to manage emergency response air operations.

+ Knowledge of budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budgets and to cost effectively deliver aviation resources.

+ Supervisor/lead work experience and training that incorporates directing, coaching and resolving conflicts. Ability to supervise work of subordinate employees

+ Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.

+ Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

+ Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.

+ Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Completion of a Leadership Development Program or supervisory skill development program with training in the areas of: basic supervision; advanced supervision; communication; performance management; interpersonal skills; and leadership.

+ College coursework or equivalent training with a program emphasis in Fire Science and/or Fire / Aviation Management and Safety

+ Have the following minimum past or current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications:

+ Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS)

+ Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD)

+ Certificate of completion from a Pilot Ground School

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

+ Conflict of Interest Review

+ Criminal History Check

+ Education Verification

+ Employment Reference / Records Check

+ License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.