Fire and Aviation Technician - NR Tech Forestry

Working Title: Fire and Aviation Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Forestry

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97165
• Location: Cambridge
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/22/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• 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, statewide for fire suppression
• Salary Range: $24.84 – $34.84 /hourly; $51,866 – $72,746 /annually
• Job Class Option: Fire Suppression
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Cambridge Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 DNR is looking for one (1) Fire and Aviation Technician in Cambridge, MN. This position exists to implement Division of Forestry fire aviation and training tasks at the statewide and Area administrative levels so that wildfires are suppressed in a safe, efficient and effective manner in accordance with division policy and procedure.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist with statewide helicopter operations, fire training, pre-suppression and suppression activities to promote safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement pre-suppression tasks at the Area administrative level so that the Area is prepared for routine fire suppression operations.
• Suppress wildfires at the statewide and Area administrative level so that losses to human life, property, and natural resources are minimized.
• Lead helicopter modules and other fire personnel in fire suppression, training, and pre-suppression activities.
• Coordinate and conduct natural resource management activities such as aerial application.
• Conduct silviculture activities and maintenance of roads/trails.
  
  

This position requires intermittent travel to perform fire suppression and aerial application duties on a statewide basis. 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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4 seasons of wildland fire suppression experience.
  
  

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified prior to appointment:

• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) (or ICT4 Trainee)
• Single Resource Boss – Helicopter Manager (HMGB)
  
  

Completed training prior to appointment:

• S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• S-131 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss
• S-200 Initial Attack IC
• S-230 Crew Boss
• S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior
• S-271 Helicopter Crew Member
• S-372 Helicopter Manager
  
  

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models.
• Knowledge of fire and incident management including fire line leadership, suppression techniques, wildfire behavior, initial attack, extended attack, air operations, fire-line control, equipment operation and capabilities, personnel capabilities, mop-up, and fire line safety so that fires can be effectively suppressed.
• Ability to use maps, legal descriptions and GPS so that fires and access routes can be quickly located.
• Ability to maintain and organize the operation and maintenance of fire line equipment (including chainsaws) so that the equipment functions well in fire suppression activities.
• Ability to complete assigned trainings.
• Computer skills sufficient to keep records, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using various applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Helibase Manager (HEBM).
• Extended Attack Incident Commander (ICT3).
• M-410 Facilitative Instructor.
• Experience coordinating aerial application projects.
  
  

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Darren Neuman at darren.neuman@state.mn.us or 218-322-2722.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.