Description

Working Title: Assistant Wildfire Aviation Supervisor
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Supervisor
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 95522
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: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 08/05/2026
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
Salary Range: $34.71 - $50.25 / hourly; $72,474 - $104,922 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
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.

Job Summary

The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) Assistant Wildfire Aviation Supervisor - NR Program Supervisor at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids, MN.

This position exists to supervise staff within the statewide aviation program and assist with overall administration of statewide aviation program policies, personnel, fiscal and safety programs. In addition to supervisory and administrative responsibilities, this position will plan, coordinate and facilitate the statewide aviation training program and special aviation programs such as the fixed wing or rotor wing programs. Program Supervisors direct, administer and supervise operations and programs at the statewide level, including direct supervision of staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervision: Supervise staff by recruiting, testing, selecting, assigning, scheduling, directing, evaluating work, rewarding, and disciplining.
• Program: Direct and plan program operations, identify needs and problems, develop program goals and objectives, coordinate program activities with other agencies, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement policy and procedure.
• Administration: Contribute to the development of Division program policy and procedure.
• Budget: Develop and manage program budgets.
• Information & Education: Represent the Division of Forestry to the public, legislature and other jurisdictions and organizations. Coordinate development and implementation of public information and education activities for a specific program. 

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. 

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

There are 3 minimum qualification pathways:

1.Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.

 AND

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

• Incident Commander, Type 4 (ICT4) and Helibase Manager Trainee (HEBM-T) or
• Single Engine Tanker Manager (SEMG) and Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or
• Helibase Manager, (HEBM) and Helicopter Coordinator Trainee (HLCO-T) or
• Air Tactical Group Supervisor Trainee (ATGS-T)

OR

2. Have the following minimum past or current NWCG qualifications:

• Air Support Group Supervisor Trainee (ASGS-T) or
• Air Tanker Base Manager (ATBM) and Single Engine Tanker Manager (SEMG) and Incident Commander, Type 3 (ICT3) or
• Helibase Manager (HEBM) and Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) or
• Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS)

OR

3. Possess one year of experience as a Helicopter Program Coordinator; Fixed Wing Program Coordinator; or State, Forest or Unit Aviation Officer.

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, 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, both fixed and rotary wing, sufficient to determine the best configuration of response.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sufficient to administer an aviation safety program.
• Supervisory experience sufficient to direct, coach and resolve conflicts.
• 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)
• Incident Commander, Type 3 (ICT3)
• Certificate of completion from a Pilot Ground School
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on State Land Management and Resource Protection that includes fire suppression and management.

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

Application Details
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Darren Neuman at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 Hannah Ziemann at [email protected].

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
• 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.