Wildland Firefighter - Fuel Trucker Driver

Job Title

Wildland Firefighter 2 - Fuel Trucker Driver )

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work.

This position is located at Central Land Office and is a critical piece of the Area Aviation Unit. It has primary responsibilities of transporting bulk Jet A fuel by truck and dispensing it into DNRC’s MT205 helicopters in support of wildland fires. The role requires cooperation with County, State, and Federal agencies, the general public, permanent and seasonal employees, and private contractors.

It also assists with seasonal activities related to wildland fire suppression, maintenance of buildings, grounds, and vehicles, and fire-related projects of the Aviation Unit. The Fuel Truck Driver will support relationships with adjoining DNRC Areas, National Forests, and other federal agencies and counties. They will provide input in developing aviation safety plans, track vehicle maintenance schedules, and be proficient with DNRC 1500 manual fueling procedures, DOT driving regulations, and general aviation safety procedures.

The position reports directly to the Area Aviation Officer and provides refueling support for State Helicopter Operations, using two‑way radios to receive requests for and provide fuel, maintaining records of all fueling systems, and performing other tasks as assigned during the non‑fire season.

• Fuel Truck Operations and Routine Maintenance: Safe operation of the fuel truck within MT‑DOT and DNRC policies, daily truck inspections, navigation across the state while maintaining communication with assigned helicopters, and tracking fuel receipts.
• Fuel System Operations and Routine Maintenance: Safe aircraft fueling both in the field and at the hangar, daily inspections of the Jet‑A fueling system and the Jet‑A itself, and documentation of inspections.
• Helispot Coordination: Selecting appropriate helicopter landing areas, marking hazards and touchdown pads, maintaining clean helispots, and acting as a contact point from helispot to helicopter.
• Training: Conducting emergency operations training for fueling systems and providing safety briefings for the Fuel Truck Driver program.

• Resume

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage

The Fuel Truck Driver must pass a physical fitness test within three weeks of hiring, including a 1‑mile walk completed in 16 minutes or less. The job requires being on feet for multiple hours, lifting heavy objects (50 lbs. or more) for long durations, and potentially assisting with loading and unloading helicopter gear such as chainsaws, line gear, buckets, and foam buckets.

Minimum:
Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Hazardous Materials, Air Brakes, and Tanker endorsements; CDL medical card; ability to work extended hours, weekends, and occasional travel up to 14 days. Preferred: knowledge of truck operations, fueling systems, map reading, 2‑way radio, and GPS applications.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent 36 months.

The person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, or green card.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job…