We often get asked the question, " do you take detailers"? The answer is yes! We have a very structured detailer program set up for the 2009 season. We will start taking on detailers at the beginning of June (around pay period 13). We have 2 slots for each pay period! Each detail is a 14 day opportunity to engage in the activities and training that Zion Helitack is also engaged in. It is an opportunity for those who are working on Position Task Books, to accomplish some of the training needed to sign those PTB's off. Whether you are looking to get experience as a Helicopter crewmember, Helicopter Manager, or Incident Commander... chances are good that you will get most if not all of the experience you need in order to qualify at that position.
We spend our days waiting for the fire call! However, waiting does not mean sitting around. When not on fire assignment we keep very busy doing cutting projects, resource managment work, Search and Rescue (as needed), and a lot of training. Our days are usually very full of activity. Even if you detail onto the crew and we don't see a single fire, there is a very good chance that you will gain a signature on many of your experience blocks in the PTB as we will design a training schedule around your needs.
If you are interested in getting a Detailer slot for the 2009 season there are a few things you need to do. First you will need to contact us to obtain an application and supervisor permission form. you can do that by e-mailing our senior lead crewmember, Ben Thayer at the following address (ben_thayer@nps.gov). Second you are going to need the permission of your supervisor. He/she will need to approve the travel and additional costs that may be associated with your trip to Cedar City Utah. Not to mention the time away from your own crew - remember we are looking for a 2-week detail. Third, if you are not a HECM or HECM trainee you will need to get to the class and become one... we don't teach the Helicopter Crewmember class during the two weeks you are detailed with us.
We are looking for a strong group of highly motivated individuals looking to keep current or gain qualifications in the aviation world... come enjoy a two week roll with us!
Again please contact Ben Thayer with any questions you may have:
Ben Thayer
Senior Lead Crew
435-865-4642
ben_thayer@nps.gov (there is an underscore between ben and thayer, don't leave it out)
Cheers,
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hiring is done!
Every year it seems that the challenge for management is to pick through the many applicants and find the right candidate to fill only a handful of positions. Sometimes we do a great job, and other times we find ourselves lacking. Only time will tell whether this years batch of selected candidates will live up to the challenges which will face them on Zion Helitack. It is often times fairly easy to seperate the many applications according to qualifications. The more difficult thing to do is determine work ethic and personality. The 2008 season brought us a large group of new recruites, all of whom worked very well together. We didn't lose to many for the 2009 season.
We restructured the crew slightly. This has been an ongoing effort for nearly 3 years. Looking for the right mix of permanent supervisory positions and seasonal slots. We also took a good look at what other helitack crews were doing and did our best to match that. The Region, has finally designed a standard module based on many of the things we were already pushing for. In the end we took a small step which will lead to much greater efficiency and ability of the crew.
The crew is made up of the following:
Crew Supervisor - GS-9 (Permanent Full Time)
Asst Crew Sup. - GS-8 (Permanent Full Time)
Senior Lead Crew - GS-7 (Permanent Subject to Furlough)
Lead Crew - GS-6 (Permanent Subject to Furlough)
Senior Firefighter / HECM- GS-5 (Seasonal)
Senior Firefighter / HECM - GS-5 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-3/4 (Seasonal)
We have several positions that are co-funded by the U.S. Forest Service Dixie National Forest and by the B.L.M. Cedar City District. We are a true interagency crew, serving all lands within the Color Country area. This season, due to the new strategy and make-up of the crew, we did not fill very many positions. In fact, only one crewmember will be new to us this season. Everyone else is a returning crewmember from last season, or seasons past. The following people will join Zion Helitack this season whether new or returning!
Michael Reid
Alicia Tanrath
Ben Thayer
Ben Suerig
Norm "Iceman" Allen
Thea Hamm
Chris Jensen
Lacey Crawford
Todd Bevans
Paul Damron
So welcome back everyone...
The season is just around the corner, and hiring is finally done. We will begin training soon! Stay tuned for updates and training schedules.
Cheers,
We restructured the crew slightly. This has been an ongoing effort for nearly 3 years. Looking for the right mix of permanent supervisory positions and seasonal slots. We also took a good look at what other helitack crews were doing and did our best to match that. The Region, has finally designed a standard module based on many of the things we were already pushing for. In the end we took a small step which will lead to much greater efficiency and ability of the crew.
The crew is made up of the following:
Crew Supervisor - GS-9 (Permanent Full Time)
Asst Crew Sup. - GS-8 (Permanent Full Time)
Senior Lead Crew - GS-7 (Permanent Subject to Furlough)
Lead Crew - GS-6 (Permanent Subject to Furlough)
Senior Firefighter / HECM- GS-5 (Seasonal)
Senior Firefighter / HECM - GS-5 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-4 (Seasonal)
Firefighter / HECM - GS-3/4 (Seasonal)
We have several positions that are co-funded by the U.S. Forest Service Dixie National Forest and by the B.L.M. Cedar City District. We are a true interagency crew, serving all lands within the Color Country area. This season, due to the new strategy and make-up of the crew, we did not fill very many positions. In fact, only one crewmember will be new to us this season. Everyone else is a returning crewmember from last season, or seasons past. The following people will join Zion Helitack this season whether new or returning!
Michael Reid
Alicia Tanrath
Ben Thayer
Ben Suerig
Norm "Iceman" Allen
Thea Hamm
Chris Jensen
Lacey Crawford
Todd Bevans
Paul Damron
So welcome back everyone...
The season is just around the corner, and hiring is finally done. We will begin training soon! Stay tuned for updates and training schedules.
Cheers,
Monday, February 23, 2009
"Slingin' Poo"
Well we accomplished our first helicopter project of the season, last Friday (Feb 20th). You know how some days you feel as though you have done nothing but deal with "Crap" all day long. Well in this case, that is exactly what we delt with. Our job was to fly 12 barrels of human waste from Scouts Lookout toilets down to Big Bend turnout. The 55 gallon drums are rigged with a special clamp that allows them to be hooked to the helicopters remote hook. It required a 100' long line to get into the area safetly. Here you can see the helicopter decending down to our location at the turnout, hauling a drum full of waste...
Once down at the turnout... it was up to a waste pumper truck to suck the barrels dry. We did our best to keep our distance during this operation. Once those lids were removed from the barrel, the smell permiated the area... some found no problem eating their lunches during this process, I on the other hand had a hard time keeping my lunch down... if you know what I mean!
Once down at the turnout... it was up to a waste pumper truck to suck the barrels dry. We did our best to keep our distance during this operation. Once those lids were removed from the barrel, the smell permiated the area... some found no problem eating their lunches during this process, I on the other hand had a hard time keeping my lunch down... if you know what I mean!
The barrels are brightly labeled for all to see... I am curious how much they pay the employee that must shovel the waste into the barrels? That is a job that could possibly be left for the person that draws the short stick... Kudo's to the trail crew in Zion National Park for their work in accomplishing this task
In the end... it was a successful project! We brought down 12 barrels of human waste... and flew 18 cleaned out barrels back up to Scouts Lookout, where they will await the mass crowds who will visit Angels Landing this season. So if you have ever wondered how we get all of that "Crap" out of the toilets and off the hill... now you know!
It was a gorgeous day in the park... we are appreciative to Sundance Helicopters out of Las Vegas Nevada and their flight crew which made this project possible. In talking with the pilot he now has something new to add to the list of his aviation accomplishments. I believe the saying of the day was "Same old shit... different day"! I couldn't agree more... what a way to kick off the season.
cheers,
M.L.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fitness Standards
The history of Zion Helitack is rather short in comparison to many outstanding programs that have been in existance for a lot longer. It takes several years for a program to evolve, and grow into something worthwhile. Often times there are set backs in the forward progression of a crew, as management moves on or attrition happens in key crewmember positions. In time, and with the proper direction and effort by management, a program finds its niche and a voice. By this I mean that a good program is well established in it's capabilities, it finds a niche amongst a sea of many programs filling many roles within our wildland fire community. It also finds a voice, it speaks to a certain type of firefighters. When talking about Helitack, most understand that there are many roles that a crew can fulfill in support of wildland fire. Some crews specialize in large helibase support. This takes a certain type of individual to be able to fulfill the needs of running a large helibase efficiently and safely without losing your mind or becoming complacent during, what can be, long hours of being idle. In a similar fashion, some crews are excellent Initial Attack crews. They spend their days also waiting and training for the moment the fire call comes. These days can often times be tough on the moral, and despite best efforts to remain alert and ready, most crews struggle with not letting their gaurd down... but when that fire call comes, these crews are quick to respond and typically ready for the fast paced action of Initial Attack. There are still yet many crews that specialize in other aspects of aviation support, and many crews that are at home doing a combination of many things. The point being that there are many crews, all called Helitack, which have varied missions and different focuses. If you are looking to join a Helitack crew, or perhaps have been a crewmember for some time, you need to know that each crew has a personality and a focus. It is important to know that not all crews are alike in what they do or the roles they play.
Zion Helitack is proud to be a contributer to the various roles that a Helitack crew provides. We spend hours each year providing support on Helibases, prescribed fire, doing aerial ignition, search and rescue, resource management projects, GIS missions, and many other aspects of aerial support in wildland fire. However, in the end we are an exclusive use Initial Attack crew! We spend most of our time preparing for and executing Initial Attack of small fires within and around our coverage area. In order to be good at what we do, the members of Zion Helitack realize that two things are essential. They must be in great physical condition, and they must keep their minds sharp and attention focused.
So what are the expectations for crewmembers on Zion Helitack? In order to be hired into a crewmember position, applicants need at least some experience on wildland fires. They need to have their basic training as a FFT2 completed. This typically occures within a single season of fighting fire on an engine or with a squad / hand crew. Interested firefighters do not have to be helicopter crewmembers. We will put our "rookies" through initial HECM training. Applicants that are excepted need to be able to and achieve successful completion of the "Work Capacity Test" at the arduous level. Commonly known as the "Pack Test". Pass a physical and possible drug testing and you have completed all the requirements for being on the crew... On Zion Helitack, as with other crews, we strive for more than just these basics...
Initial Attack Standards for Zion Helitack are as follows:
Physical Standards - 1.5 mile run in 11:00 minutes or less / 45 sit ups in one minute / 25 push ups in one minute / 7 pull ups done consecutively / 85 pound pack out 3 miles over level terrain in 90 minutes or less / successful completion of the WCT at the arduous level.
Additional Standards - crewmembers must commit to memory the "10 Standard Firefighting Orders" and recite any given order upon request from management.
We take very seriously our ability to attack wildfires in a quick and efficient manner. We are often landing on fires in some of the most rugged and unforgiveable country in Southern Utah. We are committed to everyone coming home safely and uninjured. This can only be accomplished if our crewmembers are in the peak of their physical condition and are trained well in tactics that will keep them safe on the fire line. We do not make our Initial Attack Standards part of the hiring criteria, however we do give preference of who gets what assignment to those that meet the Initial Attack Standards. This simply means that if you fail to achieve the high standards as stated above, and others on the crew do... you may find yourself driving the chase vehicles more often than you find yourself flying on I.A. It may seem like a harsh judgement to make, but in the end these standards are set to keep our crew safe and free from injury. We expect 110% of our crewmembers! For those that achieve such, we reward them highly with opportunities, growth, and shared achievements that are often recognized not only by Zion Helitack Management but many others outside of the crew.
A closing note: I hope that those looking for a position with Zion Helitack this year, have had the opportunity to submit an application to USAJOBS! I am unsure of the openings that will be available at this time, but hope to start our hiring process within the next few weeks. If you have questions about the crew or the hiring process don't hesitate to call Zion Helitack Management (435/865/4640). If you have not yet submitted an application, it is most likely too late for this season. We typically accept our new "rookies" from the group of applicants who get their resume's online before the first cut-off date. That date was January 20th. Please feel free to give us a call and discuss next years opportunities, if you missed this cut-off date, but there are few possibilities for us to accept applications for the 2009 fire season after this date has passed. To everyone else who has applied and are hopeful for a position, my recommendation would be to start your physical training program now... Should you be given a position with our crew, we will expect you to be in top physical condition.
Cheers,
M.L.
Zion Helitack is proud to be a contributer to the various roles that a Helitack crew provides. We spend hours each year providing support on Helibases, prescribed fire, doing aerial ignition, search and rescue, resource management projects, GIS missions, and many other aspects of aerial support in wildland fire. However, in the end we are an exclusive use Initial Attack crew! We spend most of our time preparing for and executing Initial Attack of small fires within and around our coverage area. In order to be good at what we do, the members of Zion Helitack realize that two things are essential. They must be in great physical condition, and they must keep their minds sharp and attention focused.
So what are the expectations for crewmembers on Zion Helitack? In order to be hired into a crewmember position, applicants need at least some experience on wildland fires. They need to have their basic training as a FFT2 completed. This typically occures within a single season of fighting fire on an engine or with a squad / hand crew. Interested firefighters do not have to be helicopter crewmembers. We will put our "rookies" through initial HECM training. Applicants that are excepted need to be able to and achieve successful completion of the "Work Capacity Test" at the arduous level. Commonly known as the "Pack Test". Pass a physical and possible drug testing and you have completed all the requirements for being on the crew... On Zion Helitack, as with other crews, we strive for more than just these basics...
Initial Attack Standards for Zion Helitack are as follows:
Physical Standards - 1.5 mile run in 11:00 minutes or less / 45 sit ups in one minute / 25 push ups in one minute / 7 pull ups done consecutively / 85 pound pack out 3 miles over level terrain in 90 minutes or less / successful completion of the WCT at the arduous level.
Additional Standards - crewmembers must commit to memory the "10 Standard Firefighting Orders" and recite any given order upon request from management.
We take very seriously our ability to attack wildfires in a quick and efficient manner. We are often landing on fires in some of the most rugged and unforgiveable country in Southern Utah. We are committed to everyone coming home safely and uninjured. This can only be accomplished if our crewmembers are in the peak of their physical condition and are trained well in tactics that will keep them safe on the fire line. We do not make our Initial Attack Standards part of the hiring criteria, however we do give preference of who gets what assignment to those that meet the Initial Attack Standards. This simply means that if you fail to achieve the high standards as stated above, and others on the crew do... you may find yourself driving the chase vehicles more often than you find yourself flying on I.A. It may seem like a harsh judgement to make, but in the end these standards are set to keep our crew safe and free from injury. We expect 110% of our crewmembers! For those that achieve such, we reward them highly with opportunities, growth, and shared achievements that are often recognized not only by Zion Helitack Management but many others outside of the crew.
A closing note: I hope that those looking for a position with Zion Helitack this year, have had the opportunity to submit an application to USAJOBS! I am unsure of the openings that will be available at this time, but hope to start our hiring process within the next few weeks. If you have questions about the crew or the hiring process don't hesitate to call Zion Helitack Management (435/865/4640). If you have not yet submitted an application, it is most likely too late for this season. We typically accept our new "rookies" from the group of applicants who get their resume's online before the first cut-off date. That date was January 20th. Please feel free to give us a call and discuss next years opportunities, if you missed this cut-off date, but there are few possibilities for us to accept applications for the 2009 fire season after this date has passed. To everyone else who has applied and are hopeful for a position, my recommendation would be to start your physical training program now... Should you be given a position with our crew, we will expect you to be in top physical condition.
Cheers,
M.L.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
1st Firefighter Fatality of 2009
It seems to be inevitable each season. Although as a community of professionals we would like to think that the ability to see our way through a wildfire season without a single fatality is achievable, the reality remains that fighting fires is dangerous. It isn't always the fire that claims the life, but it seems that more often than not it is the fire which is a contributing factor to the loss of life. The first fatality of 2009 is not different. Our condolences go out to the survivors and family of the firefighter whom has lost his life in this horrific incident. It is our hope that we, as a community of firefighters, can take a moment to recognize the contributions of a fallen firefighter. May this fatality cause all of us to pause, if only for a moment, to consider our actions and the situations we are asked to engage in. It is our hope that we will continue to respect the dangerous nature of our jobs, and take the necessary precautions to ensure that we remain safe this 2009 fire season.
Name: John C. Myers
Rank: Firefighter/Mechanic
Age: 61
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 6
Date of Incident: 01/03/2009
Time of Incident: 1533hrs
Date of Death: 01/03/2009
Fire Department: Union Chapel Volunteer Fire Department
Incident Description: Firefighter John C. Myers passed away from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident while working at the scene of an outdoor grass fire.
Myers was operating a fire department vehicle and traveling south on County Road Wesley, near the Pittsburg County line (OK), when his son, Firefighter Juston Myers, also working the fire and operating a privately owned vehicle heading north on CR Wesley, crossed left of center on the narrow gravel road in heavy smoke obstructed conditions and collided head on with the fire department vehicle his father was driving.
Personnel from several fire departments in the area worked for more than an hour and a half to free Firefighter John C. Myers from the wreckage. Firefighter Juston Myers and a passenger in the privately owned vehicle were both injured in the accident. Juston was treated at the scene and his passenger, Clayton Rice, was taken to a nearby hospital with head, leg and arm injuries.
Incident Location: On County Road Wesley, USNG: 15S TU 3497 3518 (6.67km due east of US Hwy 69), Atoka County, OK.
Map View:
http://floridadisaster.org/gis/kml/viewer.htm?zoom=15&usng=15STU34973518&disp=h
Seatbelts: Equipped and not in use both vehicles.
This is the first US wildland fire fatality for 2009.
News:
http://www.mcalesternews.com/homepage/local_story_005110945.html?keyword=leadpicturestory
Friday, December 5, 2008
Job Openings!
Well, it is that time of the year again. While it is still an unknown as to how many of our 2008 crewmembers might return for another season with Zion Helitack, we must press forward in recruiting the next generation of Zion Helitack crewmembers. Those that wish to apply for a seasonal position on Zion Helitack may do so by following the directions below:
Go to: www.usajobs.com
On this page there are two ways to find us... in the middle of the page next to large lettering that says "Search Jobs" there sits two boxes. One is for the job title (Ignore It). The second is for an address/agency - you can type in 84720 and hit search... you will then have to scroll through several pages until you find the following job announcment DOI-FIRE-2009-003 next to it will be the words National Park Service, Cedar City
you may also do this the simplified way...
Go to: www.usajobs.com
On this page there are several tabs at the top of the page... the first tab is "search jobs" next to it is "my usajobs", "info center" etc... click on the first tab that says "search jobs". The page that comes up next will have a box at the top that says "Keyword"- in this box type the following job announcement number DOI-FIRE-2009-003 and hit enter or search. This will take you to a page with a few similar looking announcements. Once in the announcement for Cedar City, Zion National Park... follow the directions. Be certain that you select Cedar City NPS as a choice when you voice where you want to apply.
Now - a couple of things to keep in mind. I believe the 1st cut off for applications is January 20th. You must have your application in by that time if you wish Zion Helitack to consider you. Second, take some time with your application... we are not the only people that look at the applications and rate them. Don't be mistaken that you can make a phone call and talk directly to myself or my assistant, and that this will take the place of a good application. It does not! I do encourage phone calls to learn about the program and ensure that we are the program for you, however... in the end it is the application and your references that will win you a position on the crew... so take some time in filling out the application, and put some thought into your references.
I will be posting later today, a detailed look into the crew and what you can expect. Or I suggest you look through our past posts to learn a little about us.
Good Luck... we look forward to seeing your applications.
Cheers, ML
Go to: www.usajobs.com
On this page there are two ways to find us... in the middle of the page next to large lettering that says "Search Jobs" there sits two boxes. One is for the job title (Ignore It). The second is for an address/agency - you can type in 84720 and hit search... you will then have to scroll through several pages until you find the following job announcment DOI-FIRE-2009-003 next to it will be the words National Park Service, Cedar City
you may also do this the simplified way...
Go to: www.usajobs.com
On this page there are several tabs at the top of the page... the first tab is "search jobs" next to it is "my usajobs", "info center" etc... click on the first tab that says "search jobs". The page that comes up next will have a box at the top that says "Keyword"- in this box type the following job announcement number DOI-FIRE-2009-003 and hit enter or search. This will take you to a page with a few similar looking announcements. Once in the announcement for Cedar City, Zion National Park... follow the directions. Be certain that you select Cedar City NPS as a choice when you voice where you want to apply.
Now - a couple of things to keep in mind. I believe the 1st cut off for applications is January 20th. You must have your application in by that time if you wish Zion Helitack to consider you. Second, take some time with your application... we are not the only people that look at the applications and rate them. Don't be mistaken that you can make a phone call and talk directly to myself or my assistant, and that this will take the place of a good application. It does not! I do encourage phone calls to learn about the program and ensure that we are the program for you, however... in the end it is the application and your references that will win you a position on the crew... so take some time in filling out the application, and put some thought into your references.
I will be posting later today, a detailed look into the crew and what you can expect. Or I suggest you look through our past posts to learn a little about us.
Good Luck... we look forward to seeing your applications.
Cheers, ML
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