Salary: $6,107.00 - $8,210.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/28/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:
Aerial Firefighting Assignment / Air Attack 

• Functions as Pilot-in-Command of a DNR assigned Kodiak 100 supporting initial and extended attack wildfire suppression operations, including: 1.) Air Attack / ATGS support, and 2.) Coordination of Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Fire Traffic Area (FTA) airspace before, during, and after an incident. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with multiple agency aircraft until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or relieved by another Air Tactical Group Supervisor.
• Provides reconnaissance and admin flight support when assigned. Duties include planning and executing flights, both VFR and IFR, within Washington State and bordering states as required. Transporting personnel/parts/equipment to/from improved and unimproved airports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), and reconnaissance flights in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires.
• Maintains the assigned airplane in a rapid response status to support initial attack suppression actions, including daily aircraft inspections, oversight of aircraft fuel levels, and aircraft cleanliness. Maintains aircraft flight reports and logs. Periodically, inventories and inspects assigned equipment. Ensures the security of aircraft and installed equipment.
• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.
• Flies/operates assigned aircraft within all limitations specified by WA DNR manuals, as well as following the Kodiak 100 series FAA-approved Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) / Flight Manual. 

Training and Evaluations

• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight-related documents for the Chief Pilot.

Pilot Maintenance Actions

• Performs field-level preventative maintenance on airplanes and related equipment. Performs troubleshooting steps for sensors and related extraneous equipment. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs as needed. Performs run-ups or flights as needed for maintenance troubleshooting, as well as Maintenance Operational Checks (MOC) not requiring a Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).

Airplane Crew Interaction

• Assists with training observers, ATGS, and support crew members in: 1) the safe employment of airplane support equipment, 2) fuel trucks and aircraft fueling, 3) visual and voice communications, 4) map utilization and navigation, 5) daily aircraft maintenance, 6) proper techniques for cleaning aircraft, and 7) sensor operations.

Pre and Post-season duties

• Prepare airplanes for scheduled maintenance and inspections,
• Clean airplanes at the end of the fire season,
• Assist mechanics with certain maintenance actions,
• Perform sensor inspections/cleaning and readies for long-term storage,
• Duties as Assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• 1,500 Flight Hours total time - Airplane.
• 1,200 Flight Hours Pilot-in-Command - Airplane.
• 200 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command in the category and class to be flown.
• 100 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command within the preceding 12 months.
• 500 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Cross Country.
• 200 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B – Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 100 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command Night flight.
• 50 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument - in-flight.
• 75 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument – actual/simulated.
• 25 Flight Hours – Airplane Pilot-in-Command Make and Model (Daher, Kodiak 100), or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire.
• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or an FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135.
• Possess a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) - Airplane or Commercial Pilot license – Airplane with Instrument Rating.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills.
• Ability to function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate professionally - both verbally and in writing.
• Basic Computer Skills ability.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.