Aircraft Mechanic

Description

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/15/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Wildland Fire Management Division at our helicopter maintenance facility located on the Olympia Airport. Would you like to be a part of a team that makes a visible difference in the lives of fellow Washingtonians every day? You could be! We are actively seeking a uniquely qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technician to be a part of our team.  This position sometimes requires heavy travel and overtime during the active fire season throughout the state of Washington.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Aircraft Maintenance

• Ensure proper accountability, serviceability, and use of assigned required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during activities that require use of IAW department, OSHA, and safety guidelines;
• Inspects and determines needed avionics repairs; repairs aircraft to OEM, state, and federal maintenance standards;
• Assists other mechanics, aircrews, and pilots in aircraft maintenance activities, both scheduled and unscheduled;
• Operates specialized aircraft maintenance equipment when qualified, to include but not limited to forklifts, hoists, special aircraft tools, department vehicles, tugs, tow carts;
• Initiates and updates aircraft maintenance records, logbooks, and automated maintenance tracking software;
• Interpret and comply with instructions outlined in FAA airworthiness directives, manufacturer’s letters, bulletins, interagency policies, DNR Maintenance Operations Manual, and state directives.
• Research parts manual and ensure only correct and serviceable parts are used, and prepare paperwork for records keeping and ordering;
• Ensures accountability of all tools, parts, equipment, and all other items used in maintenance in the prevention of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to aircraft before, during, and after maintenance actions have been taken;
• Documents and Returns aircraft to service only after proper maintenance has been completed to standard, inspection by IA (when applicable, see MOM) is complete, and all maintenance logbook entries are complete;
• Assist with Blade Tracking, Leak Checks, and Maintenance Test Flights, and determines with the Maintenance Test Pilot return to service of aircraft from annual or primary inspections;
• Works as a team member and respectfully interacts with fellow employees, supervisors, and managers;
• Maintains individual work area, tools, and personal items in a clean and orderly fashion.

Maintenance Field Support and Standby Duty

• Perform field maintenance as directed by Aircraft Mechanic Supervisor (AMS);
• When dispatched, be prepared for extensions as needed to support the department's Air Operations.
• Inform AMS immediately when on dispatch for any unscheduled maintenance or parts needs.

Shop Duties

• Light aircraft painting work;
• Organize and clean shop areas as needed and directed by AMS;
• Vehicle maintenance, cleaning, and fueling;
• External Load Equipment and ALSE lead for the shop;
• Forklift duties for shop personnel training and qualification.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• 1 year of experience in aircraft maintenance records keeping.
• 2 years’ experience operating as an FAA Qualified Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic, Part 145 Avionics Repairman;
  OR U.S. Military Avionics Technician qualification.
• 1 year of maintenance experience working on helicopters.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of: standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment of aeromechanic trade, principles of operation of aircraft; use of aircraft testing and diagnostic equipment; safe practices.
• Ability to: inspect, diagnose trouble, adjust, maintain, and repair aircraft; use hand and power tools; keep accurate records; determine maintenance needs from records and aircraft inspection.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Possesses personally owned tools to conduct aircraft maintenance.
• About 80% of work is Aviation Hanger, and 20% is field-oriented at locations throughout the State. Loud noises, hazards that require constant use of PPE to include clothing, eye protection, hearing protection, and respiratory protection. This position may require flight in helicopters and airplanes, in hazardous and/or high
  risk conditions.
• Considerable travel may be required during fire season.
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years. 

Desired Qualifications:

• 2 years’ Experience in an Aviation Shop environment or 14 CFR Part 145 operation.
• 2 years’ Experience operating in a Public Aircraft Operation environment.
• Aircraft Maintenance Systems Familiarity.
• Incident Command System Qualifications.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Business Management, or related field of study.
• 2 years or more of helicopter maintenance experience.
• 2 years of field experience maintaining helicopters in a Wildfire aviation operation environment.
• 1 year of UH-1H maintenance experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: (Failure to provide listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact .)

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft and Powerplant Certificate
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Optional Attachments:

• FAA Inspector Authorization
• OEM Schooling
• Military DD214
• Other Aviation Maintenance Qualifications

Questions?  Please contact Jeremy West at or e-mail us at 

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (36*********** or email . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the  by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-8************

 (DNR). 
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit .

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360********* or 1-8*********** or email .

Check us out on:  | | | | |