Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/B206L4, Aircraft Pilot

Description

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/1/25. 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. Are you looking for a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career in Wildfire? The Wildland Fire Management Division - Aviation Section has an opening for an Aerial Wildland Firefighter Helicopter Pilot. DNR Aviation utilizes 1 Bell B206L4 helicopter to aid in fire suppression across the state of Washington. You will be responsible for safely piloting the aircraft at low-altitudes, and in mountainous terrain. The mission profile of our helicopters includes Bambi Bucket Water Drops and internal/external Cargo Delivery.  Additionally, you will perform fire reconnaissance, detection, photography and Helitack Crew Insertion/Transport.  

This position requires a motivated individual that works effectively in a team environment, but also possesses the ability to operate and make split-second decisions independently. You will be required to communicate effectively with aircrew, ground resources, and other aerial resources in order to accomplish your objectives. The ability to multitask is paramount, as you will be monitoring and communicating on multiple radio frequencies both enroute, and while actively engaged in Wildfire Suppression.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned B206L4 under various mission requirements including but not limited to: Passenger and equipment transportation, survey and photography, law enforcement support, search and rescue, and incident helicopter coordination (HELCO). 
• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1 H {secondary, if trained/qualified} helicopter suppression initial attack wildfire supporting operations including: 1) Helitack Crew insertions and 2) delivery of water/foam fire retardants using external buckets or tanks. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with the DNR Helicopter Manager assigned or until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or the Air Tactical Group Supervisor. 
• Provides extended attack wildfire support when assigned. Duties include application of fire retardants, recharging portable tanks for ground firefighting crews, transporting personnel to/from unimproved and/or confined heliports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), reconnaissance flights over wildfires, and delivering of external cargo utilizing longlines and sling loads. 
• Maintains the assigned helicopter in a rigid response status to support B206L4 missions assigned above or 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 proper equipment is onboard and available for passengers. 
• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.
• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight related documents for the Chief Pilot.
• Demonstrates knowledge of rules/regulations from multiple agencies pertinent to the position.
• Assists in the coordination/conduct of training activities/events and classes (site-selection, preparation, risk-mitigation). Able to present assigned classes in a group forum.
• Performs field level preventative maintenance on helicopters and related equipment such as buckets, long lines, and tanks. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs.
• Assists maintenance personnel with general hangar upkeep (cleaning, organizing, repair, etc.).
• Assists with training Helitack crew members in: 1) the safe employment of helicopter 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) bucket and long line operations.
• Assist with pre-season base preparation/resourcing,
• Prepare helicopters for 150 hour inspections,
• Clean helicopters at end of the fire season,
• Assist helicopter mechanics with certain maintenance actions,
• Assist with inventory of state and FEPP assets,
• Perform bucket inspections/cleaning/disassembly and lubrication,
• Perform long line inspections, re-soldering, repair and re-lashing,
• Inspect cargo nets and swivels, and clean vehicles,
• Assists with post-season base closure
• Assist with vehicle, personnel and equipment movement
• Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Intermediate level computer skills.
• 1,500 Flight Hours Pilot in Command - Helicopter.
• 100 Flight Hours – Helicopter Pilot in Command within the preceding 12 months.
• 100 Flight Hours – Helicopter Pilot in Command in Type II/III helicopter.
• 25 Flight Hours Pilot in Command or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire in a Type II UH-1H helicopter or equivalent (B205).
• 200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B – Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 500 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Helicopter Turbine Aircraft.
• 10 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command external load/Vertical Reference/Longline operations.
• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or a FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135.
• A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating with Helicopter Instrument.
• A current FAA Class I or II flight physical.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to function collaboratively with peer in a fast paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.
• 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:

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire per the FAA requirement to hold a commercial helicopter pilots license
• Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation given by the DNR Chief Pilot or designated Pilot Trainer to the WA DNR Aviation Training Manual Standards
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate maintained for flight time and approach requirements with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating with Helicopter Instrument.
• A maintained, current FAA Class I or II flight physical (renewed annually between December and March).
• A current flight review meeting 14 CFR 61.56 (a) & (c) standards & minimums or a 14 CFR Part 135 Pilot Proficiency Check within 24 months or military APART.
• Maintain currency (every 36 months) of Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Online requirements. Courses: A-110, MH1, MH2, & MH3.
• Pass annual DNR pilot check ride for aircraft/fire operations within 3 months of hire then annually thereafter and USFS/DOI pilot check ride within 4 months then triennially thereafter.
• About 50% of work is office oriented, and 50% is field oriented at locations throughout the State. Must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to work long hours (up to 12 days straight, of 14 hours straight and 8 hours of flight), particularly during the summer months, with frequent overtime related to fire suppression emergencies.
• Considerable travel is required. The incumbent in this position is required to travel heavily within the state during fire season.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have 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:

• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in UH-1 Huey Helicopters.
• 50 Hours Longline/Vertical Reference Pilot in Command Solo Flight Time.
• 50 hours minimum of Helicopter Pilot in Command Instrument flight time logged.
• 14 CFR Part 133/135/137 Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief, or Check Pilot helicopter experience.
• US Military trained Instructor Pilot (IP), Standardization Instructor Pilot (SP), Instrument Examiner (IE).
• FAA Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot.
• Qualified as a Washington DNR Aerial Wildland Firefighter Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 2 or greater.
• Incident Command System Qualifications.
• Safety Management System (SMS) Familiarly.
  
  

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and 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 will result in disqualification.)

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• A copy of your current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight certificates (front and back).
• Airline Transport Pilot or Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter
• A copy of your current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
• A copy of the last two (2) complete pages of your pilot logbook or official company flight record.
• A copy of your current flight review, FAA pilot proficiency check or Military APART.
• A copy of your current state driver's license or US Passport.
• A copy of FAA Verification of Certificate Privileges within the last 30 days.
• 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:

• Flight Instructor Certificates
• FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
• USFS/DOI Pilot Card
• DNR Pilot Card

Questions?  Please contact Rich Knoth at 360*********/ 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 prior to 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 of 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (85*********** or email .

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