Aircraft Pilot 1 - Fixed Wing Pilot

State of Montana•Helena, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the Fixed Wing Pilot and is responsible for performing fixed wing mission flights piloting light fixed wing turboprop and reciprocating aircraft to support agency wild fire suppression and other resource management activities in accordance with departmental policies and applicable laws after evaluating mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wild fire suppression and related activities safely and effectively. Duties also include coordinating mission preparation, administration, compliance and post-action documentation activities to ensure preparedness in carrying out fixed wing requirements in adherence to applicable state and federal regulations. The incumbent reports to the Air Operations Program Manager and does not supervise other Aviation Unit Staff.

Requirements

Graduation from a FAA approved or military flight school
Commercial instrument rating
Three years progressively responsible mission experience (including high-risk flying such as fire suppression)
Current and Valid FAA Commercial certificate fixed wing land or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate in Airplanes with Instrument Airplane and Single Engine ratings
Current and Valid FAA Class I or II Medical certificate
Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of fixed wing flight
Advanced knowledge of aircraft maintenance and inspection
Advanced knowledge of aircraft test program administration
Knowledge of advanced fixed wing aircraft maintenance and repair methods and specifications
Knowledge of DNRC aviation program and resources
Knowledge of aviation procurement specifications and policies
Knowledge of FAA, Agriculture USFS, and state laws, policies, and operating procedures
Knowledge of the use of aircraft and aviation equipment in fire and forest management
Knowledge of specialized supply and equipment procurement processes
Specialized knowledge of the Kodiak 900 and Cessna C-T206HD airplanes
Specialized knowledge of mission piloting techniques such as low altitude flying, Infrared Mission Sensor operations and techniques, instrument flying, mountain flying, and landing aircraft in adverse conditions
Knowledge of meteorological conditions and fire behavior and their impact on aviation
Knowledge of contract administration
Skill in the operation of specialized aircraft and aircraft components
Skill in low-altitude and speed and mountain flying
Skill in performing detailed inspections
Skill in organizing and reviewing the work of others
Skill in troubleshooting maintenance malfunctions
Skill in piloting aircraft under adverse conditions
Skill in specialized piloting techniques including test flight, low altitude and high-density altitude flying, etc.
Ability to make quick and sound decisions regarding mission risk assessment and airworthiness that directly impact human safety
Ability to assess complex and rapidly changing technological issues
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to quickly and accurately make operational decisions
Must remain qualified in the following aircraft: Fixed Wing: Kodiak 900 and Cessna T206HD Aircraft
Eligible to work in the United States
Valid driver's license with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months

Responsibilities

Perform fixed wing mission flights piloting light fixed wing to support agency wild fire suppression and other resource management activities including operating support equipment, maintaining communication, performing air transport, providing reconnaissance and observation and ensuring proper pre- and post-flight procedures are followed in accordance with departmental policies and applicable state and federal laws.
Evaluate air operations mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively according to applicable laws and departmental policies.
Coordinate mission preparation, administration and compliance activities to ensure preparedness to carry out fixed wing requirements and ensure adherence to applicable state and federal regulations including maintenance and repair activities; maintaining proficiency in aircraft and related equipment; attending training and education; maintaining physiological preparedness; ensuring proper post-flight procedures are followed; and performing administrative tasks such as billing and mission/aircraft documentation.
Perform a variety of other professional maintenance, piloting or program administration duties as assigned by the Air Operations Program Manager in support of ongoing the Air Operation’s mission and objectives. This includes managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup for other staff, participating in ongoing training and educational programs as directed, coordinating special events, and a variety of other duties as directed by supervisors.