Aircraft Pilot 1 - Fixed Wing Pilot

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) aims to ensure Montana's land and water resources benefit present and future generations. The DNRC values its employees, empowering them with professional judgment, training, and tools to achieve its mission, supporting both team effort and individual expertise. The department's core values include mutual respect, collaborative work environments, strong relationships, accountability, and celebrating successes. This position is for a Fixed Wing Pilot responsible for conducting fixed-wing mission flights using light turboprop and reciprocating aircraft. These flights support agency wildfire suppression and other resource management activities, adhering to departmental policies and applicable laws. The role involves evaluating mission requirements, planning all operational aspects, and ensuring aircraft and crews are prepared for wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively. Additionally, the pilot coordinates mission preparation, administration, compliance, and post-action documentation to ensure adherence to 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
• Must hold a current and valid FAA Class I or II Medical certificate
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of fixed wing flight
• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance and inspection
• 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
• Special knowledge of the Kodiak 900 and Cessna C-T206HD airplanes
• Knowledge of specialized 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
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States
• A valid driver's license is required 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 wildfire 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.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees