Fixed-Wing Line Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 2 (Airplane)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Fixed-Wing Line Pilot for its Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. The position flies DNR’s first organic multi-mission fixed-wing aircraft, using two Kodiak 100 aircraft, to support wildfire suppression and related missions. The pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command on assigned aircraft, conducting air-attack and Air Tactical Group Supervisor support, coordinating incident airspace, and completing reconnaissance and administrative flights. Flights may be conducted under VFR or IFR in Washington and neighboring states, including transport of personnel, parts, and equipment to improved and unimproved airports, internal cargo transport including hazardous materials, and operations in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires. The pilot maintains the aircraft in rapid-response readiness, completes inspections and upkeep, maintains flight reports and logs, secures aircraft and equipment, and reports on fire activity and other work. The position also participates in recurrent proficiency training and evaluations; performs field-level preventive maintenance and troubleshooting; and assists mechanics with inspections, repairs, and maintenance checks. The pilot helps train observers, ATGS personnel, and support crew in aircraft equipment, fueling, communications, maps and navigation, daily maintenance, cleaning, and sensor operations. Pre- and post-season duties include preparing aircraft for maintenance and storage, cleaning aircraft, assisting mechanics, and inspecting and preparing sensors. The position is part-time, permanent, and represented by WFSE. It is based in Tumwater, Washington. Work is principally in an office during winter and in office and field settings during fire season. Schedules may change with minimal notice. Considerable travel is required during fire season, with winter travel estimated at 10–25%; weekend and evening work is routine, and extensive travel is expected. The role requires working on uneven terrain in all weather and transporting or manipulating items weighing up to 45 pounds.

Requirements

At least 1,500 total airplane flight hours.
At least 1,200 airplane Pilot-in-Command flight hours.
At least 200 airplane Pilot-in-Command flight hours in the category and class to be flown.
At least 100 airplane Pilot-in-Command flight hours within the preceding 12 months.
At least 500 airplane Pilot-in-Command cross-country flight hours.
At least 200 airplane Pilot-in-Command flight hours in mountainous areas as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B.
At least 100 airplane Pilot-in-Command night flight hours.
At least 50 airplane Pilot-in-Command actual-in-flight instrument hours.
At least 75 airplane Pilot-in-Command actual or simulated instrument hours.
At least 25 Pilot-in-Command hours in the Daher Kodiak 100, or ability to receive 50 hours in the make and model within the first three months of hire.
Current FAA flight review under 14 CFR 61.56 or an FAA Pilot Proficiency Check under 14 CFR Part 135.
Professional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
Competent verbal and written professional communication skills.
Basic computer skills.
Commitment to fostering an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
Ability to perform duties consistently with applicable laws and regulations, comply with public-records-retention requirements, and ensure requests are followed.
Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions and to transport or manipulate packages, boxes, parts, or equipment weighing up to 45 pounds into or out of the aircraft.
Current valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience; license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Valid current FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate for airplane or Commercial Pilot certificate for airplane with Instrument Rating.
Valid FAA Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate through November of the current or upcoming fire season, renewed annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

100 airplane Pilot-in-Command flight hours in a Daher Kodiak 100.
50 flight hours in turbine-powered aircraft.
Pilot-in-Command experience under 14 CFR Parts 133, 135, or 137.
200 airplane Pilot-in-Command night flight hours.
FAA Certified Flight Instructor, US Military Instructor Pilot, and/or Instrument Flight Examiner qualification.
FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) qualification.
Interagency fixed-wing pilot card with mission approval for reconnaissance, mountainous terrain, low-level operations, air tactical operations, and back-country airstrips.
Incident Command System qualifications.
Kodiak/Daher Pilot Factory Training Course completed within the last 24 months.
Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS).

Responsibilities

Act as Pilot-in-Command of an assigned DNR Kodiak 100 supporting initial- and extended-attack wildfire suppression.
Provide Air Attack and ATGS support and coordinate Temporary Flight Restriction and Fire Traffic Area airspace before, during, and after incidents.
Coordinate airborne firefighting activity among multiple agency aircraft until supervision is transferred to the Incident Commander or another Air Tactical Group Supervisor takes over.
Conduct reconnaissance and administrative support flights, including VFR and IFR flights in Washington and bordering states.
Transport personnel, parts, and equipment to and from improved and unimproved airports, including internal transport of hazardous materials.
Conduct reconnaissance in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires.
Maintain assigned aircraft in rapid-response condition, including daily inspections, monitoring fuel levels, and keeping the aircraft clean.
Maintain aircraft flight reports and logs; periodically inventory and inspect assigned equipment; and secure aircraft and installed equipment.
Prepare reports on fire activity and other work performed.
Operate aircraft in compliance with DNR manuals and the Kodiak 100 series FAA-approved Pilot Operating Handbook or Flight Manual.
Participate in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations and assess flight-related documents for the Chief Pilot.
Perform field-level preventive maintenance and troubleshoot sensors and related equipment.
Assist aircraft mechanics with field inspections and repairs under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor.
Perform run-ups, flights for maintenance troubleshooting, and Maintenance Operational Checks that do not require a Maintenance Test Pilot.
Train observers, ATGS personnel, and support crew in safe use of aircraft support equipment, fueling, communications, map use and navigation, daily maintenance, aircraft cleaning, and sensor operations.
Prepare aircraft for scheduled maintenance and inspections, clean aircraft at the end of fire season, assist with maintenance actions, and prepare sensors for long-term storage.