CPW Aircraft PILOT​/Wildlife PILOT Grand Junction

Position Overview:

This position is a pilot and maintenance role focused on providing aerial observation and data collection for Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The pilot operates a Cessna 185 aircraft and other aircraft as needed to gather information and data through direct observations and remote sensing.

• Medical and dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre‑tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Employee wellness programs
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote‑work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Fly aircraft at low levels and within narrow safety tolerances so managers and researchers can observe, count, document, radio track, and transplant wildlife. Observe land, streams, rivers, and lakes for habitat value and improvement projects. Support law enforcement enforcement of regulations. Assist in search and rescue operations. Operations may be single‑pilot or include passengers. The position works without direct supervision, assuming responsibility for completing projects as agreed upon with the supervisor in accordance with CPW’s mission.

Responsible for maintaining all administrative records and reporting of records to required business processes. Operates aircraft data logging equipment, including telemetry receivers, GPS, cameras, multiple radios, radar altimeters, and traffic avoidance systems.

Fly aircraft at low levels within narrow safety tolerances to stock fish from the airplane in mountain lakes confined by rugged terrain at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 13,500 feet above sea level. Transport fish eggs to and from hatcheries. Coordinate with hatcheries to develop flight plans, locations, and time frames to stock fish. Maintain all administrative records and reporting of records to required business processes.

Coordinate with supervisor to maintain an aircraft, hangar, and associated components in accordance with Federal air regulations parts 43 and 91, staying within cost‑center limits. Formulate bid specifications for aircraft remanufacture, engine, and propeller replacement. Schedule maintenance needs in advance for budget planning. Submit invoices for payment, input credit‑card expenses, and reconcile receipts. Ensure aircraft logbook entries are complete and accurate.

Install and remove equipment from the aircraft, such as telemetry antennas and devices, infrared cameras, photographic cameras, fish stocking tanks, and other equipment in compliance with regulations. Clean, organize, and perform non‑specialized maintenance on hangars. Instruct technicians on proper use and operation of telemetry receivers and other data‑gathering equipment. Maintain survival and safety gear and ensure the aircraft is clean and mechanically aesthetic.

Coordinate with supervisor and CPW employees to schedule flights, resolve scheduling conflicts, upload and download necessary data to GPS equipment and telemetry receivers, and transfer information to biologists and passengers as necessary.

Completes additional non‑pilot duties as assigned by supervisor to further the mission of CPW. Consults with the supervisor to arrange projects for times between flight duties.

Other duties as directed by the supervisor.

• Current, valid certification as a commercial pilot
• One thousand (1000) hours of logged pilot‑in‑command (PIC) flying time, including at least five hundred hours of logged mountain flying experience

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience
• Wildlife related education or background
• Wildlife pilot competencies
  • At least two thousand (2000) hours total logged pilot‑in‑command time in fixed‑wing aircraft
  • 200 hours of…