Natural Resources Pilot - Pilot

Position: Natural Resources Pilot - NR Pilot
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* Working Title:

Natural Resources Pilot*
* ** Job Class: *
* ** Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources*
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** Job ** : 94031

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** Location** :
Brainerd

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** Telework Eligible** :
No

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** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Unlimited

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** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

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** Date Posted** : 05/12/2026

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** Closing Date** : 06/01/2026

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** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** :
Department of Natural Resources

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** Division/Unit** :
Enforcement/Aviation

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Rotating Shift

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** Days of Work** :
Varies

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** Travel Required** :
Yes

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** Salary Range:**  $31.26 - $46.15 / hourly; $65,270 - $96,361 / annually

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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** FLSA Status** :
Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
Yes

** The work you'll do is more than just a job.*
* At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This rotary airborne natural resource pilot provides resource protection within the Division of Enforcement, public safety, and provides professional aviation support to all other disciplines within the department.

Responsibilities of this position include:

+ Assist in providing aerial surveillance to ground-based law enforcement personnel for prevention, detection and apprehension of individuals involved in criminal activities relating to all authorized natural resource statutes and regulations so that an effective and efficient law enforcement program is maintained.

+ Provide pilot services and specialized flying techniques so that aircraft utilization is maximized within the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies as needed.

+ External load operations including, but not limited to helicopter firefighting bucket assistance and aerial herbicide applications.

+ Provide low-level single pilot operations as needed, including but not limited to helicopter fish stocking, animal surveys and search and rescue operations.

+ Establish flight planning and maintenance practices so that the aircraft is in a flight ready status.

+ Fulfill administrative duties as a member of the regional staff so that all aviation consulting, reporting and planning are conducted efficiently and effectively.

+ Properly use, maintain and store issued equipment and uniforms so that they are serviceable at all times.

+ Provide fixed-wing pilot support when not engaged in rotary operations. (If not dual rated at the time of appointment, training to commercial fixed-wing standards will be provided.)

** This vacancy is also being posted under Job  for those candidates who are eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) board. At the sole discretion of the hiring agency, this position has the potential for the applicant, if interested, to be trained and certified as a conservation officer pilot if certain peace officer licensing and other requirements are met.*
* ** Minimum Qualifications*
* Unrestricted FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate.

Minimum flight time of 1200 hours rotorcraft Pilot in Command (PIC) or 1000 hours PIC Single Pilot Rotorcraft Operations.

Instrument Rating.

Current First or Second class FAA Medical Certificate.

Ability to operate aircraft while looking for and recognizing ground-based activities. This could include searching for wildlife, lost persons, illegal activities environmental disasters, aerial firefighting, aerial application, etc.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Mathematical, oral and written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate legal and non-legal information.

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information.

If selected applicant only has rotor-craft rating at time of hire, additional rating training will be provided and required for fixed wing commercial add on.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* 1500 hours or more Rotorcraft PIC

Experience operating helicopter fire suppression (bucket) work.

Experience operating an aircraft for Natural Resources activities such as conducting aerial surveys and census of wildlife populations, photography, fire suppression, aerial applicator, and mapping for various lands use projects, and utilizing an aircraft for the stocking of fish in remote areas.

Working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, limitations and maintenance of both fixed and rotary winged aircraft as well as the…