Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter​/UH-Aircraft Pilot

Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/UH-1H Aircraft Pilot 2

Recruitment #

Part‑time (30‑40 hours per week), Permanent, represented position (WFSE).

Location:

Olympia, WA. Salary: $35.10 – $47.18 hourly. Review of applications ongoing; position may close at any time after 11/20/25.

DNR Wildland Fire Management Division – Aviation Section seeks an Aerial Wildland Firefighter Helicopter Pilot to operate UH‑1H helicopters for wildfire suppression, including bucket water drops, cargo delivery, fire reconnaissance, and Helitack crew insertion/transport in mountainous terrain.

• Serve as Pilot in Command of the assigned UH‑1H for missions including passenger transport, search and rescue, law‑enforcement support, and initial attack wildfire suppression.
• Operate water/foam retardants from external buckets or tanks, coordinate with DNR Helicopter Manager or Incident Commander.
• Perform fire reconnaissance, detection, photography and provide Helitack crew insertion and transport.
• Maintain aircraft in rapid response status: daily inspections, fuel, cleanliness, flight reports and logs.
• Prepare and submit reports of fire activities and other work performed.
• Participate in proficiency flights, evaluations, and credentialing with the Chief Pilot.
• Assist in training of Helitack crew on mission equipment, communications, navigation, and maintenance.
• Support field maintenance of helicopters and related equipment under direction of Maintenance Supervisor.
• Perform assigned duties as required.

• Current FAA commercial pilot certificate with rotorcraft/heli rating and pilot instrument rating.
• Minimum 1,500 flight hours as Pilot in Command – helicopter; 250 flight hours as P/IC in helicopter turbine aircraft.
• Minimum 200 flight hours as P/IC in mountainous areas (14 CFR 95 Subpart
  
  B).
• Minimum 100 flight hours as P/IC in the preceding 12 months.
• Minimum 10 flight hours P/IC of external load/vertical reference/longline operations.
• FAA current flight review IAW 14 CFR 61.56; or FAA pilot proficiency check 14 CFR Part 135; or Current Military APART.
• Class 1 or Class 2 FAA medical certificate valid for entire fire season.
• Strong communication, decision‑making, teamwork, and EEO‑compliant aviation skills.
• Interpersonal skills and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Annual DNR flight and oral evaluation by the Chief Pilot.
• Annual pilot qualification and longline evaluation to Interagency practical test standards within 3 months of hire and at a minimum triennially.
• Current and valid Airline Transport Pilot – helicopter or Commercial Pilot license – helicopter.
• Current valid Class 1 or Class 2 FAA medical certificate for the entire fire season (March–November).
• Complete IAT online courses within 30 days of hire and every 36 months thereafter.
• Field work: uneven terrain, all‑weather, pre‑flight inspections, climb ladders, lift up to 45 lb.
• Considerable travel within Washington and surrounding states.
• Valid driver’s license with 2 years driving experience and no suspension or restriction.

• 1,000 flight hours P/IC in UH‑1H.
• 50 hours longline/vertical reference pilot P/IC.
• FAA helicopter instrument rating with 50 h P/IC instrument.
• FAA certified flight instructor or instructor pilot qualifications.
• Qualified interagency helicopter pilot for mountainous terrain, low‑level reconnaissance, and load operations.
• Incident Command System qualifications, safety management system familiarity.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, veterans, and people with military status are encouraged to apply. Veterans may attach DD‑214 or other verification of military service.

• Apply online eers.wa.gov.
• Letter of interest describing qualifications.
• Resume detailing experience and qualifications.
• References (optional) – list of at least three…