Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot ; Airplane

Recruitment #2026-10-A211
Part‑time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location:

Tumwater, WA

Salary: $ 7,044.00 - $9,478.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/01/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Fixed Wing Instructor Pilot to join the Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. This position will instruct other pilots on the DNR’s organic multi-mission fixed wing aircraft (MMA), using 2 Kodiak 100’s.

Pilot Mentoring, Instruction, Training, and Evaluation

• Trains and evaluates the flight performance of up to 4 wildland aerial firefighter/fixed wing pilots. May be a participant in the process of recruitment, evaluation and selection for hiring the pilots in the DNR's Multi-Mission Aircraft fixed wing program.
• Conducts the initial training and evaluation of new pilots in accordance with all applicable Federal and WA State DNR regulations and publications.
• Evaluates the oral knowledge and flight performance of pilots and takes corrective action when necessary. Initiates corrective intervention as necessary through the Chief Pilot.
• Administers individual professional development plans for each fixed wing pilot developed by the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot.
• At the direction of the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot, conducts flight reviews in accordance with WA DNR ATM, conducts annual certifications of pilot levels for carding, ensures spot checks are conducted during the season on pilots' performance, and ensures that all pilots meet department, interagency and FAA Commercial Pilot in Command requirements.
• Serves as a fixed wing program safety representative and as an expert in coordination with the aviation safety manager to ensure that all airplane operations are performed to standard and safely.
• Coordinates with the aviation safety officer regarding entries into the SAFECOM, AVNCOM, and IRR programs.
• Ensures that department airplane pilots comply with standards found in the DNR's Aviation Plan, NWCG Interagency Pilot Certification Standards and Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Is responsible for assisting the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot in assessing and implementing the standards for department airplane operations and recommending changes to procedures and the program.
• Reviews, corrects, and submits required paperwork for self and employees.
• Recommends certification of department pilots IAW WA DNR Aviation Training Plan no less than annually to conduct department operations in department aircraft.
• As directed by the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot, develops, updates, and presents DNR airplane aviation training programs. This training focuses on high- and low-level airplane operations in mountainous terrain with an emphasis on fire mapping, size-up, clear and effective radio communications, precise and effective flight planning, along with unimproved runways.

• Functions as Pilot-in-Command of a DNR assigned Kodiak 100 supporting initial and extended attack wildfire suppression operations, including: 1.) Air Attack / ATGS support and 2.) Coordination of Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Fire Traffic Area (FTA) airspace before, during and after an incident. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with multiple agency aircraft until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or relieved by another Air Tactical Group Supervisor.
• Provides reconnaissance and admin flight support when assigned. Duties include planning and executing…