Wing Line Pilot, Aircraft Pilot ; Airplane

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

Recruitment #2026-10-A281/A282

Part-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location:

Tumwater, WA

Salary: $6229.00 - $8374.00 Monthly

The Washington State, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Fixed Wing Line Pilot to join the Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. This position will fly the DNR’s first organic multi-mission fixed wing aircraft (MMA), using 2 Kodiak 100′s.

Aerial Firefighting Assignment / Air Attack

• 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 flights both VFR and IFR within Washington State and bordering states as required. Transporting personnel/parts/equipment to/from improved and unimproved airports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), and reconnaissance flights in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires.
• Maintains the assigned airplane in a rapid response status to support initial attack suppression actions, including daily aircraft inspections, oversight of aircraft fuel levels and aircraft cleanliness. Maintains aircraft flight reports and logs. Periodically inventories and inspects assigned equipment. Ensures security of aircraft and installed equipment.
• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.
• Flies/operates assigned aircraft within all limitations specified by WA DNR manuals, as well as in accordance with the Kodiak 100 series FAA approved Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) / Flight Manual.

Training and Evaluations

• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight related documents for the Chief Pilot.

Pilot Maintenance Actions

• Performs field level preventative maintenance on airplanes and related equipment. Performs troubleshooting step for sensors and related extraneous equipment. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs as needed. Performs run-ups or flights as needed for maintenance troubleshooting, as well as Maintenance Operational Checks (MOC) not requiring a Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).

Airplane Crew Interaction

• Assists with training observers, ATGS, and support crew members in:
  1) the safe employment of airplane support equipment,
  2) fuel trucks and aircraft fueling,
  3) visual and voice communications,
  4) map utilization and navigation,
  5) daily aircraft maintenance,
  6) proper techniques for cleaning aircraft, and
  7) sensor operations.

Pre and Post-season Duties

• Prepare airplanes for scheduled maintenance and inspections,
• Clean airplanes at the end of the fire season,
• Assist mechanics with certain maintenance actions,
• Perform sensor inspections/cleaning and readiness for long-term storage,
• Duties as Assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 1,500 Flight Hours total time
  - Airplane
• 1,200 Flight Hours Pilot-in-Command
  - Airplane
• 200 Flight Hours
  - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in category and class to be flown
• 100 Flight Hours
  - Airplane Pilot-in-Command within the preceding 12 months
• 500 Flight Hours
  - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Cross Country
• 200 Flight Hours
  - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B
  -…