Rotorwing Aerial FirefighterUH-1H Aircraft Pilot 2

Responsibilities:

• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1H under various mission requirements including but not limited to: Passenger and equipment transportation survey and photography law enforcement support search and rescue.
• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1H helicopter supporting initial attack wildfire suppression operations including: 1) Helitack Crew insertions and 2) delivery of water/foam fire retardants using external buckets or tanks. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with the DNR Helicopter Manager assigned or until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or the Air Tactical Group Supervisor.
• Provides extended attack wildfire support when assigned. Duties include application of fire retardants recharging portable tanks for ground firefighting crews transporting personnel to/from unimproved and/or confined heliports internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials) reconnaissance flights over wildfires and delivering external cargo utilizing longlines and sling loads.
• Maintains the assigned helicopter in a rapid response status to support UH-1H missions assigned above or 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 proper equipment is onboard and available for passengers.
• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.
• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight-related documents for the Chief Pilot.
• Demonstrates knowledge of rules/regulations from multiple agencies pertinent to the position.
• Assists in the coordination/conduct of training activities/events and classes (site selection preparation risk mitigation). Able to present assigned classes in a group forum.
• Performs field-level preventative maintenance on helicopters and related equipment such as buckets long lines and tanks. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs.
• Assists maintenance personnel with general hangar upkeep (cleaning organizing repair etc.).
• Assists with training Helitack crew members in: 1) the safe employment of helicopter 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) bucket and longline operations.
• Assist with pre-season base preparation/resourcing
• Prepare helicopters for 150-hour inspections
• Clean helicopters at the end of the fire season
• Assist helicopter mechanics with certain maintenance actions
• Assist with the inventory of state and FEPP assets
• Perform bucket inspections/cleaning/disassembly and lubrication
• Perform long line inspections re-soldering repair and re-lashing
• Inspect cargo nets and swivels and clean vehicles
• Assists with post-season base closure
• Assist with vehicle personnel and equipment movement
• Duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications(Required Qualifications Update 12/15/25):

• Intermediate-level computer skills.
• 1500 Flight Hours Pilot in Command - Helicopter.
• 250 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Helicopter Turbine Aircraft.
• 200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command within the preceding 12 months or as approved by Appointing Authority/USFS/DOI.
• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Type II/III helicopter (<12500 lbs.).
• 25 Flight Hours Pilot in Command or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire in a Type II UH-1H helicopter or equivalent (B205 B212 B412).
• 10 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command of external load/Vertical Reference/Longline operations.
• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or an FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135 or Current Military APART.
• A Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced stressful environment.
• Consistently make sound decisions with little to no direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity equity inclusion and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation given by the DNR Chief Pilot or designated Pilot Trainer to the WA DNR Aviation Training Manual Standards
• Successfully meet all requirements for annual pilot agency qualification and OAS/USFS longline flight and oral evaluation (Including 75/150 ft. longlines buckets/cargo belly tank snorkel & mirror) to Interagency Practical Test standards within 3 months of hire then at a minimum triennially thereafter as directed by OAS/USFS in accordance with NWCG Standards for Interagency Cooperator Type 2 and 3 Helicopters (PMS 525-1).
• Possess a current and valid Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot - Helicopter or Commercial Pilot license Helicopter.
• Possess a current and valid Class 1 or 2 FAA Medical Certificate which is valid for the entire fire season (March through November of the current or upcoming fire season).
• Must successfully complete IAT online courses MH-1 MH-2 MH-3 and A-110 within 30 days of hire and then every 36 months thereafter.
• This position performs work principally under field conditions. Work schedules can be changed by agency supervisors with minimal notice. Must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to conduct pre-flight inspections including climbing in and on aircraft climbing ladders and climbing under aircraft. Must be able to lift packages boxes parts or equipment of up to 45 pounds for transport in aircraft.
• Considerable travel is required. The position requires traveling heavily within the state and sometimes in bordering states during fire season.
• A valid drivers license and two years of driving experience. Additionally DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended revoked or restricted (for example Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in UH-1 Huey Helicopters.
• 50 Hours Longline/Vertical Reference Pilot in Command Solo Flight Time.
• FAA Helicopter Instrument Rating with 50 hours of Helicopter Pilot in Command Instrument flight time logged.
• 14 CFR Part 133/135/137 Pilot in Command Helicopter experience.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor US Military Instructor Pilot and/or Instrument Flight Examiner Qualification.
• FAA Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot.
• Qualified (carded) as an Interagency Helicopter pilot with mission approval for:
  • Mountainous Terrain
  • Low-Level & Reconnaissance
  • Ext Load >50 Longline VTR
  • Snorkel / Mirror
  • Water / Retardant Bucket
• Qualified as a Washington DNR Aerial Wildland Firefighter Pilot Basic/Advanced/Trainer.
• Incident Command System Qualifications.
• Safety Management System (SMS) Familiarity.
• A Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating with Helicopter Instrument.

Application Requirements:(Failure to provide listed documents will result in disqualification.If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents please contact .)

• Apply online:at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest:describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required desired and special requirements.
• Resume:that details your experience and qualifications.
• References:References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers including your current or most recent supervisor.
• A copy of your current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight certificates (front and back).
• A copy of your Airline Transport Pilot or Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter
• A copy of your current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
• A copy of the last two (2) complete pages of your pilot logbook or official company flight record.
• A copy of your current flight review FAA pilot proficiency check or Military APART.
• A copy of your current state drivers license or US Passport.
• A copy of your FAA Verification of Certificate Privileges within the last 30 days.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Flight Instructor Certificates
• FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate Current
• USFS/DOI Pilot Card
• DNR Pilot Card

• Safety and Well-Being Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service We value and respect the public we serve and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving We solve our states most pressing challenges through innovative thinking dedication and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council Womens Employee Resource Group Veterans Employee Resource Group etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance paid holidays retirement plans sick leave and vacation days. Visit for more information.