Rotorwing Aerial FirefighterB206L4, Aircraft Pilot 2

Responsibilities:

• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned B206L4 under various mission requirements including but not limited to: passenger and equipment transportation survey and photography law enforcement support search and rescue and incident helicopter coordination (HELCO).
• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1 H secondary if trained/qualified helicopter suppression initial attack wildfire supporting 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 rigid response status to support B206L4 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.
• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command within the preceding 12 months.
• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Type II/III helicopter.
• 25 Flight Hours Pilot in Command or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire in a Type III 206L4 helicopter or equivalent.
• 200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 250 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Helicopter Turbine Aircraft.
• 10 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command of external load/Vertical Reference/Longline operations.
• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or a 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 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
• 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.
• Pass annual DNR pilot check ride for aircraft/fire operations within 3 months of hire then annually thereafter and USFS/DOI pilot check ride within 4 months then triennially thereafter.
• About 50% of work is office-oriented and 50% is field-oriented at locations throughout the State. Must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to work long hours (up to 12 days straight 14 hours straight and 8 hours of flight) particularly during the summer months with frequent overtime related to fire suppression emergencies.
• Considerable travel is required. The incumbent in this position is required to travel heavily within the state 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 a B206 variant and/or 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.
• US Military trained Instructor Pilot (IP) Standardization Instructor Pilot (SP) Instrument Examiner (IE).
• FAA Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot.
• Qualified as a Washington DNR Aerial Wildland Firefighter Pilot Aircraft Pilot 2 or greater.
• 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).
• 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 U.S. 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.