Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/Maintenance Test Pilot

Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/Maintenance Test Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 
Part-time, Permanent, Represented position (40 hours per week – 7 months per year)
Location: Olympia, WA
Salary: $6,705.00 – $9,021.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity. Looking for a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career in Wildfire? The Wildland Fire Management Division – Aviation Section has an opening for an Aerial Wildland Firefighter Helicopter Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot. You will be responsible for safely piloting the aircraft at low altitudes and in mountainous terrain. The mission profile of our helicopters includes Bambi Bucket Water Drops and internal/external Cargo Delivery.  Additionally, you will perform fire reconnaissance, detection, photography, and Helitack Crew Insertion/Transport. Duties will also include performing post-maintenance test flights in the UH-1 Helicopter.

Responsibilities:

• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1 H 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.
• Functions as a Maintenance Test Pilot in UH-1H, performing post-maintenance test flights following manufacturer and DNR guidelines. Conducts Maintenance Test Flights to ensure the aircraft meets all department requirements prior to release for a “Safe for Flight” condition.
• 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 of external cargo utilizing longlines and sling loads.
• Maintains the assigned helicopter in a rapid response status to support 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,

Required Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Intermediate-level computer skills.
• Meets department aircraft pilot 2 qualifications.
• Current and qualified as an OEM Maintenance Test Pilot, US Military Maintenance Test Pilot, Experimental Test Pilot, or an agency/department-qualified Maintenance Test Pilot.
• 2,000 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 Type II/III helicopter.
• 100 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).
• 200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B – Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 500 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Helicopter Turbine Aircraft.
• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command external load/Vertical Reference/Longline operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.