Aircraft Pilot - Wing Pilot

Position Title

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.

This position is the Fixed Wing Pilot and is responsible for performing fixed wing mission flights piloting light fixed wing turboprop and reciprocating aircraft to support agency wildfire suppression and other resource management activities in accordance with departmental policies and applicable laws. Duties include coordinating mission preparation, administration, compliance, and post-action documentation activities.

• Airplane Operations:
  Perform fixed wing mission flights supporting wildfire suppression, resource management, air transport, reconnaissance, and observation; maintain communication and pre/post‑flight procedures.
• Pre‑Flight Assessment, Preparation & Planning:
  Evaluate mission requirements, plan operations, ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out activities safely and effectively.
• Mission Preparation and Regulatory/Departmental Compliance:
  Coordinate preparation, administration, and compliance activities, including maintenance, proficiency training, physiological preparedness, post‑flight procedures, billing and documentation.

• Online State of Montana application
• Resume

The required knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a FAA approved or military flight school; commercial instrument rating; and three years progressively responsible mission experience (including high‑risk flying such as fire suppression).

• Current and Valid FAA Commercial certificate (fixed wing land or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate in Airplanes with Instrument Airplane and Single Engine ratings).
• Must hold a current and valid FAA Class I or II Medical certificate.

Fixed Wing:
Kodiak 900 and Cessna T206HD
Aircraft

• Total Flying Time: 1,500 hours
• Pilot in Command (PIC): 1,500 hours
• Single Engine Airplane: 500 hours
• Night flying (RW or FW): 100 hours
• In Category and Class—last 12 Months: 100 hours
• Extended Cross‑country: 200 hours
• PIC Terrain‑Mountainous: 200 hours
• Model & Class to flown: 25 hours
• Last Sixty days: 10 hours

• Advanced knowledge of fixed wing flight principles, aircraft maintenance and inspection, and aircraft test program administration.
• Knowledge of advanced fixed wing aircraft maintenance, DNRC aviation program, procurement policies, FAA, Agriculture USFS, state laws, and fire and forest management aviation.
• Specialized mission piloting techniques: low altitude flying, infrared mission sensor operations, instrument flying, mountain flying, and landing in adverse conditions.
• Ability to make quick and sound decisions regarding mission risk assessment and airworthiness.
• Strong communication and operational decision‑making skills.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent 36 months.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States.

$40.64 per hour (Hourly)

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Stacey Gabrio | Stacey.

Gabrio |

The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.