Aircraft Pilot - Wildland Fire Pilot; PCN

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is recruiting Wildland Fire Pilot – Palmer, Alaska

What You Will Be Doing

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Aviation Section is recruiting an Aircraft Pilot 1 to support Alaska’s busy fire season. You will travel throughout the state to provide tactical fire missions, including low‑level birddog, lead plane, and ASM assignments, as well as logistical support for preparedness and fire activity. Previous fire experience is desired, but training will be provided to qualified applicants.

The State’s Division of Forestry and Fire Protection provides fire protection and related aviation management across 150 million acres of land throughout Alaska, aiming to deliver safe, cost‑effective, and efficient services while upholding values that protect natural resources and human life on state, private, and municipal lands.

• You will be part of something greater than yourself
• You will have a sense of family and civic purpose
• You will gain useful knowledge within the fire and aviation industry

Position is based in Palmer, AK. Fire operations are dynamic and fast‑paced, requiring great attention to detail and strict safety standards.

• Stress Tolerance – Deals calmly and effectively with high‑stress situations.
• Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving – Applies a logical, systematic approach to address problems.
• Decision Making – Makes sound, well‑informed decisions, even in uncertain situations.
• Risk Management – Knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation principles.

• Current FAA Commercial Pilot’s License with Instrument Rating.
• Class II Medical Certificate.
• Resume documenting prior fire experience.
• Current Operating Certificate as PIC of aircraft appropriate for Alaskan operations.
• Minimum flight hours: 1 500 total, 1 200 PIC, 75 instrument, 100 in the last 12 months, and 250 hours of Alaskan experience or equivalent. Desired: 200 multi‑engine hours.

As part of the examination process, a flight check and approval from a certified flight instructor for the specific aircraft model are required.

• FAA Commercial Pilot’s License with Instrument Rating.
• Class II Medical Certificate.
• Resume with prior fire experience.

• Simulator training certificates for the past 3 years.
• Three professional references.
• Pilot logbook.

• Pilots must hold a Commercial certificate, instrument rating, multi‑engine rating, and Class II medical. Minimum requirements are 1 500 total hours, 1 200 PIC, 75 instrument, 100 in the last 12 months, and 250 hours of Alaskan experience or equivalent. Desired: 200 multi‑engine hours.
• Pilot responsibility includes ensuring aircraft preparedness and safe operation in adverse conditions per FAA regulations, interagency guidelines, and Division policies.
• Frequent travel within Alaska is required.
• Commitment to long hours, never exceeding 14 hours per duty day.
• Ability to work and sometimes stay in remote locations for extended periods.

You can only apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions are available on the Workplace Alaska

How to Apply

webpage. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.

Applicants must answer the supplemental questions, rating proficiency for each competency listed. Proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery.

Complete the Education section if post‑secondary education is required. If a degree is not obtained yet, indicate completed units. Transcripts are required for verification.

Foreign qualifications may be considered if evaluated by a recognized credential evaluator and deemed equivalent to U.S. education. Provide evidence when applying.

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