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Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/Maintenance Test Pilot

WA Dept. of Natural Resources
Full-time
On-site
Thurston County, WA
$80,460 - $108,252 USD yearly
Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/Maintenance Test Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 
Recruitment #2024-10-7409
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.


This position requires a motivated individual who works effectively in a team environment but also possesses the ability to operate and make split-second decisions independently. You will be required to communicate effectively with aircrew, ground resources, maintenance personnel, and other aerial resources to accomplish your objectives. The ability to multitask is paramount, as you will be monitoring and communicating on multiple radio frequencies both en route, and while actively engaged in Wildfire Suppression.

Duties
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,
Clean helicopters at the end of the fire season,
Assist helicopter mechanics with certain maintenance actions,
Assist with 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.
Qualifications
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.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties 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



Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:About 50% of work is office-oriented, and 50% is field-oriented at locations throughout the State.
Considerable travel is required.
A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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. 
Longline/Vertical Reference/External Load Qualified/Endorsed with at least 10 hours as Pilot-in-Command.
A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating with Helicopter Instrument and 2,000 hours PIC time in helicopters.
A current FAA Class I or II flight physical (current at the time of initial hiring and renewed thereafter between December and March).
A current flight review meeting 14 CFR 61.56 (a) & (c) standards & minimums or a 14 CFR Part 135 Pilot Proficiency Check within 24 months or military APART.
Maintain currency (every 36 months) of Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Online requirements. Courses: A-110, MH1, MH2, & MH3.
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.
Complete WA DNR Maintenance Test Pilot Course and Flight Evaluation within 3 months of hire.


Desired Qualifications:200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in UH-1 Huey Helicopters.
2 years of aviation maintenance management experience.
50 Hours Longline/Vertical Reference Pilot in Command Solo Flight Time.
US Military trained Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).
50 hours minimum of Helicopter Pilot in Command Instrument flight time logged.
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) Familiarly.



Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: (Failure to provide listed documents will result in disqualification.)
Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
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 driver's license or US Passport.
A copy of 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 info@governmentjobs.com 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.


Optional attachments:Flight Instructor Certificates
Maintenance Certifications
Manufacturers Qualifications / Certifications
FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
USFS/DOI Pilot Card
DNR Pilot Card



Questions?  Please contact Rich Knoth at 360-764-6494/rich.knoth@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov


Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.


About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values: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 state’s 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.


DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s 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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.


Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.


Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!


Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.


Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.