The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Business Services Bureau is recruiting to fill two Aircraft Pilot vacancies.
These positions will be stationed at one of the following DNR aircraft hangars:
Siren
Madison
In Addition: This recruitment may be used for any similar vacancy at other DNR aircraft hangars that become available in the future. Therefore, when you apply, please select all locations in which you are interested in working.
Remote work will be available after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need and varies seasonally.
Find a meaningful and rewarding career with the DNR! The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our residents. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin we serve. We offer training and career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment.
This position’s primary purpose is to perform a variety of resource management activities as part of the Department’s Aeronautics program. These responsibilities include forest fire detection and suppression; detection of game and fish and other law enforcement violations; and environmental protection activities, including monitoring and survey work. The position also performs reconnaissance flights for a variety of natural resources management activities, as well as for public safety.
This position is key to public safety and security and requires the incumbent to meet and maintain the physical fitness test standards required for all Department protective positions. The principal duties of the position require active fire suppression duties which require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and also require a high degree of physical conditioning. This position is available for fire suppression, pre-suppression, and prevention duties year-round.
See a detailed position description.
Starting pay is $36.00 - $39.00 per hour ($74,880.00 - $81,120.00 annually).
This position is in the Aircraft Pilot Classification within Pay Schedule/Range 06-63. A 12-month probation period may be required.
These positions are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.
The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:
Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage).
Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.
FAA Medical Certificate: At the time of hire, applicants must possess a current and valid FAA first or second-class medical certificate without limitations that would preclude the ability of the pilot to perform all DNR missions.
Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.
Eligibility to work in United States: The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.
Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required.
Work Schedule: This position must be able to occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours.
Remote Work: Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Remote work approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs.
Please make sure to address and describe EACH of the following qualifications applicable to your experience within your resume and/or letter of qualifications to be considered for this position:
To be minimally qualified for this position, candidates will have all of the following:
Current commercial pilot certificate issued by the FAA
FAA certificate with class rating for single-engine land plus instrument rating
Minimum of 1200 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time
Minimum of 100 hours of Nighttime
Minimum of 50 hours of Instrument time
Minimum of 200 hours of Cross-Country time
Work experience related to at least one of the following types of DNR projects assigned for non-flight time:
Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Biologist
Fire Suppression (including prescribed burns), Heavy Equipment Operation,
Incident Commander, Radio Communications Specialist
Inventory Management, equipment maintenance
Law enforcement/public safety
Geographical information systems (GIS)
Best-qualified applicants will also possess the following preferred qualifications:
Tail-wheel endorsement with 25 hours of related PIC time
Multi-engine rating with at least 100 hours of associated PIC time
Flight experience (as part of an on-going role) related to any of the following:
Natural resources reconnaissance or biological surveys
Law Enforcement / Public Safety Operations / Rescue or Disaster Relief
Fire Detection and/or Suppression
Aerial Photography
Low Altitude
If viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 17322 to complete your application for this posting. Current state employees, including those with Career Executive status, must apply through STAR ESS. Former permanent classified state employees must apply through Wisc.Jobs.
The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your resume and letter of qualifications are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.
For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Andrew Wenninger at [email protected] or 608/419-6009.
Disabled Veterans: Qualified veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability are eligible for non-competitive appointment to permanent positions in classified civil service under s 230.275 WI Stats. Email the HR contact listed in this announcement for information on how to apply under this provision.
The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. central standard time on Monday, March 31, 2025.