Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.
The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.
Core Values:
We value and respect each other.
We create collaborative work environments.
We build and maintain strong relationships.
We practice accountability.
We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work.
Job Overview:
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 after evaluating mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively. Duties also include coordinating mission preparation, administration, compliance and post-action documentation activities to ensure preparedness in carrying out fixed wing requirements in adherence to applicable state and federal regulations. The incumbent reports to the Air Operations Program Manager and does not supervise other Aviation Unit Staff.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
Airplane Operations
Perform fixed wing mission flights piloting light fixed wing to support agency wildfire suppression and other resource management activities including operating support equipment, maintaining communication, performing air transport, providing reconnaissance and observation and ensuring proper pre- and post-flight procedures are followed in accordance with departmental policies and applicable state and federal laws.
Pre-Flight Assessment, Preparation & Planning
Evaluate air operations mission requirements to plan for all aspects of operations and to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to carry out wildfire suppression and related activities safely and effectively according to applicable laws and departmental policies.
Mission Preparation and Regulatory/Departmental Compliance
Coordinate mission preparation, administration and compliance activities to ensure preparedness to carry out fixed wing requirements and ensure adherence to applicable state and federal regulations including maintenance and repair activities; maintaining proficiency in aircraft and related equipment; attending training and education; maintaining physiological preparedness; ensuring proper post-flight procedures are followed; and performing administrative tasks such as billing and mission/aircraft documentation.
Other Duties as Assigned
Perform a variety of other professional maintenance, piloting or program administration duties as assigned by the Air Operations Program Manager in support of ongoing the Air Operation’s mission and objectives. This includes managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup for other staff, participating in ongoing training and educational programs as directed, coordinating special events, and a variety of other duties as directed by supervisors.
APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE:
Online [Company] application
Resume
Cover Letter
HELPFUL HINT: You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application.
Benefits:
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
Retirement Plans
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the [Company] may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!
*If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at [email protected]
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
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).
The position requires the following certifications:
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.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
The position requires an advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of fixed wing flight; aircraft maintenance and inspection; and aircraft test program administration. The position requires knowledge of advanced fixed wing aircraft maintenance and repair methods and specifications; DNRC aviation program and resources; aviation procurement specifications and policies; FAA, Agriculture USFS, and state laws, policies, and operating procedures; the use of aircraft and aviation equipment in fire and forest management; specialized supply and equipment procurement processes; special knowledge of the Kodiak 900 and Cessna C-T206HD airplanes; specialized mission piloting techniques such as low altitude flying, Infrared Mission Sensor operations and techniques, instrument flying, mountain flying, and landing aircraft in adverse conditions; meteorological conditions and fire behavior and their impact on aviation; and contract administration.
The work requires skill in the operation of specialized aircraft and aircraft components; low-altitude and speed and mountain flying; performing detailed inspections; organizing and reviewing the work of others; troubleshooting maintenance malfunctions; piloting aircraft under adverse conditions; and in specialized piloting techniques including test flight, low altitude and high-density altitude flying, etc.
The position requires the ability to make quick and sound decisions regarding mission risk assessment and airworthiness that directly impact human safety; assess complex and rapidly changing technological issues; communicating effectively; and quickly and accurately making operational decisions.
The incumbent must remain qualified in the following aircraft: Fixed Wing: Kodiak 900 and Cessna T206HD Aircraft
SPECIAL INFORMATION: 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 completed 36 months.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: 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. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"
Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: Not Applicable
Salary: $
40.64 - 40.64 Hourly