Fixed-Wing Line Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 2 (Airplane)
Recruitment #2026-10-A281/A282
Part-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Tumwater, WA

Salary: $6229.00 - $8374.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/01/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Fixed Wing Line Pilot to join the Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. This position will fly the DNR’s first organic multi-mission fixed wing aircraft (MMA), using 2 Kodiak 100’s.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Aerial Firefighting Assignment / Air Attack

• Functions as Pilot-in-Command of a DNR assigned Kodiak 100 supporting initial and extended attack wildfire suppression operations, including: 1.) Air Attack / ATGS support and 2.) Coordination of Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Fire Traffic Area (FTA) airspace before, during, and after an incident. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with multiple agency aircraft until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or relieved by another Air Tactical Group Supervisor.

• Provides reconnaissance and admin flight support when assigned. Duties include planning and executing flights both VFR and IFR within Washington State and bordering states as required. Transporting personnel/parts/equipment to/from improved and unimproved airports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), and reconnaissance flights in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires.

• Maintains the assigned airplane in a rapid response status to support 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 security of aircraft and installed equipment.

• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.

• Flies/operates assigned aircraft within all limitations specified by WA DNR manuals, as well as in accordance with the Kodiak 100 series FAA approved Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) / Flight Manual.

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Training and Evaluations

• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight related documents for the Chief Pilot.

Pilot Maintenance Actions

• Performs field level preventative maintenance on airplanes and related equipment. Performs troubleshooting step for sensors and related extraneous equipment. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs as needed. Performs run-ups or flights as needed for maintenance troubleshooting, as well as Maintenance Operational Checks (MOC) not requiring a Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).

Airplane Crew Interaction

• Assists with training observers, ATGS, and support crew members in: 1) the safe employment of airplane 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) sensor operations.

Pre and Post-season Duties

• Prepare airplanes for scheduled maintenance and inspections,

• Clean airplanes at the end of the fire season,

• Assist mechanics with certain maintenance actions,

• Perform sensor inspections/cleaning and readiness for long-term storage,

• Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application materials that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• 1,500 Flight Hours total time - Airplane

• 1,200 Flight Hours Pilot-in-Command - Airplane

• 200 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in category and class to be flown

• 100 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command within the preceding 12 months

• 500 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Cross Country

• 200 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B- Designated Mountainous Areas

• 100 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Night Flight

• 50 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument - actual in flight

• 75 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument - actual/simulated

• 25 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Make and Model (Daher, Kodiak 100), or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire.

• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or a FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135

Required Competencies:

• Professional Interpersonal Skills

• Accustomed to functioning collaboratively with peers in a fast paced, stressful environment.

• Accustomed to consistently making sound decisions with little direct supervision.

• Competent professional communication skills both verbally and written.

• Basic Computer Skills.

• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.

• DNR Core Competencies:

  • Personal Accountability

  • Value Others

  • Compassionate Communication

  • Inspire Others

  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• This position performs work principally under office conditions in the winter and an office/field conditions during the fire season. Work schedules can be changed by agency supervisors with minimal notice. Requires the ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to transport and/or manipulate packages, boxes, parts, or equipment of up to 45 pounds into or out of the aircraft for transport.

• Considerable travel is required during fire season. The incumbent in this position is required to travel heavily within the state during fire season. Travel during winter months can be 10-25% of the time. Weekend and evening work is routine and includes extensive travel.

• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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.

• Possess a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) - Airplane or Commercial Pilot license - Airplane with Instrument Rating.

• Possess a valid Class 1 or 2 FAA Medical Certificate which is valid through November of the current or upcoming fire season and then renewed annually thereafter.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, they can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application materials.

• 100 Flight Hours Airplane Pilot-in-Command in Daher, Kodiak 100

• 50 Flight Hours in Turbine Powered Aircraft

• 14 CFR Part 133/135/137 Pilot-in-Command experience

• 200 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Night Flight

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor, US Military Instructor Pilot, and/or Instrument Flight Examiner Qualification

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

• Qualified (carded) as an lnteragency fixed wing pilot with mission approval for:
  1. Recon
  2. Mountainous Terrain
  3. Low Level
  4. Air Tactical
  5. Back Country Airstrip

• Incident Command System Qualifications

• Kodiak/Daher Pilot Factory Training Course in the
  last 24 months

• Safety Management System (SMS) Familiarity