Working Title: NR Pilot
Job Class: Natural Resources Pilot
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 91060
Location: Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Intermittent
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 01/10/2026
Closing Date: 01/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes
Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This Forestry Natural Resource Pilot provides resource protection within the Division of Forestry, public safety, and provides professional aviation support to all other disciplines within the department.

Responsibilities of this position include:

Provide pilot services and specialized flying techniques so that aircraft utilization is maximized within the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies as needed.
Establish flight planning and maintenance practices so that the aircraft is in a flight ready status.
Fulfill administrative duties as a member of the regional staff so that all aviation consulting, reporting and planning are conducted efficiently and effectively.
Properly use, maintain and store issued equipment so that they are always serviceable.
Provide fixed-wing pilot support for wildfire suppression and detection, aerial photography, and passenger transport.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Pilots must possess a valid FAA commercial pilot certificate or ATP and appropriate aircraft ratings.
Flight Experience:

All Airplanes Minimum Experience Flight Hours

Total Time Airplanes 1500
Pilot-in-command in Airplanes 1200
Category and Class to be flown 200
Turbine Time in Airplanes 150
Make and Model to be flown 25
Cross Country 500
Operations in Typical Terrain 200
Night 100
Instrument in Flight 50
Instrument-Actual/simulated 75

Instrument Rating

Pilots must possess a valid First or Second Class FAA medical certificate. to conduct Commercial Pilot Operations
Ability to operate aircraft while looking for and recognizing ground-based activities. This could include searching for wildlife, lost persons, illegal activities, environmental disasters, aerial firefighting, aerial application, etc.
Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.
Mathematical, oral and written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate legal and non-legal information.
Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information.

Newly hired Division of Forestry pilots must have their flying skills evaluated in the aircraft appropriate to the mission for which they were hired, and pass an initial agency flight check by the Division’s Lead Pilot.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating an aircraft for Natural Resources activities such as conducting aerial surveys and census of wildlife populations, photography, fire suppression, aerial applicator, and mapping for various lands use projects.
Working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, limitations and maintenance of both fixed winged aircraft as well as the specialized equipment used for various natural resource missions.
Ability to operate an aircraft in specialized manners such as from = unimproved strips sufficient to meet the needs of all disciplines within the department.
Remote Pilot Certificate
Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic preferably with Inspection Authorization (IA).
Experience in FAA Part 135 Operations as Director of Operations or Director of Maintenance.
Completed factory training for Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft.
Fixed Wing-Preceding 12 months (May be waived by hiring authority) 100 Hours
Preceding 60 days (May be waived with an agency check ride) 10 Hours

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Matthew Woodwick at matthew.woodwick@state.mn.us or 218-821-9742.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.