Description
Chief Pilot - Fixed Wing, WFPC2
Recruitment #2022-9-A188
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Chief Pilot – Fixed Wing to join the Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. This position will develop, resource, train, and provide oversight for the DNR’s first organic fixed wing program using 2 Kodiak 100 Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA).
Duties
Responsibilities:
Pilot Supervision, Program Development & Flying
Supervises up to 6 wildland aerial firefighter/Fixed Wing pilots. Is an integral participant in the process of recruitment, evaluation and selection for hiring pilots in the DNR\'s light fixed wing fire suppression program;
Conducts the initial training and evaluation of new pilots and makes recommendations for hire;
Evaluates the work of pilots and takes corrective action when necessary. Initiates corrective intervention as necessary;
Serves as an Instructor, Trainer, and Maintenance pilot when assigned;
Develops and administers individual performance development plans (PDP) for each fixed wing pilot;
Conducts flight reviews in accordance with WA DNR ATM, conducts annual certifications of pilot levels for carding, ensures spot checks are conducted during the season on pilot performance, and ensures that all pilots meet department, interagency and FAA Commercial Pilot in command requirements;
Serves as the fixed wing programs first line safety representative and as an expert in coordination with the aviation safety officer, to ensure that all fixed wing operations are performed safely;
Coordinates with the aviation safety officer regarding entries into the SAFECOM, AVNCOM and IRR programs;
Ensures that department fixed wing pilots comply with standards found in: the DNR\'s Aviation Plan, DNR Aviation Training Manual, NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision Operations, and Federal Aviation Regulations;
Is responsible for assessing and implementing the standards for department fixed wing operations and recommending program changes;
Reviews, corrects, and submits required paperwork for self and employees;
Serves as the Daily Aircraft Duty Officer when assigned.
Operations/Logistics
Develops and implements pilot scheduling, rotations, reliefs, and replacements during the season. Ensures the Fixed Wing Pilot Rotation Plan (PRP) is disseminated on a regular basis to pilots and supervisors.
Coordinates for the opening and closing of DNR bases in regards to supplies and required equipment. Works closely with Helitack and Fuel section to reposition vehicles and personnel as required during the season.
Coordinates with the Aircraft Operations Manager and Maintenance Program Specialist on yearly program operational requirements for the pre and post season
Program development
Serves as subject matter expert for Fixed Wing use within the DNR;
Assists in design and modification of Fixed Wing and their support systems including: avionics, navigation equipment and external hardware;
Serves as the spokesman for all pilots regarding modifications of the aircraft;
Maintains manuals and documentation for fixed wing operations and aircrew training;
With the AMS certifies new aircraft equipment as Safe for Flight prior to release for incident operations.
Duties as assigned
Pre-Season base preparation and resourcing;
Serves as an DNR Qualified Maintenance Test Pilot for aircraft certification IAW Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) State policies, FAA regulations and Procedures;
Conduct inspections as required for ALSE, first aid kits, survival kits, PFD, fire shelters, and life boats;
Maintains accountability of assigned equipment;
Assist in aviation equipment inspections as required.
Assist with program contracting when assigned. Includes writing solicitations for acquiring new equipment
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
2 years’ experience managing/training 5 or more pilots and aviation operations as an FAA Part 135 Asst. Chief Pilot, Check Airman and/or Chief Pilot, Public Aircraft Operations Instructor Pilot, Asst. Chief Pilot or Chief Pilot, Law Enforcement Asst. Chief/Chief Pilot, or as an U.S. Military Instructor/ Standardization Pilot.
Intermediate computer skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
2,500 Flight Hours Pilot in Command – 1500 in Airplanes.
100 Flight Hours – Fixed Wing Pilot in Command within the preceding 12 months or as approved by Chief of Air Operations.
200 Flight Hours – Mountainous Terrain Flying in an Airplane.
100 Flight Hours – Fixed Wing Turbine Time.
Airplane Mountain flying endorsement from an accredited flight school or agency.
25 Flight Hours Pilot in Command or the ability to receive 25 hours within the first 6 months of hire in a Kodiak 100.
200 Flight Hours of Night and/or Night Vision Google.
500 Flight hours of Dual Given Certified Flight Instructor experience.
Ability to function collaboratively with peer in a fast paced, stressful environment.
Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Conditions of Employment:
A valid driver’s license and 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.
A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP with Instrument Rating Single Engine Land with 2,500 hours Pilot in Command logged.
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 FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor rating for Single Engine Airplanes (CFI/CFII). Renewed every 24 months.
A current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
A current flight review meeting 14 CFR 61.56 (a) & (c) standards & minimums or a 14 CFR Part 135Pilot Proficiency Check within 24 months or military APART.
Maintain currency (every 36 months) of Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Online requirements. Courses: A-110, MTN FLY, MH1, MH2, & MH3. (within 3 months of fire).
Pass annual DNR instructor pilot check ride for aircraft/fire operations within 2 months of hire then annually thereafter and USFS/DOI pilot check ride within 3 months then triennially thereafter.
Successfully complete WA DNR Trainer/Instructor Pilot Course and Flight Evaluation within 3 months of hire.
Successfully complete WA DNR Maintenance Test Pilot Course within 12 months of hire.
About 50% of work is office oriented, and 50% is field oriented at locations throughout the State. Occasionally may travel outside the State in support of other State agencies.
Considerable travel is required.
Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.
Desired Qualifications:
100 Flight Hours Kodiak 100 Pilot in Command.
Program Management experience in Aviation.
Recent Fire Experiences as an Air Attack Platform Pilot in Command.
Experience operating under Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) either State or Federal.
250 hours minimum of Fixed Wing Pilot in Command Instrument flight time logged.
14 CFR Part 135/137/PAO/LEO Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief, Evaluator or Check Pilot Fixed Wing experience.
FAA Airplane Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).
1 year FAA 14 CFR 107 sUAS Commercial vendor experience operating.
Incident Command System Qualifications
Moderate or above experience in the operation and training of airborne detection cameras.
Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) Experience with development and implementation of Aviation Safety Programs.