Job Description

Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/UH-1H Aircraft Pilot 2

Salary

$73,284.00 - $98,520.00 Annually

Location 

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Part Time - Permanent

Job Number

2025-11-6261-07498

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

11/13/2025

Closing Date

12/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Rotorwing Aerial Firefighter/UH-1H Aircraft Pilot 2 

Recruitment #2025-11-6261

Part-time (30-40 hours per week), Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location: Olympia, WA.

Salary: $35.10 - $47.18 Hourly

Review of applications is ongoing.  We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/20/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Looking for a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career in Wildfire? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Wildland Fire Management Division - Aviation Section as an  Aerial Wildland Firefighter Helicopter Pilot. DNR Aviation utilizes 10 UH-1H helicopters to aid in fire suppression across the state of Washington. You will be responsible for safely piloting the aircraft at low altitudes and in mountainous terrain. The mission profile of our helicopters includes Bambi Bucket Water Drops and internal/external Cargo Delivery. Additionally, you will perform fire reconnaissance, detection, photography, and Helitack Crew Insertion/Transport. 

This position requires a motivated individual who works effectively in a team environment but also possesses the ability to operate and make split-second decisions independently. You will be required to communicate effectively with aircrew, ground resources, and other aerial resources to accomplish your objectives. The ability to multitask is paramount, as you will be monitoring and communicating on multiple radio frequencies both en route and while actively engaged in Wildfire Suppression.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1H under various mission requirements, including but not limited to: Passenger and equipment transportation, survey and photography, law enforcement support, search and rescue. 
• Functions as Pilot in Command of a DNR assigned UH-1H helicopter supporting initial attack wildfire suppression operations, including: 1) Helitack Crew insertions and 2) delivery of water/foam fire retardants using external buckets or tanks. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with the DNR Helicopter Manager assigned or until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or the Air Tactical Group Supervisor. 
• Provides extended attack wildfire support when assigned. Duties include application of fire retardants, recharging portable tanks for ground firefighting crews, transporting personnel to/from unimproved and/or confined heliports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), reconnaissance flights over wildfires, and delivering external cargo utilizing longlines and sling loads. 
• Maintains the assigned helicopter in a rapid response status to support UH-1H missions assigned above or 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 proper equipment is onboard and available for passengers. 
• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.
• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight-related documents for the Chief Pilot.
• Demonstrates knowledge of rules/regulations from multiple agencies pertinent to the position.
• Assists in the coordination/conduct of training activities/events and classes (site selection, preparation, risk mitigation). Able to present assigned classes in a group forum.
• Performs field-level preventative maintenance on helicopters and related equipment such as buckets, long lines, and tanks. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs.
• Assists maintenance personnel with general hangar upkeep (cleaning, organizing, repair, etc.).
• Assists with training Helitack crew members in: 1) the safe employment of helicopter 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) bucket and longline operations.
• Assist with pre-season base preparation/resourcing,
• Prepare helicopters for 150-hour inspections,
• Clean helicopters at the end of the fire season,
• Assist helicopter mechanics with certain maintenance actions,
• Assist with the inventory of state and FEPP assets,
• Perform bucket inspections/cleaning/disassembly and lubrication,
• Perform long line inspections, re-soldering, repair, and re-lashing,
• Inspect cargo nets and swivels, and clean vehicles,
• Assists with post-season base closure
• Assist with vehicle, personnel, and equipment movement
• Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Intermediate-level computer skills.
• 1,500 Flight Hours Pilot in Command - Helicopter.
• 250 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in Helicopter Turbine Aircraft.
• 200 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B – Designated Mountainous Areas.
• 100 Flight Hours – Helicopter Pilot in Command within the preceding 12 months or as approved by Appointing Authority/USFS/DOI.
• 100 Flight Hours – Helicopter Pilot in Command in Type II/III helicopter (<12,500 lbs.).
• 25 Flight Hours Pilot in Command or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire in a Type II UH-1H helicopter or equivalent (B205, B212, B412).
• 10 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command of external load/Vertical Reference/Longline operations.
• FAA Current Flight Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or an FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135 or Current Military APART.
• A Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating with Helicopter Instrument.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Consistently make sound decisions with little to no direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• 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 requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation given by the DNR Chief Pilot or designated Pilot Trainer to the WA DNR Aviation Training Manual Standards
• Successfully meet all requirements for annual pilot agency qualification and OAS/USFS longline flight and oral evaluation (Including 75/150 ft. longlines, buckets/cargo, belly tank, snorkel & mirror) to Interagency Practical Test standards within 3 months of hire then at a minimum triennially thereafter as directed by OAS/USFS in accordance with NWCG Standards for Interagency Cooperator Type 2 and 3 Helicopters (PMS 525-1).
• Possess a current and valid Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot - Helicopter or Commercial Pilot license – Helicopter.
• Possess a current and valid Class 1 or 2 FAA Medical Certificate, which is valid for the entire fire season (March through November of the current or upcoming fire season).
• Must successfully complete IAT online courses MH-1, MH-2, MH-3, and A-110 within 30 days of hire and then every 36 months thereafter.
• This position performs work principally under field conditions. Work schedules can be changed by agency supervisors with minimal notice. Must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to conduct pre-flight inspections, including climbing in and on aircraft, climbing ladders, and climbing under aircraft. Must be able to lift packages, boxes, parts, or equipment of up to 45 pounds for transport in aircraft.
• Considerable travel is required. The position requires traveling heavily within the state and sometimes in bordering states during fire season.
• A 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 100 Flight Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command in UH-1 Huey Helicopters.
• 50 Hours Longline/Vertical Reference Pilot in Command Solo Flight Time.
• FAA Helicopter Instrument Rating with 50 hours of Helicopter Pilot in Command, Instrument flight time logged.
• 14 CFR Part 133/135/137 Pilot in Command Helicopter experience.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor, US Military Instructor Pilot, and/or Instrument Flight Examiner Qualification .
• FAA Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot.
• Qualified (carded) as an Interagency Helicopter pilot with mission approval for:
• Mountainous Terrain
• Low-Level & Reconnaissance
• Ext Load >50’ Longline VTR
• Snorkel / Mirror
• Water / Retardant Bucket
• Qualified as a Washington DNR Aerial Wildland Firefighter Pilot Basic/Advanced/Trainer.
• Incident Command System Qualifications.
• Safety Management System (SMS) Familiarity.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at  DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: (Failure to provide listed documents will result in disqualification.If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact  dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .)

• Apply online:  at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest:  describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume:  that details your experience and qualifications.
• References:  References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• A copy of your current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight certificates (front and back).
• A copy of your Airline Transport Pilot or Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter
• A copy of your current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
• A copy of the last two (2) complete pages of your pilot logbook or official company flight record.
• A copy of your current flight review, FAA pilot proficiency check, or Military APART.
• A copy of your current state driver's license or US Passport.
• A copy of your FAA Verification of Certificate Privileges within the last 30 days.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at  info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Optional attachments:

• Flight Instructor Certificates
• FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
• USFS/DOI Pilot Card
• DNR Pilot Card

Questions?Please contact Rich Knoth at 360-764-6494/ rich.knoth@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at  DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Persons requiring accommodation in the application/testing process, or in this job announcement, in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email  DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the  Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Our Vision –  Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission –Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,  visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit  .

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email  CareersHelp@des.wa.gov .

Check us out on:  DNR’s website |  Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram |  YouTube |  WordPress

Employer

State of Washington

Address

View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website

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