Smokejumper Pilot | 2027 Season

Position Summary

Seeking experienced pilots for the 2027 smokejumper season, supporting U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management contracts in the Lower 48 and Alaska. This role involves demanding, hands-on flying in large aircraft, often at slow airspeeds in mountainous terrain and changing weather conditions.

Schedule

• 2027 smokejumper season
• Extended assignments in remote locations
• Flexibility required as schedules, locations, and operating conditions change

Responsibilities

• Transport and drop smokejumpers in remote locations
• Conduct low-level para-cargo drops
• Operate large aircraft at slow airspeeds
• Fly in mountainous terrain and challenging weather conditions
• Conduct point-to-point flights under IFR
• Maintain sound judgment, situational awareness, and a safety-first approach
• Demonstrate effective crew coordination and clear communication
• Maintain professionalism and strong customer-service skills
• Work effectively with other crewmembers during extended assignments
• Adapt to changing schedules, locations, and operational conditions

Requirements

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate or ATP written examination completed
• Minimum 5,000 hours total flight time
• Minimum 2,000 hours in airplanes
• Minimum 500 hours multi-engine
• Minimum 100 hours PIC at night
• Minimum 75 hours PIC instrument
• Minimum 1,000 hours PIC cross-country
• Minimum 250 hours PIC in large aircraft over 12,500 pounds
• Minimum 500 hours PIC turboprop
• Minimum 200 hours low-level flight below 500 feet AGL
• Minimum 500 hours in mountainous terrain below 2,500 feet AGL
• Minimum 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months
• Strong judgment, situational awareness, and crew coordination skills
• Ability to operate in remote locations for extended periods
• Must meet applicable company, customer, FAA, and contract requirements
• Employment subject to verification of certificates, ratings, flight experience, and recency
• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing
• Resume must clearly list total flight time, PIC time, aircraft experience, low-level experience, mountain-flying experience, and flight activity during the past 12 months

Preferred Qualifications

• Agricultural aviation experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Supplemental insurance options

Compensation

• Excellent pay; base salary not specified