Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot | Kodiak 100

Position Summary

The Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot provides flight instruction, training, and evaluation for pilots operating multi-mission Kodiak 100 aircraft in support of wildland fire management and related operations. The Instructor Pilot also serves as Pilot-in-Command during wildfire suppression, reconnaissance, and other assigned missions. This part-time, permanent position requires strong instructional skills, operational leadership, and a commitment to aviation safety.

Schedule

• Part-time, permanent position
• Work schedules may change with minimal notice
• Considerable travel required during fire season
• Approximately 10–25% travel during winter months

Responsibilities

• Mentor, instruct, train, and evaluate wildland aerial firefighting and fixed-wing pilots
• Conduct initial and recurrent flight training, flight reviews, and annual pilot certifications
• Serve as Pilot-in-Command of assigned Kodiak 100 aircraft during wildfire suppression and support missions
• Plan and conduct VFR and IFR operations, including aerial reconnaissance and cargo transportation
• Maintain aircraft operational readiness, conduct inspections, and ensure regulatory compliance
• Assist with training aerial observers and support personnel
• Perform field-level preventive maintenance and assist maintenance personnel as required
• Prepare and maintain pilot training records, evaluations, and required documentation
• Support pre-season and post-season operations, including aircraft preparation, equipment inspections, and inventory

Requirements

• Minimum one year of experience leading pilots, aircraft, and crews within an FAA-certificated organization or U.S. military flight operations team
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) ratings for single-engine airplanes
• Minimum 500 hours dual flight instruction given as a Certified Flight Instructor
• Minimum 2,000 hours airplane Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flight time
• Minimum 500 hours airplane PIC flight time in the category and class to be flown
• Minimum 150 hours fixed-wing turbine flight time
• Minimum 100 hours airplane PIC flight time within the preceding 12 months
• Minimum 500 hours airplane PIC cross-country flight time
• Minimum 200 hours airplane PIC flight time in mountainous areas as defined by 14 CFR Part 95, Subpart B
• Minimum 200 hours airplane PIC night flight time
• Minimum 50 hours airplane PIC actual instrument flight time
• Minimum 75 hours airplane PIC instrument flight time, actual or simulated
• Minimum 25 hours airplane PIC flight time in the Daher Kodiak 100, or ability to obtain 50 hours within the first three months of employment
• Current FAA flight review or proficiency check
• Current Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) and/or compliance with FAA instructor currency requirements
• Valid FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate
• Current, valid driver's license with at least two years of driving experience
• Ability to meet annual agency pilot qualification and interagency evaluation standards
• Ability to complete required training courses within established timeframes
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and work in varied terrain and weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 100 hours dual flight instruction given in the Daher Kodiak 100 or equivalent turbine aircraft
• Minimum 300 hours turbine-powered aircraft flight time
• Minimum 200 hours instrument flight instruction given
• Pilot-in-Command experience under 14 CFR Parts 133, 135, or 137
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
• Recent aerial firefighting experience as an Air Attack or Reconnaissance Pilot
• Current interagency fixed-wing pilot qualifications (carded) for multiple mission types
• Completion of Kodiak/Daher Pilot Factory Training within the preceding 24 months
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation
• Organizational health and wellness programs
• Work-life balance initiatives
• Employee resource groups and professional development opportunities
• Educational assistance and career development support
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments