Pilot in Command | DHC-2 Beaver

Position Summary

The Pilot in Command supports government fire and special mission aviation operations, flying single-engine land and seaplanes in support of wildfire suppression, aerial supervision, natural resource missions, search and rescue, and other public-service operations. The position includes low-level operations in challenging terrain and landings on water, frozen lakes, and remote backcountry areas.

Schedule

• Full-time federal position.
• Operations may include remote and unpredictable locations.
• Daytime flight operations in austere and backcountry environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Pilot in Command of single-engine aircraft equipped for land, water, or ski operations.
• Conduct wildfire suppression missions, including low-level water drops and airborne fire intelligence support.
• Provide airborne direction and operational information to ground fire crews.
• Conduct wildfire detection, fire crew transportation, wildlife surveys, and other natural resource aviation missions.
• Operate under visual and instrument flight conditions.
• Conduct operations in mountainous, remote, and backcountry terrain, including water and frozen-lake landings.
• Perform aircraft and equipment preflight inspections.
• Plan flights by evaluating weather conditions at departure, enroute, and destination locations.
• Provide technical guidance regarding aircraft contracts and contract pilots.
• Support aviation contract development and provide technical aviation guidance to operational leadership.
• Support wildfire suppression activities within applicable training and physical capabilities.

Requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings and Instrument Rating, or FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings.
• Current FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Tailwheel endorsement or qualifying documented PIC tailwheel experience, as applicable.
• Minimum 1,500 hours Total Time.
• Must meet the applicable GS-11 or GS-12 flight-experience requirements for the position.
• U.S. Citizen or National.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must meet applicable federal firefighter age requirements or qualify for an authorized exception or waiver.
• Willingness to live and work in remote and unpredictable locations.
• Must successfully complete required background and employment verification requirements.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and remain subject to random drug testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Not Specified.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, subject to position eligibility.
• Federal firefighter special retirement coverage.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.
• Government housing may be available.
• Government daycare facilities may be available.

Compensation

• Not Specified.

Application Deadline

• September 8, 2026.