Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 (Airplane)

Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 (Airplane)

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Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 (Airplane)

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Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 (Airplane)

Salary

$84,528.00 - $113,736.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Part Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-10-A211-08892

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

Description

Benefits

• Questions

Description

• Fixed-Wing Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Pilot 3 (Airplane)

• Recruitment #2026-10-A211

• Part-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

• Location: Tumwater, WA

• Salary: $ 7,044.00 - $9,478.00 Monthly

• Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/01/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

• Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

• The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Fixed Wing Instructor Pilot to join the Air Operations Team in the Wildland Fire Management Division. This position will instruct other pilots on the DNR’s organic multi-mission fixed wing aircraft (MMA), using 2 Kodiak 100’s.

Duties

Tasks Include:

• Pilot Mentoring, Instruction, Training, and Evaluation

• Trains and evaluates the flight performance of up to 4 wildland aerial firefighter/fixed wing pilots. May be a participant in the process of recruitment, evaluation and selection for hiring the pilots in the DNR's Multi-Mission Aircraft fixed wing program.

• Conducts the initial training and evaluation of new pilots in accordance with all applicable Federal and WA State DNR regulations and publications.

• Evaluates the oral knowledge and flight performance of pilots and takes corrective action when necessary. Initiates corrective intervention as necessary through the Chief Pilot.

• administers individual professional development plans for each fixed wing pilot developed by the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot.

• At the direction of the Fixed Wing Chief 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 pilots' performance, and ensures that all pilots meet department, interagency and FAA Commercial Pilot in Command requirements.

• Serves as a fixed wing program safety representative and as an expert in coordination with the aviation safety manager to ensure that all airplane operations are performed to standard and safely.

• Coordinates with the aviation safety officer regarding entries into the SAFECOM, AVNCOM, and IRR programs.

• Ensures that department airplane pilots comply with standards found in the DNR's Aviation Plan, NWCG Interagency Pilot Certification Standards and Federal Aviation Regulations.

• Is responsible for assisting the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot in assessing and implementing the standards for department airplane operations and recommending changes to procedures and the program.

• Reviews, corrects, and submits required paperwork for self and employees.

• Recommends certification of department pilots IAW WA DNR Aviation Training Plan no less than annually to conduct department operations in department aircraft.

• As directed by the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot, develops, updates, and presents DNR airplane aviation training programs. This training focuses on high- and low-level airplane operations in mountainous terrain with an emphasis on fire mapping, size-up, clear and effective radio communications, precise and effective flight planning, along with unimproved runways.

• Aerial Firefighting Assignment / Air Attack

• Functions as Pilot-in-Command of a DNR assigned Kodiak 100 supporting initial and extended attack wildfire suppression operations, including: 1.) Air Attack / ATGS support and 2.) Coordination of Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Fire Traffic Area (FTA) airspace before, during and after an incident. Coordinates airborne firefighting activities with multiple agency aircraft until supervision is passed to the Incident Commander or relieved by another Air Tactical Group Supervisor.

• Provides reconnaissance and admin flight support when assigned. Duties include planning and executing flights both VFR and IFR within Washington State and bordering states as required. Transporting personnel/parts/equipment to/from improved and unimproved airports, internal cargo transport (including hazardous materials), and reconnaissance flights in mountainous terrain and over active wildfires.

• Maintains the assigned airplane in a rapid response status to support 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 security of aircraft and installed equipment.

• Prepares reports of fire activities and other work performed as required.

• Flies/operates assigned aircraft within all limitations specified by WA DNR manuals, as well as in accordance with the Kodiak 100 series FAA approved Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) / Flight Manual.

• Training and Evaluations

• Serves as one of the subject matter experts for Multi-Mission Fixed Wing Aircraft use within the DNR at the Fixed Wing Chief Pilot's direction.

• Assists in design and modification of airplanes and their support systems, including avionics, navigation equipment, and external hardware.

• Assists Fixed Wing Chief Pilot as directed with manuals and documentation for airplane operations, MSO, and aircrew training.

• Participates in recurrent proficiency flights and evaluations to demonstrate skills needed for this assignment. Performs assessments of flight related documents for the Chief Pilot.

• Pilot Maintenance Actions

• Performs field-level preventive maintenance on airplanes and related equipment. Performs troubleshooting steps for sensors and related extraneous equipment. Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, assists aircraft mechanics during field inspections and repairs as needed. Performs run-ups or flights as needed for maintenance troubleshooting as well as Maintenance Operational Checks (MOC) not requiring a Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP).

• Airplane Crew Interaction

• Assists with training observers, ATGS, and support crew members in: 1) the safe employment of airplane 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) sensor operations.

• Pre and Post-season duties

• Prepare airplanes for scheduled maintenance and inspections.

• Clean airplanes at the end of the fire season.

• Assist mechanics with certain maintenance actions.

• Assist with inventory of state and airplane program assets.

• Perform sensor inspections/cleaning and readiness for long-term storage.

• Other duties as assigned by Chief Pilot or AADM.

• Pre-Season base preparation and resourcing.

• Maintains Pilot Training Records when conducting training and throughout the pre-season events.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
• 1 year experience leading assigned pilots, aircraft, and crews for company operations under an approved FAA certificate company (133,135,137) or a US military flight operations team
• CFI / CFII ASEL Ratings & Certificates
• 500 Flight Hours Dual Given Certified Flight Instructor experience
• 2000 Flight Hours Pilot-in-Command -Airplane
• 500 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in category and class to be flown
• 150 Flight Hours - Fixed Wing Turbine
• 100 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command within the preceding 12 months
• 500 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Cross Country
• 200 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command in a Mountainous area as defined by 14 CFR 95 Subpart B- Designated Mountainous Areas
• 200 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Night Flight
• 50 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument – actual in flight
• 75 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Instrument- actual/simulated
• 25 Flight Hours - Airplane Pilot-in-Command Make and Model (Daher, Kodiak 100), or the ability to receive 50 hours within the first 3 months of hire
• FAA Current Flight Revi