About this role
Job title: Line Pilot – H-125 Helicopters
About the Role Nova Scotia’s Aviation Services is seeking line pilots to join a small, experienced team to support wildfire response, search and rescue, and natural resource external load operations. This permanent, full-time position offers stable government employment with a unionized workplace in beautiful Nova Scotia.
What You'll Do
- Fly New H-125 helicopters on mission-critical provincial operations including wildfire suppression, longline operations, remote landings, public safety, and search and rescue
- Operate in challenging VFR environments across forests, wetlands, and coastal terrain
- Sling gear into tight LZs, drop buckets on active wildfires, and assist ground crews during high-tempo missions
- Respond to missing or lost persons requests, rescue injured citizens, and assist local law enforcement as required
- Collaborate with engineers, ground support, public safety officers, and conservation teams
- Perform pre/post-flight planning, documentation, and CARs-compliant procedures
What We're Looking For
- A skilled bush or utility pilot with thousands of hours and a drive for challenge
- Experience with external load and fireline work; ability to operate with limited support in the field
- Commitment to safety, precision, and service in a tight-knit team
- Valid Transport Canada CPL (H) and 2,000+ hours PIC on helicopters (including 1,500+ hours on turbine helicopters)
- Recent external load, wildfire suppression, cargo slinging, and remote/unprepared landing operations
- Valid Category 1 Medical; familiarity with CARs and safe bush operating practices
- Nova Scotia Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent
Nice to Have
- Time on Airbus AS350 / H-125
- Current PPC on AS350B3E
- Longline experience (100 ft and above)
- CRM / PDM course completions
- Knowledge of EO/IR camera systems, aerial surveillance, and flight tracking software (ForeFlight, Cirro)
- Public outreach and community engagement experience
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: bi-weekly range of CAD 4,715.34 to 5,358.34 (pay grade ASP08)
- Benefits include Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs
- Additional information on government employee benefits available in the Benefits section