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

About the role

• 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 seeking 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 100s.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 recruitment, evaluation, and selection process for hiring 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.

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 of 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 Review IAW 14 CFR 61.56 or an FAA Pilot Proficiency Check 14 CFR Part 135
• Current FIRC and/or meets FAA currency requirements to exercise Instructor Pilot Privileges

Required Competencies

• Professional Interpersonal Skills
• Accustomed to functioning collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment
• Accustomed to making risk-based decisions in emergency operations with little direct supervision
• Competent professional communication skills both verbally and in writing
• Basic Computer Skills
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• This position performs work principally under office conditions in the winter and office/field conditions during the fire season. Work schedules can be changed by agency supervisors with minimal notice. Requires the ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to transport and/or manipulate packages, boxes, parts, or equipment of up to 45 pounds into or out of the aircraft for transport.
• Considerable travel is required during fire season. The incumbent in this position is required to travel heavily within the state during fire season. Travel during winter months can be 10-25% of the time. Occasionally, the incumbent may travel outside the state in support of other state agencies or for professional development.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Successfully meet all requirements for annual pilot agency qualification and OAS/USFS flight and oral evaluation Interagency Practical Test standards within 3 months of hire, then at a minimum triennially thereafter as directed by OAS/USFS in accordance with NASF Cooperators Aviation Standards for Interagency Fire.
• A current FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor rating for Single Engine Airplanes (CFI/CFII). Renewed every 24 months.
• Possess a valid Class 2 FAA Medical Certificate which is valid through November of the current or upcoming fire season and then renewed annually thereafter.
• Must successfully complete IAT training courses A-100, A-200, SEAT 1/2/3, MTN FLY, MH-1/2/3 and A-110 within 30 days of hire and then every 36 months thereafter.
• Must successfully complete WA DNR Agency required classes within 30 days of employment.
• Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation given by the DNR Chief Pilot or designated Pilot Trainer to the WA DNR Aviation Training Manual Standards.
• Successfully complete Wildland Fire Fighter 2 (FFT2) ground academics within 3 months of hire.

Desired Qualifications

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application materials.

• 100 Flight Hours of Dual Given in Daher, Kodiak 100 or equivalent turbine aircraft
• 300 Flight Hours in Turbine-Powered Aircraft
• 200 Flight Hours of Instrument Instruction Given
• 14 CFR Part 133/135/137 Pilot-in-Command experience
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor, US Military Instructor Pilot, and/or Instrument Flight Examiner Qualification
• Recent Fire experience as Air Attack or Recon Pilot
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
• Qualified (carded) as an interagency fixed wing pilot with mission approval for: 1. Recon
• Mountainous Terrain
• Low Level
• Air Tactical
• Back Country Airstrip
• Incident Command System Qualifications
• Kodiak/Daher Pilot Factory Training Course in the last 24 months
• Safety Management System (SMS) Familiarity

Additional information

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at.

Application Requirements

Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact.

• You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the position's requirements, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should include your work history, education, volunteer experience, life skills, and any other relevant information for the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Required Copy of the Following Certificates and Licenses:
• Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight certificates (front and back).
• Airline Transport Pilot or Commercial Pilot License - Airplane with Instrument.
• Current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
• The last two (2) complete pages of your pilot logbook or official company flight record.
• Current flight review, FAA pilot proficiency check or Military APART.
• Current state driver's license or US Passport..
• FAA Verification of Certificate Privileges within the last 30 days.
• Flight Instructor Certificates
• Optional Attachments:
• FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
• USFS/DOI Pilot Card
• DNR Pilot Card
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
• Exam and Interview Process: Top candidates will be required to take a written exam and flight interview in Olympia, WA.

Additional information

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision: Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Benefits

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.