Aircraft Pilot

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

 - Resume 

 - References

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11\:59 PM Mountain Time on December 14, 2025. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.  Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Specific Job Information:

This Pilot position needs to be dual rated and can be based in Helena with the option to be based anywhere centrally located to benefit FWP.

Job Overview:

The pilot applies technical flying skills and low-level flying experience in providing flying services to FWP personnel. This position serves as the pilot in command and ensures each flight is conducted safely and in compliance with Department, state and federal regulations.  The pilot is responsible for training and supervision of personnel working in and around aircraft. The pilot makes decisions on what aircraft to use and under what conditions it is safe to operate.  The pilot is responsible for judging what weather and seasonal conditions are best suited for a particular job and is responsible for filing appropriate flight plans and using appropriate flight following procedures.  When not flying, the position also assists with other ground-based activities.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have thorough knowledge of aircraft operations and commercial flying as related to flight rules, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and department aviation needs.  Maintain currency in appropriate aircraft.  Maintain a FAA Class II Medical. This position is contingent on the maintenance of a current FAA Class II Medical.  Should the FAA Class II Medical be revoked or suspended, the supervisor may, at the approval of the FWP administration, reassign or assign alternative duties until the final determination of the FAA Medical board.  If the FAA Class II Medical is revoked or suspended for >180 days, the position may be terminated. The position requires having a thorough knowledge and understanding of western United States natural resources, particularly basic wildlife and fish biology.  Maintain high degree of mental and physical fitness.  Ability to effectively manage the aircraft unit resources. The position requires knowledge of specialized mission piloting techniques such as low altitude flying, vertical reference long line, wildlife research and survey flying, mountain flying, and landing aircraft in adverse conditions. The position requires skill in the operation of specialized aircraft and equipment in conducting low altitude wildlife surveys and capture operations and high mountain lake fish plants. This position requires skill in cross-country transport of passengers, landing at a variety of high density and rural airports. This position requires a willingness to take direction and understand flight objectives from non-aviation personnel (fish and wildlife biologists, and game wardens) and assimilate into safe and productive flight operations.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

This position requires a Commercial Pilot’s license as described the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ), https\://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/:  

• a commercial pilot’s certificate with an instrument rating,
• a current FAA Medical Certificate,
• 500 flight hours, and
• two years flight experience

The two-year flight experience needs to include:

• pilot in command-2,000 hours;
• night flying-100 hours; l
• ow altitude (below 500 feet)-500 hours;
• cross country-200 hours;
• mountainous terrain-500 hours;
• 500 hours Low level Wildlife Survey and or telemetry and
• 100 hours of flying within the last 12 months. 
• Minimum acceptable fixed wing experience 1000 hours PA-18.

Also required:

• Tail Wheel endorsement

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case  basis.