Pilot in command of multi-engine aircraft or amphibious seaplane aircraft on Departmental operations, law enforcement missions or administrative business; pilot in command of helicopters in support of agency missions, natural resource requirements, and firefighting operations.

Pilots single and/or multi-engine aircraft over hazardous terrain at low altitudes for such purposes as aerial surveying and timber and fire patrol, planting fish, conducting aerial census', aerial surveys, or aerial photography; low level flights over mountainous terrain and fire areas to drop supplies and equipment and provide aerial reconnaissance over wildfires;

Serves as Pilot-in-Command and ensures safe operation of assigned helicopter operations and aircrew personnel that responds to wildfires throughout Washington State; selects operating location; selects best approach to drop zone and makes retardant drops on fire; coordinates with ground personnel to ensure maximum effectiveness of retardant drops;

Assists with scheduling the use of aircraft for enforcement, conservation, administrative business or other governmental agencies;

Coordinates air search missions for aircraft missing in the state;

Assists communities with planning, layout and safety factors in construction on new airports;

Plans flights, obtains clearances, and files flight plans with Federal Aviation Agency as required;

Performs considerable flying by sole reference to aircraft flight instruments under all weather conditions (IFR);

Transports fire crews, equipment and hazardous materials to unprepared and confined landing sites; uses cargo net and long line to sling equipment to fire crews; delivers high gross weight water loads to porta-tanks for the use of fire crews; provides aerial ambulance service as required;

Maintains flight and engine logs of aircraft flight time; makes prescribed inspections and performs necessary routine maintenance and repair to aircraft, support equipment, and engines under qualified supervision;

Patrols an assigned area, in the air, on water, or on the ground, to check for violations of state or federal fish and wildlife laws; makes arrests and testifies in court;

Completes records of aircraft movements and work performed for all agencies; prepares reports of flying activities;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: Federal Air Regulations, Part 91; principles of flight; mountain flying techniques; meteorology; instrument flying techniques; principles and practices of effective supervision.

Ability to: fly an aircraft under extremely hazardous conditions at low altitudes and conditions of low visibility; operate from rough improvised landing sites; make quick, accurate decisions when unexpected situations develop in flight; exercise judgment and tact when dealing with the public; learn, interpret, and enforce state and federal fish and wildlife laws and rules; plan and supervise the work of others; prepare reports.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Fixed Wing Option:

2,000 hours of turbo-prop and/or reciprocating engine logged flight time, including low level flight, below 500 feet, with 1500 hours Pilot- In-Command (PIC) and a minimum of 500 hours of time in multi-engined aircraft and a minimum of 100 hours of actual instrument time. A current Class II flight physical and a valid Federal Aviation Agency Commercial Certificate is required with an instrument rating and a rating in one or more of the following categories:

A. Single engine land

B. Single engine sea

C. Multi-engine land

D. Multi-engine sea

Helicopter Option:
1,500 hours of Pilot-In-Command (PIC) time in turbine engine powered helicopters required.

• 200 hours of helicopter mountain time
• A current, valid FAA Commercial Certificate with Helicopter rating
• A current FAA Class II flight physical
• 100 hours in UH-1H Helicopters
• 10 hours solo Pilot in Command Longline Operations

New class: 5-1-63
General revision: 6-1-64
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-1-66
General revision: 7-1-66
General revision: 4-1-69
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, general revision, title change (formerly Airplane Pilot 2): 11-12-93
Revised definition: 6-9-00
Revised new class code: (formerly 73500) effective July 1, 2007
Salary adjustment adopted June 30, 2015; effective July 1, 2015.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017; 53 increased to 59.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 06/22/2023, effective 7/1/2023.
Revised definition adopted 06/22/2023, effective 7/1/2023.
Revised typical work, desirable qualifications as of 6/22/2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.