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Backcountry Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Tig Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... From remote access and backcountry operations to commercial and recreational flying, the products ...

Site Manager

Palmer, AK · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Familiarity with Alaska aviation market dynamics, bush aircraft, or backcountry flying community ... Pilot certificate (any category) -- not required but highly valued given customer base * Experience ...

Production Laser Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... From remote access and backcountry operations to commercial and recreational flying, the products ...

Production Laser Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... From remote access and backcountry operations to commercial and recreational flying, the products ...

Production Tig Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... From remote access and backcountry operations to commercial and recreational flying, the products ...

Each of our verticals - Hunt, Offroad, Backcountry, and Fish - is at a different stage of maturity ... Look for opportunities to embed AI as a repeatable co-pilot in daily workflows by integrating ...

Senior Product Manager - Content (Offroad)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Each of our verticals - Hunt, Offroad, Backcountry, and Fish - is at a different stage of maturity ... Look for opportunities to embed AI as a repeatable co-pilot in daily workflows by integrating ...

Since our first pilot with a utility in June 2024, we've grown fast, now working with three of the ... Whether you're a board game maestro, former backcountry fire fighter or visual artist (all real ...

Since our first utility pilot in June 2024, we have rapidly expanded and now work with three of the ... Whether you're a board game maestro, former backcountry fire fighter or visual artist (all real ...

Showing results 21-37

Backcountry Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do backcountry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for backcountry pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backcountry pilot do?

A Backcountry Pilot operates aircraft in remote and rugged areas, often transporting passengers, cargo, or supplies to locations with little or no infrastructure. They navigate challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and unimproved airstrips, requiring advanced flying skills and situational awareness. These pilots often support industries like tourism, firefighting, wildlife management, and emergency medical services in hard-to-reach locations.

What are some common challenges faced by backcountry pilots, and how can they be managed?

Backcountry Pilots frequently encounter unpredictable weather conditions, varied terrain, and limited infrastructure, which can make flights more demanding than standard commercial routes. Effective risk assessment and continuous situational awareness are essential for overcoming these challenges, as is maintaining clear communication with ground crews or passengers. Pilots often need to handle mechanical issues independently and make quick decisions to ensure safety. Regular training and local terrain familiarization can help new pilots build confidence and proficiency in these unique environments. Many employers also encourage mentorship and peer support, which fosters a collaborative and safety-focused team culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backcountry pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backcountry Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, excellent spatial awareness, and experience flying in remote or rugged terrain, generally backed by a commercial pilot's license and significant flight hours. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, satellite communication devices, and specialized aircraft adapted for short takeoff and landing are typically required. Superior decision-making, calmness under pressure, and effective communication skills enable pilots to adapt quickly to changing weather and challenging environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and successful missions in unpredictable, isolated settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Backcountry Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Backcountry Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Backcountry Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Backcountry Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Field Operations Specialist

Rainmaker Technology Corporation

Salt Lake City, UT • Remote

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Department: Field Operations

Reports To: Program Manager

Type: Contract (concludes April 30, 2027)

Salary: Hourly, $65,000k annual equivalent + overtime

About Rainmaker

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to address water scarcity and inclement weather

challenges worldwide. We develop and integrate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather

modeling, and sustainable seeding agents into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

Rainmaker is building something that hasn't existed before. If you're the kind of person who gets energized

by hard problems, new territory, and the opportunity to do work that has real impact on water resources, we

want to hear from you.

About the Role

It's 10:24 PM. You were waiting for the call.

Your phone buzzes. Rainmaker's meteorologists have identified an overnight seeding window within the mountain range of your area of operations. Conditions are ideal. You've got about ten hours to turn supercooled liquid water into the snow that will eventually melt and feed into the aquifers, farms, and communities that need water now more than ever.

At headquarters, your team scouts the mission and loads the F-150 with drones, generators, laptops, and a Starlink. Your dog jumps in the cab with you, ready for adventure.

The Agile Deployment Vehicle smells like Red Bull as your crew heads north towards the mountains. The temperature outside is dropping. Single digits by the time you reach the launch site.

Your fingers are clumsy with the cold as you run pre-flight checks, but you've done it enough times that your hands know what to do.

Your drone lifts into the sky, then out of sight.

What happens next is invisible. At 10,000 feet, the drone releases seeding particles into supercooled clouds, coaxing ice into existence, nudging the atmosphere toward something it was almost ready to do on its own.
You are making it snow.

Over the next few hours, precipitation falls across the mountains. Snowpack deepens. In just one mission, your team has created millions of gallons of water for a place that has suffered from drought for far too long.


You and your team were the reason.

As dawn breaks, you pack up and drive home before sunrise to sleep, ready to do it again when given the chance.

You are a Rainmaker Field Operations Specialist. This is the job.

Become a Rainmaker. 

Qualifications Required
  • Willingness and ability to work in remote, physically demanding, and weather-exposed environments

  • Strong attention to detail and discipline in following procedures

  • Reliable, self-directed, and able to work with minimal supervision

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a small field team

  • Comfort with frequent travel, including to remote or international locations

  • Valid driver's license

Preferred
  • Experience in field operations, aviation, military, emergency management, construction, or similar hands-on environments

  • Mechanical or technical aptitude, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

  • Experience operating or supporting UAS

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

  • Experience handling logistics, inventory, or supply

  • Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial data (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth)

  • Wilderness or backcountry experience

Rainmaker participates in E-Verify. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

E-Verify.gov.

Rainmaker is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Rainmaker is governed on the basis of

merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion,

gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,

marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

No recruiting agencies.


$65,000 - $65,000 a year
Benefits:
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
apply for this job