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Chief Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Pilot - US Requisition ID: 31364 Location: Chicago, IL, USA, 60015 Workplace Type: On-Site Experience Level: Director Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and ...

Base Chief Pilots will work closely with the Chief Pilot and company leadership to support day-to-day flight operations, oversee pilot activity in their assigned region, and ensure compliance with ...

Chief Pilot

Englewood, CO · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Chief Pilot Reports to : Director of Operations ("D.O.") FLSA Status : Full-time; exempt Compensation : $175,000-$200,000 Schedule/Location : Centennial (APA) based in-office position, Monday-Friday ...

The Chief Pilot will play a key role in ensuring the safe and effective operation of our fleet across military and general aviation environments, including DCMA, Part 91, and Part 135 flight ...

Chief Pilot (Req #: 145)

Columbia, MO · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Chief Pilot (Req #: 145) Location: Columbia, MO Job Category: Office CONS Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary Interval: Salary Application Instructions: Please complete the application with ...

Chief Pilot (Req #: 145)

Columbia, MO · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Chief Pilot (Req #: 145) Location: Columbia, MO Job Category: Office CONS Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary Interval: Salary Application Instructions: Please complete the application with ...

Chief Pilot (Req #: 145) Location: Columbia, MO Job Category: Office CONS Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary Interval: Salary Application Instructions: Please complete the application with ...

Your Impact The Chief Pilot (CP) will bring and maintain a strong track record in aviation that includes a focus on safety and successful management of the pilot workforce. The CP will provide day-to ...

Chief Pilot Part 135 (Remote)

Lima, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and safety-driven Chief Pilot to lead and support a growing flight operations team. This hybrid leadership role combines operational oversight with active line flying ...

Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary: We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition ...

Our Chief Pilot at the Seattle base is retiring at the end of May 2026. We would like to identify a replacement candidate soon, to provide a smooth transition for our people and seamless operation at ...

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Chief Pilot information

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$33K

$163.2K

$234.5K

How much do chief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief pilot in the United States is $163,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $207,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is another word for chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot, the term 'chief' can be replaced with words like 'head,' 'leader,' or 'director,' which denote someone in a top management or supervisory role. These titles reflect the individual's responsibility for overseeing flight operations, safety, and crew management within an airline or aviation organization.

Is it racist to call someone chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot role, the term 'chief' is a professional title indicating leadership and does not have racial connotations. It is commonly used across industries to denote a person in charge or senior position. Using 'chief' as a title is generally considered respectful and standard practice in aviation and other fields.

What is the meaning of chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot, the term 'chief' refers to the person in charge of overseeing flight operations, pilots, and safety procedures within an airline or aviation organization. The chief pilot typically holds advanced certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and has extensive flying experience and leadership responsibilities.

Is it chief or cheif?

The correct spelling for the leadership position in aviation is 'Chief Pilot.' Accurate spelling is important for professional communication and documentation in the aviation industry. The role typically requires a commercial pilot license, extensive flight experience, and leadership skills.

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

To thrive as a Chief Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, extensive flight experience, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with flight management systems, safety management systems (SMS), and crew scheduling software is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and organizational skills are essential to lead flight crews and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills and qualifications are critical for maintaining operational safety, regulatory adherence, and effective team leadership within an aviation organization.

What are some common challenges faced by Chief Pilots in managing flight operations teams?

Chief Pilots often navigate the challenge of balancing administrative responsibilities with supporting flight crews and ensuring regulatory compliance. They must address scheduling complexities, manage crew resource needs, and adapt to changing aviation regulations. Additionally, fostering open communication and a strong safety culture among pilots is crucial, as is providing mentorship and training to support professional development within the team.

What Is a Chief Pilot?

A chief pilot manages the daily operations of an aviation department for an airline. As a chief pilot, your job is to oversee all pilots, ground personnel, and flight attendants. Your duties involve scheduling flights, coordinating aircraft maintenance, and ensuring the department meets all local and federal regulations. Some chief pilots monitor all day-to-day logistics for their department. This career requires a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a similar discipline. Additional qualifications include between 2,000 and 5,000 hours of flight time, current FAA certification, and excellent management skills.

What are Chief Pilots?

Chief Pilots are senior aviation professionals responsible for overseeing the pilots within an airline or aviation organization. Their duties include managing pilot schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting training and evaluations, and serving as the primary liaison between pilots and management. They play a key role in maintaining safety standards and operational efficiency. Chief Pilots typically have extensive flying experience and leadership skills, and they help shape company policies related to flight operations.
What cities are hiring for Chief Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Chief Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Chief Pilot jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Pilot jobs? The top employers for Chief Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Pilot jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Pilot jobs? For Chief Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chief Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,193 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Chief Pilot - US

Nutrien

Deerfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Control operations and operational standards of all US aircraft operated.

  • Coordinate with management and maintenance teams to manage functions impacting operational control such as crew scheduling and equipment scheduling.

  • Ensure flight operations and aircraft maintenance activities comply with all applicable safety regulations, standards, and company operations policies.


Nutrien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Chief Pilot - US
Requisition ID: 31364
Location: Chicago, IL, USA, 60015
Workplace Type: On-Site
Experience Level: Director
Job Type: Full Time
Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and services, and our business results make a positive impact on the world. Our purpose, Feeding the Future, is the reason we come to work each day. We're guided by our culture of care and our core values: We put safety first. We act with integrity. We are stronger together. We deliver with excellence.
Through the collective expertise of our nearly 26,000 employees, we operate a world-class network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities. We efficiently serve growers' needs and strive to provide a more profitable, sustainable, and secure future for all stakeholders. Help us raise the expectation of what an agriculture company can be and grow your career with Nutrien.
This position is required to be on-site, and requires the ability to travel as a large percentage of the job, sometime at short notice. The Chief Pilot US is responsible and accountable to the Operations Manager for all pilots operating aircraft registered and operated under the Federal Aviation Regulations of the United States. The Chief Pilot - US shall work collaboratively with the Chief Pilot to fulfill the following responsibilities.
The Chief Pilot role will oversee 2 pilots and work with one dedicated engineer. The operation is based in Waukegan and is primarily an executive transportation department. We support the needs of our executives and provide travel for them across North America, but primarily in the continental US. The schedule is usually booked in advance as it adjusts around their meeting requirements. Additionally, we do support the emergency response teams should an event occur.
The aircraft usually flies 450 hours a year, and you can expect to be away from home between 70-90 days a year. We operate a 2006 Cessna Citation Sovereign that we have owned since new. We are in the process of evaluating a replacement aircraft which will be a slightly larger.
The Waukegan base operates in conjunction with our Canadian operations. We have a Gulfstream 450 based in Calgary and a 550 based in Saskatoon with the same mission statements. Together we form the Aviation Department for Nutrien. Our goal is to act as one team in supporting the company's business needs.
The selected candidate will help form that team and aide in our direction forward.
What You'll Do:
  • Controlling operations and operational standards of all US aircraft operated
  • Coordinating with the Operations Manager, Chief Pilot and Senior Manager Aircraft Maintenance Manager for managing functions which impact operational control (maintenance, crew scheduling, load control equipment scheduling)
  • Actively supporting the safety management system
  • Validating and addressing safety-risk management deficiencies in an appropriate and timely manner
  • Ensuring that all operations processes and procedures include the risk management mitigation specified in the safety management system
  • Liaising with US regulatory authority on all matters concerning flight operations
  • Liaising with any US based external agencies which may affect aircraft operations
  • Ensuring that flight operations and aircraft maintenance activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable safety regulations, national and international regulations, standards and company operations policies
  • Ensuring that crew scheduling complies with the flight and duty time limitations found in the Operations Manual
  • Ensuring that all crew members are kept informed of any changes to the FARs and related operating standards
  • Receiving and taking action with respect to any aeronautical information affecting the safety of flight
  • Disseminating aircraft safety information, both internal and external
  • Ensuring that flight crew qualifications are current
  • Maintaining a current operations library
  • Overseeing the welfare of the flight operations personnel
  • Ensuring the personnel under his/her authority participate effectively in the safety management system

What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field preferred
  • 15+ years of professional aviation experience
  • 5 years of previous aviation management experience of similar scope
  • FAA ATP License
  • Minimum Total Flight Time 7000 hours
  • Minimum of 4000 hours Pilot in Command
  • Minimum of 2000 hours, Jet experience
  • Minimum of 100 hours in multi-crew cockpit
  • Corporate Flight Department experience
  • Super mid-size/large jet experience and experience flying internationally are a strong asset. Currency/Experience on Citation Sovereign is considered beneficial
  • FAA First Class Medical
  • Ability to cross International Borders
  • No incidents or accidents under the FARs
  • No convictions that would prevent holding driver's license or ATPL.

Compensation & Benefits:
The salary range for this role in Illinois is between $169,100 - $265,650. While we provide this range as general guidance, several factors are taken into consideration when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, candidate skill set, experience and training, licensure and certifications, work location, and other business and organizational needs. Actual salary and benefits may differ based upon location.
We provide an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, and life insurance and well as disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. In addition, we have a retirement program that encourages our employees to save for the longer term, with generous matching employer contributions. Our benefit package also demonstrates our culture of care with paid vacation, sick days and holidays as well as paid personal and maternity/parental leaves and an Employee and Family Assistance Program. Details of the benefits package will be shared in the application process.
In addition to base pay, this role is also eligible to participate in our annual incentive plan and long-term incentive plan, consistent with the terms of our program(s) where discretionary pay out of awards is reflecting components such as performance of the company and the employee. Details will be discussed through the application process.
This information is provided in compliance with applicable state equal pay and pay equity legislation and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. Nutrien also makes internal equity a consideration in all pay decisions.
Ready to make an impact with us? Apply today!
The estimated salary that Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn lists does not represent Nutrien's compensation structure. Nutrien is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.
This job will remain posted until filled. In accordance with Nutrien policies, you will be required to undergo a background check, and may be required to undergo a substance test. While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Applicants must meet minimum age requirements, as permitted by law.
Our Recruitment Process: Application > Resume Review > Pre-screen/Interview > Offer > Pre-Employment Conditions > Welcome to Nutrien
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