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Conservation Pilot Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

JSfirm.com

Director of Maintenance

Kahului, HI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... Chief Pilot, and Safety Manager. This position leads and continuously improves our maintenance ... Windward Aviation operates primarily within Maui County, supporting Hawaii's conservation efforts ...

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Conservation Pilot information

What is a conservation pilot?

A Conservation Pilot is a specialized aviator who flies missions to support environmental and wildlife conservation efforts. Their duties may include conducting aerial surveys, monitoring wildlife populations, detecting illegal activities like poaching or deforestation, and assisting in habitat protection. They often work for government agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions. The role requires both piloting skills and knowledge of conservation practices. Conservation Pilots may operate in remote areas and challenging conditions to support environmental sustainability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a conservation pilot?

To thrive as a Conservation Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigational abilities, and experience flying in challenging environments, often tailored by specialized training in aerial surveillance or low-level flying. Familiarity with GPS mapping equipment, aerial photography tools, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an instrument rating or FAA Part 137 for certain conservation operations. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and quick decision-making skills help pilots coordinate with ground teams and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. These qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe and effective support of conservation projects, such as wildlife monitoring, firefighting, or habitat surveys, often carried out in remote or rugged locations.

What types of organizations employ conservation pilots, and what is the typical work environment?

Conservation Pilots are commonly employed by government agencies, wildlife conservation nonprofits, environmental consulting firms, and private contractors that support conservation efforts. The work environment often includes operating from small regional airports, remote landing strips, or temporary field bases, with much of the job spent flying over diverse terrains such as forests, wetlands, and savannahs. Pilots may work independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with wildlife biologists, rangers, and ground support crews. The role can involve irregular hours and periods of intensive fieldwork, but it offers the reward of directly contributing to environmental preservation and diverse natural resource management projects.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Pilot jobs in Hawaii?

For Conservation Pilot jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Pilot jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Pilot jobs in Hawaii are:

Conservation Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Pilot job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director of Maintenance

JSfirm.com

Kahului, HI • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Director of Maintenance (DOM) is responsible for the overall airworthiness, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of Windward Aviation’s helicopter fleet. This role ensures all aircraft are maintained in accordance with FAA regulations, OAS certification standards, manufacturer requirements, and company policies—supporting safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

The DOM is a key member of the leadership team and works closely with the President, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Safety Manager. This position leads and continuously improves our maintenance operation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, capable of managing multiple aircraft events simultaneously, and experienced in building efficient systems while maintaining full compliance.

Windward Aviation operates primarily within Maui County, supporting Hawaii’s conservation efforts, county Police and Fire, and other utility missions. We offer a unique opportunity in the utility helicopter industry: year‑round, consistent operations based in a single location, with a stable schedule, and the ability to be home daily. We are seeking a strong A&P leader from the utility sector who values both operational excellence and quality of life.

Fleet & Operating Environment
  • Fleet: 5 × MD500D, 2 × BK117 B2 (850D2)
  • Base: Maui, Hawaii (1 aircraft on contract on Oahu)
  • Operations: Part 135, Part 133, Part 137, Public Use, and Part 91
  • Centralized operation with limited field deployment
Key Responsibilities
  • Regulatory Compliance & Airworthiness
  • Ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 135 and applicable Parts 91, 43, 65, 133, and 137
  • Maintain manufacturer approved maintenance and OAS certification standards
  • Serve as primary liaison with FAA PMI and OAS auditors
  • Ensure aircraft airworthiness
Maintenance Control & Planning
  • Direct all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance
  • Oversee manufacturer inspection criteria and component tracking (LLPs, TBOs)
  • Manage downtime and coordinate AOG response
Team Leadership
  • Lead and manage maintenance personnel (A&P mechanics, helpers, support staff)
  • Ensure proper staffing, training, and current qualifications
  • Foster a strong, accountable safety culture
  • Records, QA & SMS
  • Maintain accurate, audit‑ready records (logbooks, ADs, SBs, CHR, maintenance tracking system)
  • Oversee quality control and support SMS participation
  • Identify trends and proactively mitigate maintenance risk
Vendors & Inventory
  • Manage OEMs, repair stations, and overhaul vendors
  • Oversee procurement, inventory, and cost control
  • Ensure full traceability and regulatory compliance of parts
Operational Coordination
  • Coordinate daily with DOO, Chief Pilot, and scheduling
  • Align maintenance with mission demands (fire standby, ag ops, utility work)
  • Support rapid aircraft configuration changes across mission types
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