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Forestry Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... About Weyerhaeuser We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... About Weyerhaeuser We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... About Weyerhaeuser We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a ...

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter ... Forest Service. * Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to ...

Forestry Pilot information

What does a forestry pilot do?

A forestry pilot is a specialized aviator who operates aircraft in support of forestry operations such as aerial surveys, wildfire detection and suppression, mapping, and resource monitoring. They may fly small airplanes or helicopters over forests to help locate fires, drop water or fire retardant, and assist in reforestation efforts. Forestry pilots must have strong flying skills, knowledge of forestry management practices, and the ability to work in challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions. Their work is crucial for protecting forest resources and supporting environmental conservation.

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

To thrive as a Forestry Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with specialized training in low-level flying, aerial navigation, and experience in forestry or wildfire operations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial mapping tools, and radio communications equipment is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safety, accurate operations, and effective coordination during aerial forestry missions and emergency responses.

What are some common challenges faced by forestry pilots during aerial operations?

Forestry pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, low-altitude flying, and navigating over rugged or densely forested terrain. These factors require strong situational awareness and quick decision-making to ensure safety and mission effectiveness. Additionally, working closely with ground crews and adapting to various aerial tasks, such as wildfire suppression or surveying, are integral to the role and demand excellent communication skills.

What is the difference between Forestry Pilot vs Forest Ranger?

AspectForestry PilotForest Ranger
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, forestry knowledgeHigh school diploma, conservation training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, remote forest areasGround patrols, parks, forests
Employer & IndustryForestry companies, aviation servicesGovernment agencies, conservation organizations

Forestry Pilots primarily operate aircraft to monitor forests, while Forest Rangers work on land management and conservation on the ground. Both roles support forestry but differ in work environment and required skills.

How much do forestry pilots make?

Forestry pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often operate specialized aircraft for tasks like aerial firefighting and forest management, requiring certifications such as a commercial pilot license and knowledge of forestry operations.

What are popular job titles related to Forestry Pilot jobs in Oregon?

For Forestry Pilot jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forestry Pilot jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Forestry Pilot jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Forestry Pilot jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Forestry Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Forestry Pilot job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Blackhawk Pilot

Weyerhaeuser Company

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Weyerhaeuser rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from McMinnville, travel expenses provided. Most operations are conducted locally. Schedule is balanced to meet customer demand and personal needs. We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid time in accordance with company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.

  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.

  • Be able to work on a roster away from home base for extended periods at a time at short notice.

  •  Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.

  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP's, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.

  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.

  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP's and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.

  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.

  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).

  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.
  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000 total rotarywing flight hours
  • 1,000 hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58

  • 100 hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk

  • Aerial Firefighting experience in Type II (Bell 212)

What We Offer: 

Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $108,521 - $162,782 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance.  We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution.  Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career. 

Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our contribution equal to 5% of your eligible pay. 

Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours and paid parental leave for all full-time employees.

About Weyerhaeuser 

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference. 

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us. 

About Timberlands

We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.

Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.


What Weyerhaeuser employees say

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About Weyerhaeuser

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Weyerhaeuser is a leading international forest products company based in Seattle, WA, US. Established in 1900, the company has grown to become one of the largest timberland owners in the world. Weyerhaeuser is deeply rooted in the forestry industry and excels in timberland management, as well as the manufacture and distribution of a diverse range of forest products. The product slate encompasses lumber, plywood, wood chips, and other wood-derived materials predominantly used in construction, cellulose fiber production, and bioenergy.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1900

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