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Forestry Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Alamogordo, NM · On-site +1

$85K - $106K/yr

... Forest, go fishing and wildlife watching at Sacramento Mountains, tour the NM Museum of Space ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Carlsbad, NM

$75K - $94K/yr

... Natl Forest, trails for bikers, hikers, runners and backpackers, an Antique Flea Market, Arts ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

... Natl Forest, trails for bikers, hikers, runners and backpackers, an Antique Flea Market, Arts ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Residents enjoy a serene lifestyle, surrounded by lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Sidney, NY · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Residents enjoy a serene lifestyle, surrounded by lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Sidney, NY · On-site

$82K/yr

Residents enjoy a serene lifestyle, surrounded by lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Farmington, NM · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

... Forest and De-Na-Zin Wilderness, biking along the Animas Riverwalk, or visiting the rich cultural ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

... Forest Park -- one of the largest urban parks in the country. Whether you enjoy catching a ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Surrounded by the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, it's a paradise for hiking, wildlife ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Surrounded by the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, it's a paradise for hiking, wildlife ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Silver City, NM · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

... Forest, Continental Divide Trails, La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery, Jordan Hot Springs, Lake ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Surrounded by the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, it's a paradise for hiking, wildlife ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

... like Forest Park - one of the largest urban parks in the country. Whether you enjoy catching a ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Hazleton, PA · On-site

$89K - $111K/yr

The region's picturesque landscapes, including nearby mountains and forests, provide ample ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Residents enjoy a serene lifestyle, surrounded by lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and the ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Hazleton, PA

$89K - $111K/yr

The region's picturesque landscapes, including nearby mountains and forests, provide ample ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Hazleton, PA

$89K - $111K/yr

The region's picturesque landscapes, including nearby mountains and forests, provide ample ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Surrounded by the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, it's a paradise for hiking, wildlife ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Farmington, NM · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

... Forest and De-Na-Zin Wilderness, biking along the Animas Riverwalk, or visiting the rich cultural ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

Helicopter Pilot

Farmington, NM

$79K - $99K/yr

... Forest and De-Na-Zin Wilderness, biking along the Animas Riverwalk, or visiting the rich cultural ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

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Forestry Pilot information

See salary details

$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do forestry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry pilot in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Forestry Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Forestry Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Forestry Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Forestry Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Forestry Pilot jobs include:
Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

Alamogordo, NM • On-site, Remote

$85K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Air Methods rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Rotor Wing Pilot - Native Air
Alamogordo, NM
EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR)

$50,000 Annual Stipend, Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available
AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!
As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!
What Alamogordo, NM offers: Enjoy hiking and sledding at the iconic gypsum sand dune ecosystem at White Sands National Park, or through the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and Lincoln National Forest, go fishing and wildlife watching at Sacramento Mountains, tour the NM Museum of Space History with artifacts from the Apollo mission and other space travel interactive displays, or visit the exotic birds at the Alameda Park Zoo or the nearby pistachio orchards for a sampling of many nut flavors.
Benefits
Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:
  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job Summary
Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
• Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
• Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
• Responsible for completion of required documentation.
• Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards
• Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach
• Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Job Requirements
• Regular scheduled attendance - 7 days on/7 days off (12-hour shifts)
Subject to applicable laws and Air Method's policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods' employment practices and policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Education & Experience
• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two to five years' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred
Operation and Safety Requirements:
• As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.
Skills
• Pilots must have flown in category for a commercial operator or in the military within the previous 24 months
• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program - Minimum Required Flight Times:• 2000 total flight hours with minimum of 1500 flight hours in category
• 1000 hours PIC in category
• 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
• 200 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
• 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)
• 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (simulator time does not count) (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW required instrument time to 25 hours).
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft)
• ATP rating in category meets this requirement
• First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.
Internal Bidding Ends 05/14/2026
Benefits
For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980