Full Time Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Natural Resources Pilot

Job Class: NR Pilot

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 94031

• Location : Brainerd

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 05/12/2026

• Closing Date : 06/01/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Enforcement/Aviation

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift

• Days of Work : Varies

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $31.26 - $46.15 / hourly; $65,270 - $96,361 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This rotary airborne natural resource pilot provides resource protection within the Division of Enforcement, public safety, and provides professional aviation support to all other disciplines within the department.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Assist in providing aerial surveillance to ground-based law enforcement personnel for prevention, detection and apprehension of individuals involved in criminal activities relating to all authorized natural resource statutes and regulations so that an effective and efficient law enforcement program is maintained.

• Provide pilot services and specialized flying techniques so that aircraft utilization is maximized within the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies as needed.

• External load operations including, but not limited to helicopter firefighting bucket assistance and aerial herbicide applications.

• Provide low-level single pilot operations as needed, including but not limited to helicopter fish stocking, animal surveys and search and rescue operations.

• Establish flight planning and maintenance practices so that the aircraft is in a flight ready status.

• Fulfill administrative duties as a member of the regional staff so that all aviation consulting, reporting and planning are conducted efficiently and effectively.

• Properly use, maintain and store issued equipment and uniforms so that they are serviceable at all times.

• Provide fixed-wing pilot support when not engaged in rotary operations. (If not dual rated at the time of appointment, training to commercial fixed-wing standards will be provided.)

This vacancy is also being posted under Job ID 94034 for those candidates who are eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) board. At the sole discretion of the hiring agency, this position has the potential for the applicant, if interested, to be trained and certified as a conservation officer pilot if certain peace officer licensing and other requirements are met.

Minimum Qualifications

Unrestricted FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate.

Minimum flight time of 1200 hours rotorcraft Pilot in Command (PIC) or 1000 hours PIC Single Pilot Rotorcraft Operations.

Instrument Rating.

Current First or Second class FAA Medical Certificate.

Ability to operate aircraft while looking for and recognizing ground-based activities. This could include searching for wildlife, lost persons, illegal activities environmental disasters, aerial firefighting, aerial application, etc.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Mathematical, oral and written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate legal and non-legal information.

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information.

If selected applicant only has rotor-craft rating at time of hire, additional rating training will be provided and required for fixed wing commercial add on.

Preferred Qualifications

1500 hours or more Rotorcraft PIC

Experience operating helicopter fire suppression (bucket) work.

Experience operating an aircraft for Natural Resources activities such as conducting aerial surveys and census of wildlife populations, photography, fire suppression, aerial applicator, and mapping for various lands use projects, and utilizing an aircraft for the stocking of fish in remote areas.

Working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, limitations and maintenance of both fixed and rotary winged aircraft as well as the specialized equipment used for various law enforcement and natural resources missions.

Ability to operate an aircraft in specialized manners such as from lakes, rivers, fields or unimproved strips sufficient to meet the needs of all disciplines within the department.

1000 or more hours Fixed-Wing PIC

300 hours of conventional gear (tailwheel) PIC

FAA Commercial Airplane(fixed-wing) single engine land- ASEL

Seaplane Rating

Ski plane experience

Additional ratings (multi-engine, CFI in airplane and/or rotorcraft- helicopter)

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.