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Jump Pilot Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Officer

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$23.91/hr

... providing jump starts, operating light equipment and vehicles to transport materials, and ... pilot a vessel; to frequently make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties ...

Jump Pilot information

See Alaska salary details

$53.3K

$141K

$216.5K

How much do jump pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for jump pilot in Alaska is $140,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,700.00 and $166,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Jump Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong airmanship, and experience flying aircraft used in skydiving operations. Familiarity with jump aircraft such as Cessna Caravans, proficiency in weight and balance calculations, and a current FAA medical certificate are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safety of both skydivers and crew, efficient flight operations, and effective coordination during high-adrenaline situations.

What is the difference between Jump Pilot vs Skydiving Instructor?

AspectJump PilotSkydiving Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific jump pilot ratingsUSPA Instructor Certification, skydiving licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, jump aircraft, airportsDrop zones, aircraft, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSkydiving companies, adventure sports operatorsSkydiving centers, adventure sports industry

Jump Pilots operate aircraft to transport skydivers and ensure safe jumps, requiring pilot certifications. Skydiving Instructors train and certify skydivers, focusing on safety and technique. While both roles are integral to the skydiving industry, Jump Pilots focus on flying, whereas Skydiving Instructors focus on training and safety instruction.

What is a jump pilot?

Jump pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for flying aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude for parachute jumps. Their primary duties include maintaining flight safety, following precise flight patterns to designated drop zones, and communicating effectively with drop zone operators and jumpers. Jump pilots often work at skydiving centers and must be skilled at handling planes during short takeoffs, landings, and high-density operations. They play a crucial role in the safety and success of skydiving operations.

What are some common challenges faced by jump pilots during busy skydiving operations?

Jump pilots often contend with tight turnaround times, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need for precise coordination with ground crew and skydivers. Maintaining situational awareness is critical, especially when flying multiple loads in succession and operating out of smaller airfields. Additionally, jump pilots must be adept at handling unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in jump runs or emergency procedures, while ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft.

What does a jump pilot do?

Jump pilots fly aircraft for skydivers. In this role, you prepare the plane for each flight, monitor conditions in the air, and ensure the jumpers are secure and ready to dive out of the plane. Unlike commercial airline pilots, jump pilots make many flights each day, taking off and landing every fifteen to twenty minutes during their shift. You must communicate with air traffic controllers throughout the trip, make sure that the passengers are ready for the skydive, and notify them as you approach the drop zone. Jump pilots also relay any necessary information about wind, jump timing, and other factors that may affect the jump.

What are popular job titles related to Jump Pilot jobs in Alaska? For Jump Pilot jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Jump Pilot job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 76% Physical, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,989 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

$23.91/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time Harbor Officer in the Harbor Department. The Department is looking for an experienced team player that has a desire to be a part of a highly engaged Harbor Department working hard to serve the needs of our community. Under supervision, this position is responsible for overseeing the security, maintenance, and safe usage of all City port, harbor, and shipyard facilities.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: patrolling all areas of the facilities by foot, vehicle and vessel; conducting vessel counts; conducting routine maintenance activities; set up and patrol restricted areas for federally protected vessels; securing vessels at docks; operating a variety of light equipment and vehicles; enforcing harbor policies through verbal warnings and/or tickets; and operating harbor vessels to provide emergency response for disabled vessels, fires and lost persons. The Harbor Department provides a variety of services and programs to support and enrich the lives of the residents of Kodiak. The Harbor Officer must perform duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department.

Examples Of Essential Duties Secures the City facilities by performing foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and vessel patrols, which includes: conducting vessel counts; securing vessel lines; enforcing harbor policies through verbal warnings and/or tickets; providing emergency response for disabled vessels, fires, flooding, and lost persons; and performing related duties. Performs routine maintenance in the facilities, which may include picking up garbage, providing jump starts, operating light equipment and vehicles to transport materials, and performing related duties. Set up and maintain security zones in accordance with Federal Maritime Security and local facility security plans.

Maintain accurate daily activity logs and vessel inventory. Prepares written reports and maintains records of crimes, injuries, incidents, and harbor accidents. Provides assistance to citizens, which may include: providing directions; escorting individuals; communicating harbor policies; providing general information in person, over the phone and by radio; providing first aid and CPR in emergency situations; and performing related duties.

Recognize potential hazardous situations and contact appropriate persons as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Must have obtained a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).

One year of general work experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Prior experience in vessel operations and VHF radio communications is desired. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cardholder or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Valid Alaska driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.): Knowledge of: Principles and practices of patrol and crime prevention; Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; Basic harbor maintenance principles; Recordkeeping principles; Customer service principles; Computer operation and related software applications. Skill in: Applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; Responding to crisis or emergency management situations calmly; Monitoring and maintaining harbor facilities and grounds; Monitoring and controlling suspicious activity; Maintaining records; Providing customer service; Using a computer and related software applications; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc

sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Ability to: Ensure proper safety procedures are being followed, to protect staff, the general public and equipment; Use a variety of communication tools (electronic email, VHF radio, phone, etc.); Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; ability to pilot a vessel; to frequently make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to push, pull, lift or move objects. WORKING CONDITIONS: Some work is performed in an office environment, with the majority of work performed outdoors and in a marine environment with varying weather conditions.

Outdoor work often performed in inclement weather under physically demanding situations. Exposure to dust, grease, fumes, odors, gases, vibrations, mechanical and electrical hazards; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level is occasionally louder due to the operations of vessels and equipment.

Routine contact with the general public. Non-traditional work hours required with shift and day off assignments on rotating work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.