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Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

US Department of the Air Force

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

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Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot information

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How much do part time search rescue helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time search rescue helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time search rescue helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, extensive flight hours, and specialized training in search and rescue operations. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, night vision equipment, and emergency medical procedures is typically required. Strong decision-making, calmness under pressure, and teamwork make pilots stand out in critical rescue missions. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and effective rescue operations in challenging and often life-threatening environments.

What is a part time search rescue helicopter pilot?

Part time search and rescue helicopter pilots are licensed aviators who work on a part-time basis to operate helicopters during missions that locate and assist people in distress, often in challenging environments like mountains, forests, or at sea. They perform critical roles in emergency situations, including medical evacuations, disaster response, and missing person searches. These pilots typically work for government agencies, private organizations, or volunteer groups, and their schedules can vary based on need or callouts. In addition to flying, they may assist with mission planning, team coordination, and maintaining readiness. Many have prior military or emergency services experience.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time search rescue helicopter pilots, and how can they prepare for them?

Part-time search and rescue helicopter pilots often face the challenge of maintaining sharp flying and rescue skills despite working fewer hours than full-time counterparts. They must also be prepared to respond to unpredictable emergencies, sometimes on short notice and in adverse weather conditions. To stay effective, it's important to participate regularly in training exercises, stay current on certifications, and maintain strong communication with the full-time team to remain integrated in standard operating procedures. Building flexibility and situational awareness is key to success in this dynamic, high-stakes role.

What is the difference between Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot vs Part Time Commercial Helicopter Pilot?

AspectPart Time Search Rescue Helicopter PilotPart Time Commercial Helicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft, and rescue-specific trainingCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft, and passenger transport training
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, emergency response, often in challenging conditionsPassenger transport, sightseeing, or charter flights in various environments
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, rescue organizations, emergency servicesTour operators, private companies, charter services

While both roles require a commercial pilot license and rotorcraft certification, the Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot focuses on emergency rescue missions in challenging environments, often working with government or rescue agencies. In contrast, the Part Time Commercial Helicopter Pilot primarily conducts passenger transport or sightseeing flights for private or commercial clients. The key difference lies in the work environment and mission objectives.

What cities are hiring for Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Part Time Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs near you

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Versailles, KY

$89K/yr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 292 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot, provides supervision and guidance to pilots, working with the Aviation Program Manager, the Aviation Fleet Manager and Operations and Logistics Managers to collaboratively deliver aviation services to WS cooperators and stakeholders within the east, supervising up to 30 intermittent and part-time pilots.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying light helicopters, such as Bell or MD helicopters, to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with helicopter and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Operating light helicopters at low altitudes (100 feet above ground level) in varying terrains and cover types.
  • Aerial predator or feral swine control operations in mountainous environments.
  • Low level flight experience with a Bell or MD helicopter or a make and model of helicopter or similar type (i.e. Single Engine Piston). Please ensure the aircraft type that meets this experience is listed in your resume along with total hours Pilot in Command (PIC), PIC time for the preceding 12 months, and total hours spent as PIC for wildlife damage or similar operations.
  • Experience in supervising other pilots or aerial crewmembers.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER

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