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Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot information

What is a remote oil rig helicopter pilot?

Remote oil rig helicopter pilots are specialized aviators who transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from offshore oil rigs, often located far from land. They operate helicopters over open water, sometimes in challenging weather and low-visibility conditions. Their work ensures the safe and efficient movement of crews, supports emergency evacuations, and is critical to the daily operation of offshore oil platforms. These pilots must have advanced certifications, rigorous safety training, and experience with both flying and maritime operations.

What are the unique challenges faced by remote oil rig helicopter pilots, and how do they typically collaborate with offshore teams?

Remote oil rig helicopter pilots often contend with unpredictable weather conditions, limited visibility, and the logistical complexities of transporting crew and equipment to isolated platforms. Close collaboration with offshore operations teams, air traffic controllers, and rig personnel is essential to ensure safe flight schedules and efficient transfer of passengers. Pilots also participate in regular safety briefings and must remain adaptable to sudden changes in flight plans due to emergencies or operational demands. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure within a multidisciplinary team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote oil rig helicopter pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with helicopter rating, significant flight hours (often 1,000+), and offshore or maritime experience. Proficiency with navigation systems, weather radar, and helicopter-specific avionics is crucial, along with certifications like Instrument Rating and offshore survival training (e.g., HUET). Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills are vital for ensuring safety in challenging and dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in transporting crew and supplies to and from remote oil rigs.

What is the difference between Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot vs Offshore Oil Platform Crane Operator?

AspectRemote Oil Rig Helicopter PilotOffshore Oil Platform Crane Operator
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Heli-operations certificationsCrane Operator Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter flights to and from rigs, remote locationsOnboard offshore platforms, working with heavy machinery
Industry UsageOil and gas exploration, transportationLoading/unloading equipment, maintenance

The Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot primarily transports personnel and supplies via helicopter to offshore oil rigs, requiring aviation certifications and flying skills. In contrast, the Offshore Oil Platform Crane Operator handles heavy lifting operations on the platform, focusing on safety certifications and machinery operation. Both roles are essential in offshore oil industry logistics but differ significantly in skills, environment, and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in Alabama?

For Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Oil Rig Helicopter Pilot job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service

Montgomery, AL • On-site, Remote

$72K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as a first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Serve as a supervisor for a crew assigned to a helitack program. Coordinate and direct a helitack crew in support of fire suppression including initial attack and ongoing fires.
  • Prioritizes attack sequence in multiple fire situations based on fire needs and efficient aircraft use. Promote and support a positive work environment to create a climate of mutual respect and integrity.
  • Determine appropriate suppression strategies such as fire line construction, hot spotting, backfiring, burnout, aerial ignition, water delivery systems, tree felling, brush removal, and/or mop-up operations.
  • Serve as a helicopter rappel spotter ensuring safe and efficient deployment of rappel crew on incident and training missions. Maintain helicopter safety and continued compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate new aviation accessories and equipment to make recommendations regarding future use and modifications for improvement.
  • Provide direction and oversight on the helitack program to pilots, firefighters, and aviation personnel. Assist with developing helicopter safety and firefighting training modules for the regional fire management program.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • Under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the requirement.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers; Planned and coordinated complex air operations using numerous helicopter models, capabilities and limitations, including remote, isolated work locations; Developed specific aerial ignition plans for burning projects after analyzing conditions.
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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 1: Northern Region - Tiffany Counts at tiffany.counts@usda.gov
Region 3: Southwestern Region - Tobe Haught at tobe.haught@usda.gov
Region 4: Intermountain Region - Bradley Bugger at bradley.bugger@usda.gov
Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Region 6: Pacific Northwest Region - Shalyn Whitson shalyn.whitson@usda.gov
Region 8: Southern Region - Russ Marchion at russell.marchion@usda.gov
Region 9: Eastern Region - Brian Hicks at brian.a.hicks@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov.
Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period (unless prior service is creditable). New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program before the end of their probationary period.
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE. This is dependent upon unit location.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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