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Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Portland, OR

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ... Helicopter Total Time: 3,500 * Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter * Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Durham, OR

... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue helicopter pilot in Portland, OR is $106,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,400.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search rescue helicopter pilot?

A Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to locate and assist individuals in distress, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their duties include flying in various weather conditions, coordinating with rescue teams, and performing emergency evacuations. They work for military, government, or private organizations, responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, lost hikers, or maritime incidents. Extensive training, flight experience, and certifications are required to ensure safety during high-risk operations.

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

To thrive as a Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a thorough knowledge of aeronautical navigation and meteorology, and a commercial or air transport pilot license with specialized search and rescue (SAR) training. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, night vision equipment, hoist operations, and radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making abilities, teamwork, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and effective mission execution in challenging and often life-threatening situations.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a search rescue helicopter pilot?

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilots often work irregular hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, as emergencies can occur at any time. The role can involve long shifts and rapid response to urgent calls, with time spent both in-flight and on standby at a base. Pilots typically operate as part of a highly coordinated team, collaborating closely with crew members, paramedics, and ground rescue personnel. Work conditions can be physically and mentally demanding, especially in adverse weather or challenging terrain, but the position is rewarding for those who are passionate about saving lives and making a tangible impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR?

For Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Portland, OR are:

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,315 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract.

Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.