Pilots - First Officer - Q400 (Finance)

** 1st review of applications will begin 9/29/2025 **

Summary

The First Officer is a Carded Air Tanker Pilot making drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time. The First Officer acts as second in command for wildfire suppression missions operating multiengine firefighting aircraft.

Specific Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
• Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
• Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
• Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
• Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
• Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
• Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
• Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
• Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
• Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite's Mission, Vision, and Values.

Other Duties:

• Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
• Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
• Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
• Perform maintenance flights as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Aeronautical - Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
• Regulatory - Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures
• Mechanical - Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
• Human Factors - Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
• Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles

Skills and Competencies:

• Communication - Must have excellent communication skills. Able to read, write and understand the English language.
• Teamwork - Ability to work as part of the aerial firefighting team under all conditions.
• Interpersonal skills - Ability to work well with a variety of personalities. Ability to diffuse conflicts and maintain a positive work environment
• Task management - Must prioritize tasks and projects with attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor - Ability to maintain professional relationships in adverse conditions.
• Adaptability - Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

Abilities:

• Aeronautical Decision Making - Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
• Airmanship - Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
• Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking - Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance.
• Computer Literacy - Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
• Technical comprehension and writing - Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL/MES.

Physical Demands:

• Stationary Position - Must be able to remain in stationary position for lengthy flight missions.
• Mobility - Must be able to move about office, hangar and aircraft without limitations.
• Dexterity/Stamina - Able to use repetitive and precisely coordinated movements to manipulate flight controls and switches for lengthy missions.
• Agility - Able to ascend/descend ladders and position self to inspect and/or service equipment.
• Strength - Able to support equipment up to 70 pounds.
• Balance - Able to manage equilibrium while traversing across office, hangar, aircraft, and ascend/descend ladders.

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) - (ATP preferred)
• US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
• 3,000 hours in airplanes
• 1,000 hours PIC
• 200 hours PIC multiengine
• 200 hours PIC multi-crew
• 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
• 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
• FAA Class II medical certificate

Preferred Education and Experience

Education and Training:

• Professional Aviation training -

Specialized aircraft courses, Simulator, and CRM training (preferred)

• Post Secondary Education -

2 or 4 year degree program

• Human Factors / Safety Management

Formal risk-based education (preferred)

Competencies

• Deadline oriented and organized
• Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based upon business and customer needs.

Travel
Extensive travel, primarily CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

** 1st review of applications will begin 9/29/2025 **

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $81,000 - $99,000 annually; The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.