FIREFIGHTER ROTORCRAFT PILOT - 42002922

Requisition No: 881447 | Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services | Working Title: FIREFIGHTER ROTORCRAFT PILOT - 42002922 | Pay Plan: Career Service | Position Number: 42002922 | Posting Closing Date: 10/15/2026

About the role

This position is a Firefighter Rotorcraft Pilot located either in Ocala or Tallahassee, Florida. Reporting to Tom Hopkins (850‑681‑5986), the pilot commands single‑engine turbine helicopters for wildfire suppression, prescribed burns, aerial ignition, firefighter transport, and related missions.

Responsibilities

• Safely suppress fire and conduct prescribed burns as pilot in command of single engine turbine helicopters.
• Perform aerial suppression of wildfires (initial and reinforced attack) by transporting water with the helicopter and releasing it onto the fire.
• Provide aerial intelligence on fire behavior and tactical effectiveness during fire operations.
• Conduct aerial ignition missions using helicopters and machines that drop ignition devices to set fires and reduce fuels.
• Predict fire behavior based on weather and other indicators during suppression or prescribed burning missions.
• Act as pilot in command to transport firefighting personnel to wildfire locations and to transport aerial observers on fire and resource‑management missions.
• Perform preflight inspections, check weather forecasts, file flight plans; conduct post‑flight duties, prepare discrepancy lists, fuel aircraft, ensure aircraft security, close flight plans, and prepare flight logs.
• Attend internal training and complete external instruction to maintain FAA ratings, instrument and visual flight rules currency.
• Maintain currency as required by agency and insurance policy.
• Successfully complete required proficiency and physical examinations.
• Conduct training for other personnel on safe and effective aircraft use to accomplish assigned missions.
• Maintain aircraft in a clean, neat, and orderly condition.
• Assist aircraft maintenance personnel with daily inspections and other maintenance as required.
• Operate aircraft for maintenance operations requiring a pilot.
• Conduct maintenance operational checks.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with Rotorcraft/Helicopter and Instrument‑Helicopter ratings.