Working Title: NR Pilot
Job Class: Natural Resources Pilot
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91060
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Intermittent
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 01/10/2026
Closing Date : 01/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This Forestry Natural Resource Pilot provides resource protection within the Division of Forestry, public safety, and provides professional aviation support to all other disciplines within the department.
Responsibilities of this position include:
Provide pilot services and specialized flying techniques so that aircraft utilization is maximized within the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies as needed.
Establish flight planning and maintenance practices so that the aircraft is in a flight ready status.
Fulfill administrative duties as a member of the regional staff so that all aviation consulting, reporting and planning are conducted efficiently and effectively.
Properly use, maintain and store issued equipment so that they are always serviceable.
Provide fixed-wing pilot support for wildfire suppression and detection, aerial photography, and passenger transport.
Minimum Qualifications
Pilots must possess a valid FAA commercial pilot certificate or ATP and appropriate aircraft ratings.
Flight Experience:
All Airplanes Minimum Experience Flight Hours
Total Time Airplanes1500
Pilot-in-command in Airplanes1200
Category and Class to be flown200
Turbine Time in Airplanes150
Make and Model to be flown25
Cross Country500
Operations in Typical Terrain200--
Night100
Instrument in Flight50
Instrument-Actual/simulated75
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Instrument Rating
Pilots must possess a valid First or Second Class FAA medical certificate.to conduct Commercial Pilot Operations
Ability to operate aircraft while looking for and recognizing ground-based activities. This could include searching for wildlife, lost persons, illegal activities, environmental disasters, aerial firefighting, aerial application, etc.
Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.
Mathematical, oral and written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate legal and non-legal information.
Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information.
Newly hired Division of Forestry pilots must have their flying skills evaluated in the aircraft appropriate to the mission for which they were hired, and pass an initial agency flight check by the Division's Lead Pilot.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience operating an aircraft for Natural Resources activities such as conducting aerial surveys and census of wildlife populations, photography, fire suppression, aerial applicator, and mapping for various lands use projects.
Working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, limitations and maintenance of both fixed winged aircraft as well as the specialized equipment used for various natural resource missions.
Ability to operate an aircraft in specialized manners such as from = unimproved strips sufficient to meet the needs of all disciplines within the department.
Remote Pilot Certificate
Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic preferably with Inspection Authorization (IA).
Experience in FAA Part 135 Operations as Director of Operations or Director of Maintenance.
Completed factory training for Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft.
Fixed Wing-Preceding 12 months (May be waived by hiring authority)100 Hours
Preceding 60 days (May be waived with an agency check ride)10 Hours
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
