AS350 Short Haul - Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot

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 85 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 an AS350 Fire/Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter team to perform wild-land firefighting activities and/or various utility operations. The position offered is a Search and Rescue pilot position for the Mt Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades National Parks in an AS350B3e. You will report to the Chief Pilot and will be responsible for the following, including but not limited to:

• Provide SAR helicopter services for the Mt Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks.
• Short Haul (HEC) and Step operations are conducted due to the ops environment; snow landings are performed due to the significant elevation of the terrain
• Aircraft will also be utilized for wild-land fire fighting activities within the National Parks or on bordering lands as needed.
• Other utility operations will be scheduled to meet the needs of the project.
• Operate on a 12 on 12 off schedule. If operated on a 12 on 2 off schedule, occasionally longer breaks to travel back home may be arranged based on helicopter operations and relief pilot availability.

Ideal candidates are able to work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision, excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners, and willing to assist in other projects or duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide SAR helicopter services for the Mt Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks.
• Short Haul (HEC) and Step operations are conducted due to the ops environment; snow landings are performed due to the significant elevation of the terrain
• Aircraft will also be utilized for wild-land fire fighting activities within the National Parks or on bordering lands as needed.
• Cover the fire contract preferably on a 12 on 12 off schedule
• All travel and accommodation, as well as per diem, is paid for
• Other utility operations will be scheduled to meet the needs of the projects in hand with corresponding work schedules
• The pilot is responsible and expected to present the aircraft and operation in a professional manner to the customer (USFS).
• Good judgment and solid airman-ship is expected to safely operate the aircraft.
• Compliance with SOPs, contractual requirements and daily OPS reporting procedures is mandatory.

Qualifications/Licenses

• COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
• Current medical (class 2 or class 1)
• Driver’s license
• Ability to legally work in the U.S.

Required Skills/Experience

• Significant amount of precision VERTICAL reference time
• Minimum 50 hours AS350 PIC time within the last 12 months
• Previously DOI/USFS carded
• Meeting interagency carding requirements for 2025
• If not previously qualified for short haul or step operations, initial long-line and carding training will be provided to applicants committing to Hillsboro Aviation.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Previous short haul experience
• Previous step experience
• Currently interagency carded in AS350 for deep snow landing
• Bambi bucket and PSD
• Instrument rating
• Passport
• Clean driving record

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness benefits, including alternative care and lifestyle discounts
• 401(k) match
• Monthly team-building events, including BBQs
• Exercise, shower facilities, and locker rooms at headquarters

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.