B407 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 a B407HP Short Haul – Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot you will work closely with the Contract & Charter team to perform search and rescue missions, human external cargo missions (short haul), wild-land firefighting activities and/or various utility operations. You will report to the Chief Pilot and will be responsible for the following, including but not limited to:

• Cover an Exclusive Use Contract out of Wenatchee, WA and various other locations in the Western US.
• The above contract starts May 21^st, 2025 and is expected to run until the end of fire season.
• Operate on a12 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.
• Other utility operations will be scheduled to meet the needs of the project.

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

• Cover the assigned aircraft in Wenatchee, WA during the summer season starting May 21^st, 2025.
• Preferably operate on 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. 
• We will provide initial short haul training and carding preparation to applicants committing to Hillsboro Aviation.

Qualifications/Licenses

• COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
• Current medical (class 2 or class 1)
• Driver’s License
• Passport (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska),
• Ability to legally work in the U.S.

Required Skills/Experience

• Helicopter Total Time: 1,500 hours
• Last 12 Months: 100 hours PIC in helicopter
• B407 PIC Time: 50 hours
• Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in B407
• Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
• Mountainous Terrain: 200 hours PIC in helicopter
• B407 PIC Mountainous Terrain: 10 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Previous firefighting and short haul experience
• Currently or previously interagency carded for short haul operations
• Precision placement vertical reference experience
• Additional experience in AS350/B205/H145
• Rotorcraft Instrument rating
• Clean driving record
• B407 factory training

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.