State of Alaska | Pilot

Location and Compensation

This position operates seasonally between two key locations:

• Kodiak: Approximately September through April (off-season)
• Chignik/Alaska Peninsula: Approximately May through September (busy season)

Pilot housing is provided at no cost during the field season in Sand Point, Chignik, and Cold Bay. The role will initially be based in Chignik, with opportunities to relocate to Sand Point or Cold Bay as mission needs dictate.

Hourly Wage Structure (reflecting a 3% increase effective July 1, 2025):

• Kodiak: $54.76/Hourly
• Chignik: $74.00/Hourly

The recruitment period for this vacancy has been broadened and extended to allow for a larger applicant pool.

Role and Responsibilities

The Aircraft Pilot 2 will be responsible for piloting state-owned multi-engine and single-engine fixed-wing aircraft, equipped with both wheels and floats. This includes the safe transportation of departmental staff and supplies to support critical programmatic operations and/or enforcement missions. Key responsibilities include:

• Operating aircraft for the safe transport of departmental staff to and from remote field camps.
• Conducting low-altitude flights essential for stream enumeration, fish surveys, and oversight of fishing fleet activities.
• Performing highly specialized flying, frequently operating out of unimproved landing strips, beaches, lakes, and lagoons in unpredictable weather conditions and over hazardous terrain.
• Serving as the lead pilot for regional aviation operations, establishing task priorities, and assigning work to subordinate pilots.
• During the off-season (Kodiak), performing maintenance, repair, alteration, and annual inspections of five Commercial Fisheries aircraft.
• Maintaining aviation maintenance and service records for each aircraft in accordance with FAA and departmental standards.
• Serving as custodian for regional aircraft and the associated maintenance/hangar facility.
• Maintaining a comprehensive inventory of aircraft parts, support, and service equipment.
• Assisting in the management of aircraft operational and maintenance budgets.

About the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG)

The ADFG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture of value, equity, and respect. The Department's core mission is to manage, protect, maintain, and improve Alaska's fish, game, and aquatic plant resources. Primary goals include ensuring the conservation and sustained yield management of renewable fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, along with promoting resource use and development that serves the best interests of the state's economy and its people.

The aircraft section's primary responsibility is to ensure returning salmon are provided sufficient opportunity to migrate to their spawning streams. The vital information gathered from these aerial surveys is indispensable for the management and sustainable harvest of commercial, sport, and subsistence salmon fisheries. This position directly contributes to the successful management of commercial fisheries throughout the region.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

Joining the ADFG as an Aircraft Pilot 2 offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience observing and contributing to the prosecution of commercial salmon fisheries in Alaska. The aircraft program operates in some of the most remote, pristine, and interesting locations across the state, providing unparalleled access to recreational opportunities and exceptional wildlife viewing experiences. This dedicated program is unique to the Commercial Fisheries division and is recognized as a secure and priority program due to its critical importance to Westward Region salmon and herring management.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate for this demanding role will possess a robust aviation background and demonstrate exceptional self-motivation, capable of both independent work and cooperative collaboration with area management and regional biologists to establish and schedule flight priorities. The following qualifications are required or highly desired:

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to carry and operate firearms, which are required as standard aircraft emergency survival gear primarily for bear encounters and safety.
• Single-engine Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• Instrument Pilot Rating.
• Single-engine Sea Rating.
• A total of 1,500 hours flying aircraft.
• 500 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of fixed-wing aircraft.
• 250 hours of tailwheel experience.
• 250 hours of PIC Alaska time, with 100 of those hours logged within the 18 months prior to employment.
• CPR/First Aid Training (required as a condition of employment).
• Medical Certificate (required as a condition of employment).

Highly Desired Qualifications (due to remote operations and available aircraft):

• Multi-engine Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics License (FAA) is strongly preferred, as regional operations often base pilots in remote locations during the field season where emergency repairs may be necessary, and no licensed aircraft mechanic is available.
• Inspection Authorization (IA) License (FAA).
• Flight Instructor Certificate is highly preferred, as this position conducts check-rides and training for subordinate pilot(s).

For a general description and example of duties for an Aircraft Pilot 2, please refer to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs