Aircraft Mechanic - C-130 Hercules

Coulson Aviation; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rotational schedule across Canada

Company-paid travel for rotations

Health and retirement benefits

Hands-on C-130 maintenance experience

Training opportunities

Job summary

Coulson Aviation Canada is expanding its C-130 Hercules team to support aerial firefighting operations across Canada. If you have 5+ years in heavy aircraft maintenance and a Transport Canada AME M2 licence, this is your opportunity to join a growing program.

We value hands-on maintenance, problem-solving, and a willingness to travel for rotations across Canada. A strong safety focus and teamwork are essential to succeed.

Qualifications

• A valid Transport Canada AME M2 licence for licensed positions or relevant aircraft-maintenance training and experience.
• 5+ years of heavy or large commercial aircraft maintenance experience preferred for C-130 transition.
• C-130 Hercules experience is a strong asset but not required.
• Valid driver’s licence and passport; ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, maintenance, repairs, and daily checks on C-130 Hercules aircraft.
• Travel with assigned aircraft when deployed on aerial firefighting contracts.
• Provide field-maintenance support in domestic and international operating environments.
• Troubleshoot systems, identify defects, and complete adjustments using approved data.
• Manage spare parts, tools, and inventory within the parts trailer.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and collaborate with crews.

Skills

5+ years heavy aircraft maintenance

M2 licence experience

Strong troubleshooting

Willingness to travel

Education

Transport Canada AME M2 licence

Job description

The Hercules has a new mission. We are building the team behind it.

Coulson Aviation Canada has acquired 10 former Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules aircraft, doubling our global C-130H fleet from 10 to 20 and marking a significant expansion of our Canadian C-130 airtanker program.

These aircraft have spent decades serving Canada. Now, they are beginning their next chapter supporting aerial firefighting operations—and we are building the maintenance team that will help take them there.

At Coulson Aviation, we operate, modify, and maintain a diverse fleet of specialized aircraft supporting aerial firefighting operations worldwide. Our fleet includes C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737 FIRELINERS™, Cessna Citation 550 and 560 aircraft, CH-47D Chinooks, and Sikorsky S-61 and S-76 helicopters.

As our company and aircraft fleet continue to grow, we are looking for experienced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers with M1 and M2 ratings to join our C-130 Hercules team and willingness to obtain their A&P license.

Already know the C-130? We want to hear from you.

Built your career maintaining heavy or large commercial aircraft? We want to hear from you too.

C-130 experience is strongly preferred, but it is not the only way in.

We recognize the depth of knowledge and transferable skills that experienced heavy-aircraft maintenance professionals bring. If you have 5+ years of heavy or large commercial aircraft maintenance experience, Coulson is prepared to provide C-130-specific training to qualified candidates who have the technical background and experience to make the transition.

If you know heavy aircraft. We will help you learn the Hercules.

This is a full-time opportunity to work on one of aviation’s most recognized aircraft while directly supporting Coulson’s aerial firefighting operations.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• A rotational schedule that allows you to live anywhere in Canada.
• Company-paid travel to and from the work location for scheduled rotations.
• Competitive, year-round compensation with no seasonal uncertainty.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Hands-on work maintaining the legendary C-130 Hercules.
• C-130-specific training opportunities for qualified, experienced heavy-aircraft maintenance professionals.
• On-the-job and external training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to join Coulson during a significant expansion of our Canadian C-130 program.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Perform inspections, maintenance, repairs, and daily checks on C-130 Hercules aircraft.
• Travel with assigned aircraft when deployed on aerial firefighting contracts.
• Provide field-maintenance support in domestic and international operating environments, as required by operations.
• Troubleshoot aircraft systems, identify defects, and complete required adjustments and repairs using approved technical data.
• Manage and maintain spare parts, tools, and inventory within the assigned parts trailer.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate parts orders as required.
• Operate the truck and trailer when aircraft and supporting equipment are repositioned.
• Complete maintenance records, technical logs, worksheets, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
• Work collaboratively with flight crews, maintenance personnel, and operational teams.
• Promote and maintain a safe, organized, and professional working environment.
• Follow all company policies, maintenance procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• A valid Transport Canada AME M2 licence for licensed positions, or relevant aircraft-maintenance training and experience for technician positions.
• Previous heavy aircraft maintenance experience.
• 5+ years of heavy or large commercial aircraft maintenance experience preferred for candidates transitioning to the C-130 platform.
• Previous C-130 Hercules maintenance experience is a strong asset but is not required.
• A valid driver’s licence and passport.
• A valid provincial Class 1 commercial driver’s licence, or the ability to obtain one, to operate the required truck-and-trailer combination.
• The ability and willingness to travel as required by the position.
• Strong aircraft troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to interpret aircraft maintenance manuals, technical documentation, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate maintenance records.
• A dependable, adaptable, and safety-focused approach to aircraft maintenance.
• The ability to work effectively in field environments as part of a collaborative operational team.

C-130 EXPERIENCE? BRING IT. HEAVY AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCE? LET’S TALK.

The Hercules has spent generations proving what it can do. These aircraft are now entering their next chapter with Coulson Aviation Canada—supporting aerial firefighting and helping protect communities.

Whether you already know the C-130 or have built your career maintaining heavy and large commercial aircraft, this is an opportunity to bring that experience into a growing aviation program.

We support diversity, equity, and a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please notify us, and we will work with you to meet your needs.