Seasonal Air Tractor 802 Application Pilot

J.D. Irving, Limited; Juniper; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A forestry management company in Juniper, New Brunswick, is looking for experienced AT-802 Pilots for the 2026 season. The role offers a competitive compensation package, covering lodging and meals during rotations of 14 days on, 7 days off. Ideal candidates will hold a Canadian commercial pilot license, have significant flying experience, and demonstrate strong situational awareness and decision-making skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Company-matching RRSP

Year-end bonuses for flight time

Qualifications

• Minimum 1500 hours of fixed-wing flying time as Pilot in Command.
• Proficient in spoken and written English (ICAO Level 4 or equivalent).
• Prior tailwheel experience on aircraft with a MGTOW over 8,000 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operational flying during day VFR conditions across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine.
• Operate aircraft safely within regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain operational readiness for wildfire risk.

Skills

Situational Awareness

Decisive Judgment

Calm Under Pressure

Technical Proficiency

Leadership and Communication

Adaptability

Education

Canadian commercial pilot license with valid Category 1 medical

Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate

Job description

At J.D. Irving, Limited (“JDI”), our role as stewards of the land is one of the most important we play. Our business begins with managing and protecting the forest. We are dedicated to sustainable forest management, research, conservation, and protecting our forests from fire and insect outbreaks. Focused on rigorous land management and responsible stewardship, JDI Woodlands is guided by a 100-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water, and wildlife. We are committed to applying disciplined science, advanced technology, and best practices while ensuring accountability through independent audits and environmental certification.

Forest Patrol Limited (“Forest Patrol”) is a subsidiary of JDI Woodlands, responsible for aerial applications and aerial fire suppression. The business address of Forest Patrol Limited is 251 Southwest Road, Juniper, New Brunswick, E7L 4S7. Our fleet includes Air Tractor 802s, a Daher Kodiak 100, and Airbus H125 helicopters. We are seeking experienced AT-802 Pilots for the 2026 season, who want to join our team of dedicated pilots.

The ideal candidate will be seeking a long-term, full-time, seasonal employment opportunity. The scope of work includes aircraft operation and ancillary duties during aerial application (insecticide and herbicide) and aerial firefighting operations. Our season begins in mid-April and runs through early October, providing roughly 120 working days. The pilot schedule follows a rotation of 14 days on, 7 days off, with 12 hours worked per day. Pilots can expect to fly between 60 and 100 hours per season, depending on fire indices and program size.

Pilots are housed in modern camps at our airbase in Juniper, New Brunswick, during their rotation. Lodging and meals are included while onsite. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health, drug, and dental insurance (Blue Cross), life insurance, and a company-matching RRSP paid biweekly as a base salary, with additional year-end bonuses for flight time ($100/hour) and application quality ($2/hectare). The hourly wage ranges between $53.05 and $81. The primary work location is at the Juniper airbase (251 Southwest Road, Juniper, NB), with work locations throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Maine, USA. The language of work is English.

Minimum Qualifications

• Canadian commercial pilot license with valid Category 1 medical or
• Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate (sponsored by Forest Patrol)

Proficient in spoken and written English (ICAO Level 4 or equivalent). Minimum 1500 hours of fixed-wing flying time as Pilot in Command. Prior tailwheel experience on aircraft with a MGTOW over 8,000 lbs (3,500 kg). Experience flying Air Tractors and aerial firefighting or application experience are assets. Valid passport/visa for entry into the U.S.

The Ideal Candidate

• Displays exceptional aviator skills in:
• Situational Awareness: Perceiving, understanding, and anticipating rapidly changing flight environments.
• Decisive Judgment: Making timely, sound decisions under pressure.
• Calm Under Pressure: Maintaining composure in high-stress scenarios.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of aircraft and application systems.
• Leadership and Communication: Inspiring trust and effective communication among crew.
• Adaptability: Responding effectively to mechanical issues, weather, or program changes.

For more information or to apply, contact: [e-mail]

Responsibilities

• Operational flying during day VFR conditions across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine.
• Operate aircraft safely within regulations and company procedures.
• Perform daily aircraft inspections and assist maintenance.
• Maintain operational readiness for wildfire risk.
• Live at our Juniper airbase during shifts.
• Temporary assignments to other bases or camps in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Maine as needed for missions like fire protection, pesticide application, and training. Locations may include Boston Brook, Chipman, or Saint John.