Seasonal Air Tractor 802 Application Pilot

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

Job summary

A leading aerial application company in New Brunswick is seeking experienced AT-802 Pilots for seasonal work. Pilots will operate aircraft during aerial application and firefighting operations, with lodging and meals provided during rotations. Ideal candidates must have a Canadian commercial pilot license, strong situational awareness, and at least 1500 hours of flying experience. The role includes competitive pay ranging from $53.05 to $81 per hour with additional bonuses for performance.

Benefits

Health, drug and dental insurance

Life insurance

Company matching RRSP

Lodging and meals provided

Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English (ICAO Level 4 or equivalent).
• Minimum 1500 hours fixed-wing flying time as Pilot in Command.
• Prior tailwheel experience on aircraft with a MGTOW of >8,000 lbs (3,500 kg) required.
• Valid Passport/visa for entry in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Operational flying during day VFR conditions, throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine.
• Operate the aircraft safely, within the CARs and company procedures.
• Carry out daily inspections of the aircraft and ancillary equipment.

Skills

Situational Awareness

Decisive Judgment

Calm Under Pressure

Technical Proficiency

Leadership and Communication

Adaptability

Education

Canadian commercial pilot license with valid Category 1 medical

Tools

Air Tractor

Job description

At J.D. Irving, Limited ("JDI") our role as stewards of the land is one of the most important that we play. Our business begins with managing and protecting the forest. We arededicated 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 is comprised of 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 to early October, normally providing roughly 120 working days in the contract. 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 located in Juniper New Brunswick during their rotation. Lodging and meals are included while onsite. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package including (Health, drug and Dental – Blue Cross), Life Insurance and Company matching RRSP which is paid biweekly in the form of a base salary, with additional year‑end bonuses for flight time ($100/hour) and application quality ($2/hectare). The hourly wage offered will range between $53.05/hour and $81/hour. The base of work is at the airbase in Juniper, NB (251 Southwest Road, Juniper, New Brunswick, E7L 4S7) with the locations of work being throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada, and Maine, USA. The language of work is English.

Qualifications

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 fixed‑wing flying time as Pilot in Command
• Prior tailwheel experience on aircraft with a MGTOW of greater than 8,000 lbs. (3,500 kg) is required
• Prior experience flying Air Tractors is an asset
• Operational experience with aerial fire fighting and/or aerial application is an asset
• Valid Passport/visa for entry in the U.S.

The Ideal Candidate

• Displays exceptional aviators’ acumen in the following capacity:
  • Situational Awareness: The ability to perceive, comprehend, and anticipate rapidly changing flight environments.
  • Decisive Judgment: Making sound, timely decisions under pressure, even with incomplete information.
  • Calm Under Pressure: Maintaining composure and clarity in high‑stress scenarios, ensuring safety and mission focus.
  • Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of aircraft and application systems paired with the skill to apply that knowledge seamlessly.
  • Leadership and Communication: Inspiring trust and coordination among fellow crew through clear, confident communication.
  • Adaptability: Responding swiftly and effectively to unexpected challenges, from mechanical issues, program or weather anomalies.

For more information on this position or to apply, please contact: [e-mail]

Responsibilities

• Operational flying during day VFR conditions, throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine
• Operate the aircraft safely, within the CARs and company procedures
• Carry out daily inspections of the aircraft and ancillary equipment
• Maintain a state of operational readiness commensurate with wildfire risk
• Assist aircraft maintenance personnel with general aircraft readiness
• While on shift, live at our Juniper airbase located at
  • 251 Southwest Road, Juniper, New Brunswick, E7L 4S7
• Temporary assignments to other airbases and camps (or hotels) in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Maine will be made as required to carry‑out various missions, including but not limited to, fire protection, pesticide application programs and training exercises. These locations are normally Boston Brook airbase and camp, Chipman airbase and camp, or Saint John airport and hotel (New Brunswick), but can change as needed.