AS350 Utility & Drill Support Pilot

PJ Helicopters, Inc.; Red Bluff (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance benefits

401(k) with employer matching

Vacation and holiday pay

Job summary

PJ Helicopters, Inc. is seeking an experienced AS350 pilot for a full-time Utility Pilot position based in Red Bluff, California. You will support Utility Powerline Construction and Drill Support operations, requiring a background in drill moving and wire environment flying.

The role offers a competitive compensation range of $110,000 to $150,000, based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including insurance and a 401(k). Join us to advance your career in a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2,500 PIC hours in AS350 required.
• Experience flying in a wire environment.
• 500 hours of VR time preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fly in support of powerline construction and utility patrol.
• Perform external load operations including HEC.
• Maintain safety and professionalism in demanding terrain.

Skills

Drill moving experience

HEC work

Wire environment experience

Mountain/high-density altitude flying

Job description

About Us

PJ Helicopters is a family‑run, world‑class precision helicopter lift service operating nationwide. Since 1970, PJ Helicopters has earned a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering safe, reliable, and efficient aerial solutions for its customers.

About This Role

PJ Helicopters is seeking an experienced AS350 pilot with drill moving experience for a Utility Pilot position flying in support of Utility Powerline Construction, and Drill Support operations for 2026. This is a full‑time permanent position. Qualified applicants will have opportunities to transition into additional airframes including the Bell 407, Bell 429, Bell 212, UH-60A, and CH‑47.

Qualified candidates include those with proven experience flying the AS350 safely in the wire environment, performing HEC work, and — critically — executing drill moves with precision and efficiency. Only applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be considered.

What You’ll Do

• Flying in the wire environment in support of powerline construction and utility patrol
• External load operations including HEC and construction support
• Maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in demanding terrain and job site conditions

Minimum Qualifications

• PIC time in AS350: Required — drill moving experience strongly preferred
• PIC time in Bell 407, Bell 429, and/or Bell 212 (a plus, not required)
• Total PIC time: 2,500 hrs.
• Mountain/high‑density altitude flying experience: strongly preferred
• VR time: 500 hrs. (preferred)
• HEC experience (preferred)
• Sock line pulling (preferred)
• Firefighting experience (preferred)
• Wire environment experience required
• Must have knowledge in CFR 133 /135.
• Relocation (not required for qualified individuals).
• Potential to progress into other airframes
• 2/2 schedule offering (for qualified individuals).

Only applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed.

What You’ll Get

Full‑time employees are eligible for a comprehensive insurance benefits package with PPO and HSA options, as well as dental, vision, life insurance, and other ancillary policies. Full‑time employees are eligible for a 401(k) program with employer‑matching, vacation, holiday pay, California overtime rules, and more. The PJH base in Red Bluff, CA encompasses 100,000+ sq. feet of operations and maintenance hangars, including an employee fitness center.

Our facility is located 1.5 hours north of Sacramento and 30 minutes south of Redding, CA, both commercial airline destinations. PJH fulfills multiple contracts annually throughout the United States with a concentration in the Western US.

Seasonal Opportunities

Seasonal positions are available, and those hired with the qualifications (or who obtain them during their initial assignment) may advance to full‑time status and would be eligible for the full benefits package.

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $110,000.00/Yr. – USD $150,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the Company’s Human Resources department.