Citation Captain

Coulson Aviation Inc; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coulson Aviation Inc. in Thermal, CA, seeks an experienced Citation Pilot for a full‑time role focused on aerial fire suppression operations.

You will coordinate with Air Attack Officers, ensure safety, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance, and maintain readiness for dispatch. This position offers a rotational schedule across the United States with company-paid travel and no permanent relocation, requiring FAA ATP Commercial License, 2000+ flight hours, and low‑level flying experience.

Qualifications

• FAA ATP Commercial License required.
• Minimum 2000 flight hours.
• Experience in US aerial firefighting or air attack is preferred.
• Low level flying experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and safety standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with Air Attack Officers to manage airspace and firefighting strategy.
• Identify and mitigate hazards during firefighting operations and participate in SMS and safety initiatives.
• Contribute to SOPs and procedures; maintain flight logs and records.
• Prepare aircraft for dispatch and standby readiness.
• Liaise with clients to ensure objectives are met.
• Demonstrate rapid response to firefighting missions.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Decision making

Education

FAA ATP Commercial License

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Citation Captain

Flight Ops Management Thermal, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1119

Job Description

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. We operate across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Chile.

As our company and aircraft fleet continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Citation Pilot to join our team. This full-time position is responsible for aerial fire suppression operations, aerial imaging, passenger while ensuring the highest standards of safety, airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.

This position follows a rotational schedule, allowing employees to live anywhere in the United States and travel to the assigned work location. Company-paid travel is provided, so permanent relocation is not required.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• A rotational schedule that allows you to live anywhere in the United States.
• Company-paid travel to and from the work location for scheduled rotations.
• No requirement to permanently relocate.
• Competitive, year-round compensation with no seasonal uncertainty.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Meaningful work supporting aerial firefighting operations around the world.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Work with agency Air Attack Officers to manage the airspace over wildfires and create a firefighting strategy.
• Responsible for identifying and ensuring mitigation to all hazards during firefighting operations. In addition to actively participating in company SMS program and safety initiatives.
• Actively participates in supporting the improvement of SOPs and procedures. Reviews and maintains written and computerized flight logs and records.
• Prepares the aircraft to be in a constant state of readiness for dispatch while on call.
• Closely liaises with clients to ensure objectives are met.
• Active interest in rapid response to firefighting missions.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• FAA ATP Commercial License required.
• No FAA violations or enforcement actions within the past 5 years.
• Minimum 2000 hours required.
• Previous Air Attack experience in the US.
• Low level flying experience.
• Aerial firefighting experiences an asset.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and operational standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Team-oriented with strong decision-making skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preference will be given to applicants with Citation aircraft experience; however, qualified candidates with aerial firefighting experience on other comparable aircraft are also encouraged to apply.

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.