Helicopter Flight Examiner – California

Helijobs.net; Sacramento, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is seeking a Rotary Wing Flight Examiner to oversee helicopter flight operations and safety protocols. The role requires active FAA rotorcraft certifications and a valid California CDL with medical clearance, aligning with state aviation standards.

The position is full-time, located in-office in California, with salary between $7,948.00 and $10,488.00 per month.

Qualifications

• CDL and medical clearances are required as part of the essential qualifications.
• Must possess FAA rotorcraft certifications listed in the job spec.
• Civil service class specification governs the minimum qualifications.

Skills

CDL required

Medical clearance required

FAA medical certificate

Education

California Driver License (CDL)

FAA Commercial Airman Certificate (Rotorcraft)

FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft)

Job description

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-533448 –

JC-533448 – Rotary Wing Flight Examiner FORESTRY FIRE PILOT

$7,948.00 – $10,488.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/9/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Job Description and Duties

Please note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements are listed in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Job Code #: JC-533448

Position #(s): 542-065-1046-002

Working Title: Rotary Wing Flight Examiner

Classification: FORESTRY FIRE PILOT $7,948.00 – $10,488.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: In Office

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California’s fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 14,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• Must possess all certifications defined in the Forestry Fire Pilot Classification Specification.
• Must possess valid Driver License of the appropriate class, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Possession of a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
• Possession of a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot’s Certificate with a rotorcraft- helicopter rating.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

EEO Contact

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

Filing a job application “within the time” shall mean: applications must be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or depositing with a parcel delivery or courier service no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement, provided that the parcel contains proof of a timely deposit with the parcel delivery or courier service or

• Date stamped at the appropriate office of the appointing power no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement;
• Electronically transmitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the final filing date specified on the job vacancy announcement.

For the purposes of determining whether an application has been filed within the time as set forth above, any dates printed on mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology shall not be considered postmarks and, as such, are not acceptable proof of the date the application was filed.

Candidate may be selected by Resume Review.

Temporary Appointments (TAU) may be considered if conditions warrant. TAU may be made to anyone regardless of eligibility. TAU may not exceed 9 months and will require eligibility to be obtained through an examination process in order to transition to a permanent or limited-term appointment.