Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Jobs; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), Game Management Division, is seeking a rotorcraft pilot to support wildlife surveys and habitat improvement projects. The role requires extensive PIC rotorcraft experience and the ability to fly in mountainous terrain, often at low altitudes, with variable visibility.

Pilots must maintain current certifications for agency aircraft, which may include helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• Total rotorcraft pilot-in-command time required (3,500 hours).
• Flight experience must include low-level flight and external load operations.
• Mountain flying and recent flight time requirements specified by the agency.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-flight and post-flight activities including routing and weather monitoring.
• Maintain aircraft logs and perform routine inspections and servicing.
• Review FAA regulations, aeronautical charts, and directives to stay current.
• Pilot assigned agency aircraft including rotorcraft and fixed-wing as needed.
• Participate in training and recertification to maintain ratings.

Skills

FAA regulations knowledge

Flight planning

Mountain flying

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

PILOT 3

Employer State of Nevada (NV)

Salary $76,608.72 - $114,693.84 Annually

Location Northern Nevada

Job Type Full-Time

Job Number 2026-03643

Department DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

Opening Date 08/25/2026

Closing Date Continuous

FLSA Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit D

Max Number of Applicants 50

Salary Grade 39

Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip) Elko or Minden, NV

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), Game Management Division is recruiting for a rotorcraft pilot position. Primary flying duties will be assisting Department staff in conducting wildlife survey activities and habit improvement projects. These activities require flying for extended periods over mountainous and variable terrain, often at low altitudes above the ground and sometimes with obscured visibility resulting from weather conditions, dust and fires. This position requires a minimum of 3500hours PIC (Pilot-In-Command) rotorcraft helicopter experience. The Department owns and operates two Bell 407 HP helicopters.

Pilots fly missions and aircraft which vary with the department to which the position is assigned. Pilots must maintain current certification to fly agency aircraft which may include jets, turboprop single- and/or multi-engine airplanes, rotorcraft helicopter or other equipment owned or leased by the agency.

Essential Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and 3,500 hours logged, pilot-in-command total rotorcraft or fixed-wing multi- and/or single-engine aircraft flight time, as designated by the agency at the time of recruitment. Flight experience must include 250 hours low-level flight; 250 hours conducting external load operations; 500 hours mountain flying above 5,000 feet mean sea level; and 100 hours of flight time within the preceding 12 months.

Job Duties

Perform pre-flight and post-flight activities which include scheduling routes; monitoring weather conditions; calculating load and fuel requirements; performing routine pilot inspections to ensure the aircraft is in airworthy condition; fueling and preheating aircraft as necessary; securing aircraft in hangar or covering and tying down aircraft after completion of flight. Pilot jet, piston and turbine aircraft which may include helicopters and fixed-wing single-engine and/or multiengine aircraft.

Maintain operation and component records for agency aircraft by recording date and hours of operation and when change of components occurred.

Perform airframe and powerplant inspection of the airplanes and/or helicopters at specified intervals and perform aircraft servicing, routine repairs, and field repairs as a result of problems detected during inspections or in response to problems that occurred while the aircraft was in operation. Examples of inspection/aircraft servicing activities are: changing the oil in the engine and gear boxes; lubricating of the aircraft; inspecting electrical systems.

Review and maintain files of information regarding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aeronautical charts, factory and vendor service bulletins, airworthiness directives, and agency operating procedures in order to remain current and implement existing and new rules, regulations and techniques affecting the operation and maintenance of aircraft.

Participate in training and recertification activities as needed to maintain current ratings required to pilot assigned aircraft.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the duties described in the series concept and are trained and qualified to pilot assigned agency aircraft which may include rotorcraft, fixed-wing multi-engine and/or single-engine aircraft. Flying duties may be performed in any of the aircraft utilized by the agency in conducting fire suppression and wildlife survey activities. Such activities require flying for extended periods at high and/or low altitudes, over mountainous and variable terrain, and with obscured visibility resulting from fires and weather conditions. The Pilot III is distinguished from the Pilot II by responsibility for flying both fire suppression and wildlife survey missions as described below in the class concepts for Pilot II - Options A: NDF and B: NDOW.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Detailed knowledge of: FAA rules, regulations and operating procedures governing flight operations and aircraft servicing; air traffic control rules and procedures; flight theory as applicable to multi- and/or single- engine fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft; design, components, system and performance limitations and maintenance requirements of the aircraft utilized by the agency.

Working knowledge of: principles of loading and weight distribution and the effect on aircraft operation.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Employer

State of Nevada (NV)

Address

See Above for Agency Information

See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701

Website

https://nvjobs.nv.gov