Low-Level Smokejumper Pilot – Mountain Terrain Ops

Bighorn Airways Inc; Sheridan (WY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pay

Comprehensive health, dental, and eye/

Supplemental insurance options

Job summary

Bighorn Airways, Inc. is seeking experienced pilots for the 2027 smokejumper season to support U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management contracts across the Lower 48 states, Alaska, and overseas operations.

This demanding role requires operating large aircraft at slow airspeeds in mountainous terrain and challenging weather, with extended remote deployments. Ideal candidates bring a safety-first mindset, strong judgment, and exceptional communication.

Qualifications

• ATP certificate or ATP written examination completed.
• 5,000 hours total flight time.
• 2,000 hours in airplanes.
• 500 hours multi-engine.
• 100 hours PIC at night.
• 75 hours PIC instrument.
• 1,000 hours PIC cross-country.
• 250 hours PIC in large aircraft over 12,500 pounds.
• 500 hours PIC turboprop.
• 200 hours of low-level flight below 500 feet AGL.
• 500 hours in mountainous terrain below 2,500 feet AGL.
• 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Transporting and dropping smokejumpers in remote locations.
• Low-level para-cargo drops.
• Operating large aircraft at slow airspeeds.
• Flying in mountainous terrain and challenging weather conditions.
• Point-to-point flights under IFR.
• Maintain safety-first operations and effective crew coordination.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Judgment and situational awareness

Clear communication

Customer-service mindset

Teamwork and adaptability

Education

ATP certificate or ATP written examination completed

Job description

Bighorn Airways, Inc. is seeking experienced pilots for the 2027 smokejumper season to support U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management contracts across the Lower 48 states, Alaska, and overseas operations.

This demanding role requires operating large aircraft at slow airspeeds in mountainous terrain and challenging weather, with extended remote deployments. Ideal candidates bring a safety-first mindset, strong judgment, and exceptional communication.