Safety, Education & Registration Section Supervisor

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Overtime compensation or compensatory.

Relocation assistance possible

Public service retirement plan

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is hiring a Safety, Education & Registration Section Supervisor to administer aviation education programs and oversee statewide policies. This role focuses on developing training for pilots, coordinating a broad volunteer network, and managing aerial search and rescue initiatives.

Candidates should hold FAA certificates, meet flight-hour requirements, and demonstrate leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science or related field.
• Or 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3 years of related experience with 1 year in supervisory or team lead role.
• FAA Private Pilot’s License with Instrument Rating.
• Current FAA Medical Certificate (1st/2nd/3rd class).
• Ability to pass an annual flight review.
• 750 PIC hours (500 hours airplane, single engine land).
• Preferred: Survey or search and rescue flight experience; Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Administer and oversee aviation education programs and policies.
• Develop and implement aviation training, clinics, and related activities.
• Coordinate statewide network of volunteer pilots, district coordinators, and observers.
• Provide program management for aerial search and rescue.
• Travel statewide in state aircraft; on-call for SAR duties.

Skills

Aviation knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science or related field

Experience in lieu of degree

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Safety, Education & Registration Section Supervisor. This position administers and oversees various aviation education programs and policies. Ensures programs and services comply with quality, safety, efficiency, and consistency with state and federal standards and requirements. Responsible for developing, fostering and promoting aviation safety and educational training programs for pilots throughout the state. Provide program management for aerial search and rescue; develop and implement multiple aviation related training and clinics; as well as coordination of a vast volunteer network of pilots, district coordinators and observers throughout the state. This position reports to the Aeronautics Program Manager and supervises 3 employees. Statewide travel is required in state aircraft to perform these duties. This position is on call for search and rescue (SAR) duty on a recurring basis and as needed. Flight hours for this position are less than 100 hours per year.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history. Include flight hours.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.
• Copies of all FAA airman certificates held
• Copy of FAA medical certificate

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Professional flight, Business, Education or a related field. *OR 4 years of additional related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3 years of related experience. 1 year of supervisory or team lead experience.
• Certifications, licensure or other required credentials:
  • FAA Private Pilot’s License with Instrument Rating
  • Current first class, second class, or third-class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Ability to pass an annual flight review
  • 750 hours PIC (500 hours must be airplane, single engine land (piston))
• Preferred experience and certifications: Survey or search and rescue flight experience; and Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding aviation and aeronautics. Knowledge of FAA advisory circular regulations and FAA parts 61, 91, 119, 135, and 141 when interpreting program requirements of state, federal, national and industry guidelines.
• Knowledge of general aviation aircraft and operating considerations; flight principles associated with mountain environments and aviation weather; weight, balance and performance limitations of aircraft.
• Effective communication skills and ability to build relationships with federal, state and local agencies, contractors, consultants, industry representatives as well as public contacts.

Other Information

The successful candidate must pass a name-based background investigation as a condition of employment.

Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.