Wildlife Pilot I: Aerial Observer & Stocking

State of Colorado; Grand Junction (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental plans

RETIREMENT: PERA plans (Defined Benefi

Life insurance (paid)

Disability coverage

Wellness programs

FSAs

HSAs

Holidays & leave

Flexible schedule/remote options

Career advancement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks a wildlife pilot to operate a Cessna 185 and related aircraft for aerial observation, data collection, and wildlife management tasks across Colorado and neighboring states.

The role requires extensive PIC time, mountain flying experience, and competency with telemetry, cameras, and data logging. A valid commercial pilot license, flight instructor credentials, and strong organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Current, valid commercial pilot certification.
• 1000 hours PIC time, including 500 hours mountain flying.
• 100 hours PIC tailwheel time in fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Pilot a Cessna 185 and other aircraft for aerial observation and data collection.
• Stock fish and transport personnel/equipment in Colorado and surrounding states.
• Maintain aircraft records and logs; perform basic maintenance and equipment installation.

Skills

PIC hours

Cross-country time

Night flying

Recent flying (last 12 months)

Certified Flight Instructor

Mountain flying experience

Tailwheel PIC hours

Cessna 180/185 time

Logbook maintenance

Aircraft data logging

Education

Wildlife related education

Tools

Cessna 180/185

Aircraft instrumentation

Job description

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks a wildlife pilot to operate a Cessna 185 and related aircraft for aerial observation, data collection, and wildlife management tasks across Colorado and neighboring states.

The role requires extensive PIC time, mountain flying experience, and competency with telemetry, cameras, and data logging. A valid commercial pilot license, flight instructor credentials, and strong organizational skills are essential.