Natural Resources Pilot - NR Pilot

Natural Resources Pilot - NR Pilot

Job ID  94031

Location  Brainerd

Full/Part Time  Full-Time

Regular/Temporary  Unlimited

Working Title: Natural Resources Pilot
Job Class: NR Pilot
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 94031
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/12/2026
• Closing Date: 06/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Enforcement/Aviation
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $31.26 - $46.15 / hourly; $65,270 - $96,361 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This rotary airborne natural resource pilot provides resource protection within the Division of Enforcement, public safety, and provides professional aviation support to all other disciplines within the department.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Assist in providing aerial surveillance to ground-based law enforcement personnel for prevention, detection and apprehension of individuals involved in criminal activities relating to all authorized natural resource statutes and regulations so that an effective and efficient law enforcement program is maintained.
• Provide pilot services and specialized flying techniques so that aircraft utilization is maximized within the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies as needed.
• External load operations including, but not limited to helicopter firefighting bucket assistance and aerial herbicide applications.
• Provide low-level single pilot operations as needed, including but not limited to helicopter fish stocking, animal surveys and search and rescue operations.
• Establish flight planning and maintenance practices so that the aircraft is in a flight ready status.
• Fulfill administrative duties as a member of the regional staff so that all aviation consulting, reporting and planning are conducted efficiently and effectively.
• Properly use, maintain and store issued equipment and uniforms so that they are serviceable at all times.
• Provide fixed-wing pilot support when not engaged in rotary operations. (If not dual rated at the time of appointment, training to commercial fixed-wing standards will be provided.)

This vacancy is also being posted under Job ID 94034 for those candidates who are eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) board. At the sole discretion of the hiring agency, this position has the potential for the applicant, if interested, to be trained and certified as a conservation officer pilot if certain peace officer licensing and other requirements are met.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Unrestricted FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate.

Minimum flight time of 1200 hours rotorcraft Pilot in Command (PIC) or 1000 hours PIC Single Pilot Rotorcraft Operations.

Instrument Rating.

Current First or Second class FAA Medical Certificate.

Ability to operate aircraft while looking for and recognizing ground-based activities. This could include searching for wildlife, lost persons, illegal activities environmental disasters, aerial firefighting, aerial application, etc.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Mathematical, oral and written communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate legal and non-legal information.

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information.

If selected applicant only has rotor-craft rating at time of hire, additional rating training will be provided and required for fixed wing commercial add on.

Preferred Qualifications

1500 hours or more Rotorcraft PIC

Experience operating helicopter fire suppression (bucket) work.

Experience operating an aircraft for Natural Resources activities such as conducting aerial surveys and census of wildlife populations, photography, fire suppression, aerial applicator, and mapping for various lands use projects, and utilizing an aircraft for the stocking of fish in remote areas.

Working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, limitations and maintenance of both fixed and rotary winged aircraft as well as the specialized equipment used for various law enforcement and natural resources missions.

Ability to operate an aircraft in specialized manners such as from lakes, rivers, fields or unimproved strips sufficient to meet the needs of all disciplines within the department.

1000 or more hours Fixed-Wing PIC

300 hours of conventional gear (tailwheel) PIC

FAA Commercial Airplane(fixed-wing) single engine land- ASEL

Seaplane Rating

Ski plane experience

Additional ratings (multi-engine, CFI in airplane and/or rotorcraft- helicopter)

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact CAPT Jacob Willis at jacob.willis@state.mn.us or 612-246-7126.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.