Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/28/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity. Are you looking for a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career in Wildfire? The Wildland Fire Management Division - Aviation Section has an opening for a Mission Sensor Operator in our Kodiak 100 Multi-Mission Aircraft. DNR Aviation utilizes 2 Kodiak 100 aircraft to aid in fire suppression intel across the state of Washington. You will be responsible for the operation of, and intel gathering using the multi-spectral camera system and downlink. The mission profile of our airplanes includes fire reconnaissance, detection, intel gathering, perimeter estimation, photography, and crew/equipment Insertion/Transport.

This position requires a motivated individual who works effectively in a team environment but also possesses the ability to operate and make split-second decisions independently. You will be required to communicate effectively with aircrew, ground resources, and other aerial resources to accomplish your objectives. The ability to multitask is paramount, as you will be monitoring and communicating on multiple radio frequencies both en route and while actively engaged in Wildfire Suppression.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as an Aircrew Member in both helicopters and airplanes as a mission sensor operator and reports to the MSO Photogrammetrist 3.
• Provides Initial/extended attack wildland aerial fire incident intelligence operating Airborne Photogrammetric Electro Optical/Infrared Collection Cameras systems.
• Perform digital file translations and manipulations to accommodate various CAD, GIS, and Engineering design systems/programs and assist editing of digital data for natural resource operations.
• Create Wildland Fire Airborne Intelligence products to include perimeter files and maps, elevation data, topographical maps, fire growth perimeters, Color/Infrared photographs, Live video downloads with interpretation, etc.
• Operates, maintains, downloads, edits, and creates airborne reports/maps/intelligence using handheld FLIR devices, Cameras, and advanced Thermal/Infrared/Mapping/Lidar aircraft systems,
• Performs pre-flight, mission planning, and post-flight duties.
• Provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and an array of airborne capabilities through the use of full motion video, sensors, and mission equipment for ground fire personnel and the Wildland Fire management division.
• Perform calibration and verification of airborne photography and mapping systems before each use, before collecting and creating digital products for distribution.
• Provides Quality Control (QC), processing, and storage of acquired photogrammetric data In Accordance With (IAW) Aviation Operations Plan and Standards (AOPS).
• Provides IMTs, Fire personnel, and Division Intelligence with aerial intelligence products gathered, analyzed, and processed for use using fire mapping management systems to include ARC GIS Pro, Google Earth, and other fire mapping programs.
• Assists in the Development department’s standards for Aerial Intelligence collection systems to include EO/IR camera systems, downlink systems, LIDAR operations, and data processing for produced gather from those systems, which is established by the MSO Photogrammetrist 3.
• Assists in the administration of the Division’s Mission Sensor Operator training program.
• Pre-flights, cleans, and determines airworthiness of assigned department EO/IR camera systems, downlink systems, computer mapping systems, and aircraft operator stations with product vendors.
• Identifies and provides recommendations to the supervisor for new Mission Sensor Operators to be trained.
• Train and assist in MSO task book completion of other assigned MSOs to the Aviation Section.
• Serves as a UAS observer, data collection technician, and/or pilot when qualified.
• Assist the UAS Program as directed.
• Training as assigned for recurrent flight training.
• Conferences, meetings, and trainings nationwide.
• Duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• Intermediate Level Computer Skills.
• 10 Flight Hours in either a helicopter or small airplane (e.g., Bell 206L4, Kodiak K100, Grand Caravan, etc.).
• Experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures as an Aircrew Member.
• Experience operating FAA/Fire and ground radio communication systems.
• Experience and Knowledge of aircraft mission flight planning and the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Experience with developing reports and products via Microsoft Office Suite and Mission Planning Software.
• Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation for Mission Sensor Operator.
• 1 year of experience processing mapping, data, and GIS operations (ACR GIS Pro, Google Earth, etc.).
• Ability to function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to fly up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to quickly adapt, learn, and operate airborne electro-optical systems.
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little to no direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong Interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.