Job Description

B407 Short Haul - Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot

Join to apply for the B407 Short Haul - Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot role at Hillsboro Aviation .

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprising five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award?winning headquarters at the Portland?Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviations contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high?tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short?haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli?skiing). Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced pilot to support a variety of missions, including:

• Search and rescue (SAR) operations
• Human External Cargo (HEC) / short?haul missions
• Wildland fire suppression and related support assignments

Position Details

• Aircraft: Bell 407HP
• Contract Start Date: May 2026
• Duration: Through the end of the 2026 fire season
• Base Location: Western U.S. locations as needed

This is an exciting opportunity to work in challenging and rewarding environments while supporting critical aerial operations.

As a B407HP Short Haul Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot you will work closely with the Contract & Charter team to perform search and rescue missions, human external cargo missions (short haul), wild?land firefighting activities and/or various utility operations. Ideal candidates are self?motivated and able to work independently within their areas of responsibility with limited supervision. They are enthusiastic about representing Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners and are willing to support additional projects or duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

• The pilot will work a 12 days on / 12 days off schedule for the duration of the contract.
• All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
• Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project needs, with corresponding adjustments to the work schedule.
• The pilot is expected to consistently represent Hillsboro Aviation and the aircraft in a professional manner to the U.S. Forest Service and all associated parties.
• Strong judgment, a commitment to safety, and solid airmanship are essential for the successful and secure execution of all missions.
• Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual requirements, and daily operational reporting procedures is mandatory.
• Previous firefighting and short?haul experience is preferred but not required. We offer initial short?haul training and carding preparation for qualified pilots.

Qualifications / Licenses

• COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
• Current medical (class 2 or class 1)
• Drivers License
• Passport (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
• Ability to legally work in the U.S.

Required Skills / Experience

• Helicopter Total Time: 1,500 hours
• Last 12 Months: 100 hours PIC in helicopter
• B407 PIC Time: 50 hours
• Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in B407
  
• Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference with precision placements
• Mountainous Terrain: 200 hours PIC in helicopter
• B407 PIC Mountainous Terrain: 10 hours

Preferred Skills / Experience

• Currently or previously interagency carded for short?haul operations
• Precision placement vertical reference experience
• Additional experience in AS350/B205/H145
• Rotorcraft Instrument rating
• Clean driving record
• B407 factory training

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness benefits, including alternative care and lifestyle discounts
• 401(k) + match
• Monthly team?building events, including BBQs
• Exercise, shower facilities, and locker rooms at headquarters

Hillsboro Aviations growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.

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