Mission Sensor Program Specialist, Photogrammetrist 3
Salary: $5,783.00 - $7,779.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/5/25. 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 within our Wildland Fire Management Division as a Mission Sensor Program Specialist, Photogrammetrist 3.

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 Program Specialist 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.

Required Qualifications: 

• 1 year of supervisor experience over a professional staff.
• 1 year of experience in the following:
  • Experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures as an Aircrew Member
  • Operating GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS PRO, Google Earth, etc.)
  • Processing mapping, data, and GIS operations ICRD GIS Pro, Google Earth, etc.)
  • Operator experience with Ariel EO/IR Systems (TELEDYNE FLIR, WESCAM, Trakka, systems) OR UAS data collection systems with EO/IR systems
  • Collecting, processing, and photo interpretation of aerial digital products collected from airborne EO/IR systems
  • Developing raw electro-optical/infrared intelligence products to final products which might include: Geo-Rectified maps, fire perimeters, Geo-Rectified photography, and infrared images for fire incident management teams.
• 2 years’ experience operating FAA and ground radio communication systems.
• 10 Flight Hours in either a helicopter or small airplane (e.g., Bell 206L4, Kodiak K100, Grand Caravan, etc.) (Pilot or aircrew member).
• FCC Restricted Radiophone Operator License, FAA Pilot License, or an equivalent certification and experience to operate aircraft radios (e.g., HEMG, ABRO, ASGS, ATGS, AOBD, FAA, etc.).
• Experience and knowledge with 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.
• Ability to function collaboratively with peers in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Journey-level computer skills.
• Ability to fly up to 8 hours per day as a Mission Sensor Operator.
• 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.