Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot - Hilo, Hawaii

Company/Organization: Hawaii Fire Department

Position: Pilot-Rotary Wing

Job Type: Permanent

Posted: 2/26/2026 9:44:36 PM

Description:

Overview:

Hawaii County Fire Department is primarily responsible for fire protection and suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical services, land and sea search and rescue, hazardous materials response, ocean safety, fire prevention, and public education for the County of Hawaii. 

The HCFD Aviation Department covers over 4000 square miles on the largest island in the State of Hawaii, and responds to ocean and land-based rescues, wildland/brushfires, EMS scene calls, and any other mission supporting Hawaii County.

We operate an MD-500E and an AS-350-B3e at two fire stations in Puako and Hilo under both Public Use and Part 135.  We are looking for a full time pilot with MD-500 and Vertical Reference experience who exercises good judgement to complete flight missions safely.  Our standard schedule is a 40 hour workweek split up between three days, but will sometimes have potential for overtime shifts.

Requirements:

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Current Second or First Class Pilot Medical
• Commercial or ATP Pilot Certificate
• Rotorcraft Helicopter Instrument Rating
• Ability to work in the United States

Flight Time:

• 2000 hours PIC Helicopter
• 1000 hours Turbine Helicopter
• 500 hours in the MD-500 series
• 100 hours of Vertical Reference Longline
• 100 hours PIC helicopter in the last 12 months

Preferred Experience:

• Previously OAS carded for longline in the MD-500 series
• Human External Cargo/Short Haul experience
• Wildland firefighting experience
• Experience in the AS-350 series
• Experience flying in Hawaii
• 3000 hours PIC Helicopter
• 1500 hours Turbine Helicopter
• 1000 hours in the MD-500 series
• 300 hours of Vertical Reference Longline
• 300 hours PIC helicopter in the last 12 months

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