Seasonal Air Tractor 802 Application Pilot

At J.D. Irving, Limited (“JDI”), stewardship of the land is central to our business. We are committed to responsibly managing and protecting the forest through sustainable forest management, research, conservation, and protection from fire and insect outbreaks. Guided by a 100-year management plan, JDI Woodlands applies rigorous land-management practices to preserve the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water, and wildlife. Our approach combines disciplined science, advanced technology, industry best practices, independent audits, and environmental certification.

Forest Patrol Limited (“Forest Patrol”), a subsidiary of JDI Woodlands, provides aerial application and aerial fire-suppression services from its base at 251 Southwest Road, Juniper, New Brunswick, E7L 4S7. Our fleet includes Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft, a Daher Kodiak 100, and Airbus H125 helicopters. We are seeking three experienced AT-802 Pilots to join our team for the 2027 season.

This is a full-time, temporary seasonal opportunity. The season typically runs from mid-April to early October and provides approximately 120 working days under the seasonal contract. Various work schedules are available based on operational requirements, and all schedules will comply with applicable Transport Canada flight-time, flight-duty-time, and rest requirements. Pilots operate aircraft and perform related ancillary duties in support of aerial application programs—including insecticide and herbicide application—and aerial firefighting operations. Depending on fire activity and program requirements, pilots can expect to fly approximately 60 to 100 hours per season.

When assigned to the Juniper airbase, pilots are accommodated in modern camps, with lodging and meals provided while onsite. Forest Patrol offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes health, drug, and dental coverage through Blue Cross, life insurance, and a company-matching RRSP. Wages are paid biweekly at an hourly rate ranging from $58.33 to $83.43, depending on qualifications and experience. Additional year-end incentives are available for flight time ($100 per flight hour) and application quality ($2 per hectare). The primary work location is the Forest Patrol airbase at 251 Southwest Road, Juniper, New Brunswick, E7L 4S7. Temporary assignments may also occur elsewhere in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, Canada, and in Maine, USA. The language of work is English.

• Conduct day-VFR operations throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine

• Operate aircraft safely and in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and company procedures

• Complete daily inspections of aircraft and ancillary equipment

• Maintain operational readiness appropriate to the prevailing wildfire risk

• Support aircraft maintenance personnel with general aircraft readiness activities

• Reside at the Juniper airbase while scheduled for onsite duty

• Accept temporary assignments to other airbases, camps, or hotels in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Maine, as required for fire protection, pesticide application programs, training exercises, and other missions. Typical locations include Boston Brook, Chipman, and Saint John, New Brunswick, but assignments may vary according to operational requirements.

• Highly experienced candidates may also be assigned Duty Officer responsibilities in addition to their pilot duties, including:

  • Make final operational decisions involving weather-related judgment

  • Lead initial fire-response launches, arrivals, and drops

  • Communicate safety risks to pilots and help establish the “sight window” for initial launches

  • Ensure aircraft are ready for scheduled programs and fire standby

  • Direct the fire-suppression launch protocol

  • Coordinate the aircraft maintenance schedule with the onsite Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)

  • Provide daily fire-weather and aviation-safety updates

  • Lead and document post-flight debriefings and after-action reviews with pilots

  • Act as second-in-command for general Forest Patrol management in the Manager’s absence

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Canadian Commercial Pilot Licence or Canadian Foreign Licence Validation Certificate sponsored by Forest Patrol

• Valid Category 1 Medical Certificate

• Proficiency in spoken and written English at ICAO Level 4 or higher, or equivalent

• Minimum of 1,500 hours of fixed-wing pilot-in-command flight time

• Tailwheel experience on aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight greater than 8,000 lb (3,500 kg) is preferred

• Air Tractor experience is an asset

• Operational experience in aerial firefighting and/or aerial application is an asset

• Valid passport and any visa or other authorization required for entry into the United States

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates strong airmanship and professional judgment in the following areas:

  • Situational Awareness: Ability to perceive, understand, and anticipate rapidly changing operational conditions.

  • Sound Judgment: Ability to make timely, well-reasoned decisions under pressure and with incomplete information.

  • Composure: Ability to remain focused and effective in high-pressure situations while maintaining safety and mission priorities.

  • Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of aircraft and application systems, supported by the practical skill to apply that knowledge effectively.

  • Leadership and Communication: Ability to build trust, promote coordination, and communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues.

  • Adaptability: Ability to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected mechanical, program, weather, or operational challenges.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Natasha Trites, Human Resources Business Partner, at trites.natasha@jdirving.com.

To apply for this career opportunity, please submit your application online.

We appreciate your interest in joining our team. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline, and late submissions may not be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.