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 [email protected].

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.

At Irving Woodlands, we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife.

Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.