Chief Pilot - Barrow, Alaska

Company/Organization: North Slope Borough Search and Rescue

Position: Pilot-Fixed Wing

Job Type: Permanent

Posted: 11/23/2025

Description:

Manages and monitors the operations and safety of NSB Search and Rescue flight crew as Pilot in Command of Borough operated aircraft; develops and implements flight crew training programs for NSB Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel; maintains all flight crew training records to assure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Borough regulations and policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of   the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serves as a Pilot-in-Command for the Search & Rescue Department; flies aircraft under visual and instrument flight conditions, day, night, and night-aided.
• Assist the Director in formulating, implementing and monitoring SAR flight operations policy.
• Coordinates pilot work schedules according to FAA and NSB policies and procedures.
• Monitors and tests all pilot staff on required skills to assure compliance with SAR procedures, aircraft standardization and FAA Regulations.
• Identifies training needs, coordinates pilot training schedules, conducts training sessions, and evaluates SAR personnel on new and existing aircraft and equipment.
• Develops and conducts ground and flight training for pilots and flight crewmembers in the usage of Night Vision Goggles.
• Maintains pilot training, certification and qualification records to meet FAA and NSB requirements.
• Coordinate with Chief of Maintenance to assure compliance of scheduled maintenance requirements and resolution of aircraft discrepancies.
• Monitors and reviews trends in search, rescue and emergency services, and implements operational and procedural improvements.
• Represent the Borough in meetings with Federal, state and local rescue and emergency services organizations, other Borough departments, and outside organizations and businesses as directed.
• Required to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evening, holidays and weekends and may be subject to 24 hour on-call status. Typically performs shifts 14 days in duration.
• Respect operations by maintaining confidentiality of all the department missions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of NSB Search & Rescue Department policies and procedures, Alaska geography and topography, and procedures for deployment of personnel and equipment in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of Borough, state and Federal flight rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of search and rescue principles,
• Skill in supervision, coordinating staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Skill in safely piloting assigned aircraft for search and rescue and medevacs.

Requirements:

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:

• High school graduate or G.E.D
• Twelve years experience as a pilot or thirty years total in aviation specific duties.
• FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot's License with multi-engine airplane and Rotorcraft/helicopter;
• Performs duties as Pilot-in-Command of at least one North Slope Borough SAR operated aircraft. External hires will have 12 months to obtain Pilot-in-Command status.
• Is trained and performing either Second-in-Command, Co-Pilot, and Pilot-in-Command duties in all aircraft assigned/operated at North Slope Borough SAR. External hires will have 12 months to comply.
• Must be trained in Night Vision Devices (NVG) for rotorcraft operations and hold a valid 61.31 (k) endorsement.
• FAA Class II Medical Certificate; FCC Radio Permit;
• 5000 hours of total flight time and 5 years of Arctic or remote area flying experience;
• Five years of aviation management work experience to include coordinating and providing company flight training and check rides;
• The ability to obtain a valid Alaska Drivers License that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria within the probationary period.
• Applicants must pass a criminal back ground, finger printing and a Safety TSA test provided by the State of Alaska DOT, to obtain an AOA badge required to operate on airport premises within 30 days of hire.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures; bio-hazardous material, toxic substances, potentially explosive materials and constant exposure to excessive mechanical noise.
• Work is also performed in an airplane or helicopter, and involves attention to detail, long hours, long periods without breaks, and independent judgment as to the safety of the flight conditions.
• Must meet standards for visual acuity, and speak effectively in a clear, understandable voice.
• May be exposed to dangerous machinery and potential physical harm when responding to rescue and medical emergencies.
• Must have the ability to occasionally reach and lift 35 lbs. above the shoulders.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 lbs. in and out of aircraft.
• Must be able to egress aircraft within standards set forth by the North Slope Borough SAR department operation manuals.
• Must have the ability to frequently close and open aircraft doors.
• Must have the ability to frequently climb, kneel, bend and twist in order to perform daily preflight of aircraft assigned.

Special Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Airplane, helicopter, flight computer, aircraft instruments and rescue equipment.

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