State of Washington
Mission Sensor Operator, Photogrammetrist 2
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Mission Sensor Operator, Photogrammetrist 2
State of Washington
Position Overview
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildland Fire Management Division – Aviation Section seeks a Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) for the Kodiak 100 Multi‑Mission Aircraft. The MSO will operate the multi‑spectral camera system, manage field operations, and provide critical intelligence for wildfire suppression.
The role includes 10 flight hours in either a helicopter or small aircraft and strong experience with FAA/Fire radio and mission planning.
Employment Details
Full‑time, Seasonal (February – October 2026)
Location: Tumwater, WA
Salary: $5,241.00 – $7,043.00 Monthly
Responsibilities
Serve as an Aircrew Member on helicopters and airplanes reporting to the MSO Photogrammetrist 3.
Collect and process aerial imagery using electro‑optical/infrared camera systems.
Translate and manipulate digital files for CAD, GIS, and engineering design systems.
Create wildfire intelligence products: perimeter files, elevation maps, fire‑growth perimeters, color/infrared photographs, live video downloads, and map reports.
Operate, maintain, download, edit, and create airborne reports using handheld FLIR devices, cameras and advanced thermal/infrared/mapping/LiDAR systems.
Perform pre‑flight, mission planning, and post‑flight duties.
Provide ISR capabilities through full‑motion video, sensors, and mission equipment for ground personnel.
Calibrate and verify photography and mapping systems before each use.
Perform quality control of photogrammetric data per Aviation Operations Plan and Standards.
Deliver aerial intelligence to IMT teams, fire personnel, and division intelligence via ARC GIS Pro, Google Earth, and other mapping platforms.
Assist in developing the Division’s standards for aerial intelligence collection systems.
Assist in training and administration of the Mission Sensor Operator program.
Pre‑flight cleaning and ensuring airworthiness of camera, downlink and mapping equipment.
Identify and recommend new Mission Sensor Operators for training.
Train and assist other assigned MSOs in the Aviation Section.
Serve as a UAS observer, data collection technician, and/or pilot when qualified.
Provide UAS Program support as directed.
Attending required recurrent flight training.
Participate in conferences, meetings, and trainings nationwide.
Perform duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Intermediate level computer skills.
10 flight hours in either a helicopter or small airplane.
Experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures.
Experience operating FAA/Fire and ground radio communication systems.
Experience and knowledge of aircraft mission flight planning and the National Airspace System.
Experience developing reports and products via Microsoft Office Suite and mission planning software.
Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation for Mission Sensor Operator.
1 year of experience processing mapping, data, and GIS operations (ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, etc.).
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, stressful environment.
Ability to fly up to 8 hours per day.
Ability to quickly adapt, learn, and operate airborne electro‑optical systems.
Consistently make sound decisions with little to no supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records policies.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS License.
Qualified as an Airborne System Operator (e.g., FLIR, Wescam, Trakka).
Bachelor’s degree or higher in photogrammetry, cartography, civil engineering, geodesy, geography, forestry, or a related field.
NWCG Aviation Qualifications (AOBS, ASGS, AOBD, HMGB, ATGS, ABRO, HECM, etc.).
Experience in processing mapping, data, and GIS operations.
FEMA IC‑100 and IC‑700 courses.
Safety Management System (SMS) familiarity.
Application Requirements
Apply online at
www.careers.wa.gov .
Letter of interest detailing specific qualifications for the position.
Resume outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
References (optional at application; required for finalists).
Do not attach documents with photos or private information (SSN, year of birth, etc.).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Use following email for inquiries:
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .
Optional Attachments
FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
Certificates/Diplomas of relevant completed training:
FLIR/Sensor Training
Military equivalency
Downlink System
ArcGIS
NWCG
Questions?
Contact Mike Burke at 564‑233‑5287 or
mike.burke@dnr.wa.gov
or email
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, veterans, and individuals over 40 are encouraged to apply.
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Position Overview
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildland Fire Management Division – Aviation Section seeks a Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) for the Kodiak 100 Multi‑Mission Aircraft. The MSO will operate the multi‑spectral camera system, manage field operations, and provide critical intelligence for wildfire suppression.
The role includes 10 flight hours in either a helicopter or small aircraft and strong experience with FAA/Fire radio and mission planning.
Employment Details
Full‑time, Seasonal (February – October 2026)
Location: Tumwater, WA
Salary: $5,241.00 – $7,043.00 Monthly
Responsibilities
Serve as an Aircrew Member on helicopters and airplanes reporting to the MSO Photogrammetrist 3.
Collect and process aerial imagery using electro‑optical/infrared camera systems.
Translate and manipulate digital files for CAD, GIS, and engineering design systems.
Create wildfire intelligence products: perimeter files, elevation maps, fire‑growth perimeters, color/infrared photographs, live video downloads, and map reports.
Operate, maintain, download, edit, and create airborne reports using handheld FLIR devices, cameras and advanced thermal/infrared/mapping/LiDAR systems.
Perform pre‑flight, mission planning, and post‑flight duties.
Provide ISR capabilities through full‑motion video, sensors, and mission equipment for ground personnel.
Calibrate and verify photography and mapping systems before each use.
Perform quality control of photogrammetric data per Aviation Operations Plan and Standards.
Deliver aerial intelligence to IMT teams, fire personnel, and division intelligence via ARC GIS Pro, Google Earth, and other mapping platforms.
Assist in developing the Division’s standards for aerial intelligence collection systems.
Assist in training and administration of the Mission Sensor Operator program.
Pre‑flight cleaning and ensuring airworthiness of camera, downlink and mapping equipment.
Identify and recommend new Mission Sensor Operators for training.
Train and assist other assigned MSOs in the Aviation Section.
Serve as a UAS observer, data collection technician, and/or pilot when qualified.
Provide UAS Program support as directed.
Attending required recurrent flight training.
Participate in conferences, meetings, and trainings nationwide.
Perform duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Intermediate level computer skills.
10 flight hours in either a helicopter or small airplane.
Experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures.
Experience operating FAA/Fire and ground radio communication systems.
Experience and knowledge of aircraft mission flight planning and the National Airspace System.
Experience developing reports and products via Microsoft Office Suite and mission planning software.
Successfully pass annual DNR flight and oral evaluation for Mission Sensor Operator.
1 year of experience processing mapping, data, and GIS operations (ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, etc.).
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, stressful environment.
Ability to fly up to 8 hours per day.
Ability to quickly adapt, learn, and operate airborne electro‑optical systems.
Consistently make sound decisions with little to no supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records policies.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS License.
Qualified as an Airborne System Operator (e.g., FLIR, Wescam, Trakka).
Bachelor’s degree or higher in photogrammetry, cartography, civil engineering, geodesy, geography, forestry, or a related field.
NWCG Aviation Qualifications (AOBS, ASGS, AOBD, HMGB, ATGS, ABRO, HECM, etc.).
Experience in processing mapping, data, and GIS operations.
FEMA IC‑100 and IC‑700 courses.
Safety Management System (SMS) familiarity.
Application Requirements
Apply online at
www.careers.wa.gov .
Letter of interest detailing specific qualifications for the position.
Resume outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
References (optional at application; required for finalists).
Do not attach documents with photos or private information (SSN, year of birth, etc.).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Use following email for inquiries:
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .
Optional Attachments
FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certificate – Current
Certificates/Diplomas of relevant completed training:
FLIR/Sensor Training
Military equivalency
Downlink System
ArcGIS
NWCG
Questions?
Contact Mike Burke at 564‑233‑5287 or
mike.burke@dnr.wa.gov
or email
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, veterans, and individuals over 40 are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr