Applied Positions
Twin Otter Pilot – Job ID 240271
CL‑415 Co‑Pilot – Job ID 240268
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
Information online is sparse and much of it is outdated, so here are the current details.
Hiring Context
In 2025 several aircraft were parked due to crew shortages, which caused a lot of frustration internally and publicly. For 2026 the province updated the pay scales to attract and retain pilots.
Interview Process
The interview was straightforward and professional. A three‑person aviation panel conducted it. You apply through the Ontario government website, and before the interview begins they give you the exact questions you will be asked.
The questions included:
Twin Otter Pilot
Salary: $110,355 per year (base) — $2,122 per week
Classification: Pilot 4
Schedule: Year‑round position
Agreement: Covered under the Float Agreement (not a compressed year)
Operational Notes:
CL‑415 Co‑Pilot – Key Details
Salary: $92,564 per year (base) - $1,780 per week
Classification: Pilot 4
Schedule: Compressed year (April 1 – October 31)
You are paid through the winter even though you are off‑duty.
Operational Notes:
Twin Otter Pilot – Job ID 240271
CL‑415 Co‑Pilot – Job ID 240268
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
Information online is sparse and much of it is outdated, so here are the current details.
Hiring Context
In 2025 several aircraft were parked due to crew shortages, which caused a lot of frustration internally and publicly. For 2026 the province updated the pay scales to attract and retain pilots.
Interview Process
The interview was straightforward and professional. A three‑person aviation panel conducted it. You apply through the Ontario government website, and before the interview begins they give you the exact questions you will be asked.
The questions included:
- Why are you an ideal candidate?
- Describe a stable approach.
- What are your employment safety responsibilities?
- Required radio calls when entering an MF zone.
- What are the requirements for Special VFR?
- There was also one behavioural question (“Describe a time you worked well in a team”), and the STAR‑L format works well. At the end you can ask your own questions.
Twin Otter Pilot
Salary: $110,355 per year (base) — $2,122 per week
Classification: Pilot 4
Schedule: Year‑round position
Agreement: Covered under the Float Agreement (not a compressed year)
Operational Notes:
- Amphibious operations in summer, including single‑pilot water bombing.
- Any IFR or off‑strip work is two‑crew.
- Remote northern operations are routine.
- Accommodation and travel are covered when away from base.
- Defined‑benefit pension, full health and dental, and all training is funded.
- Fewer than 30 applicants applied across both postings.
- Groundschool conducted mid-March for an April start.
CL‑415 Co‑Pilot – Key Details
Salary: $92,564 per year (base) - $1,780 per week
Classification: Pilot 4
Schedule: Compressed year (April 1 – October 31)
You are paid through the winter even though you are off‑duty.
Operational Notes:
- Typical duty period is 0900–2100 during fire season.
- Expect 200–300 flight hours per season.
- Travel, accommodation, and training are fully covered.
