The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Operations Division-Aviation Division is seeking a qualified Airplane Pilot to provide critical aviation support for operational and intelligence elements. This role is based in the United States and involves the transportation of personnel and sensitive equipment to detect and assess illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities.

About the Role

As an Airplane Pilot, responsibilities include operating multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft for the transport of cargo, equipment, and personnel. Duties involve supporting DEA Special Agents in various surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational missions, including air/ground surveillance, air photography, fugitive transport, airborne electronic tracking, and emergency evacuations. The pilot will also provide expert aviation advice to DEA management and operational personnel, conduct comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities, and perform pre-operational planning for enforcement operations.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Successful completion of a background investigation and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Subject to random drug testing.
Successful completion of the E-Verify employment verification check.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period (or appropriate trial period).
All tentatively selected applicants will be required to submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Annual flight physical performed by a Designated Medical Examiner in compliance with FAA regulations.
Annual DEA standardization check-ride as specified in the Aviation Operations Manual (AOM).
Possession and maintenance of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot.

Qualifications

Certificates and Ratings

A current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating.
Commercial licenses for single and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft with an instrument rating.
Alternatively, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) is acceptable.
A valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.

Flight Hours

Total Flight Time: 1500 hours
Pilot-In-Command: 250 hours
Night Flying: 75 hours
Flying Time, Last 12 Months: 100 hours
Multi-engine Airplane: 500 hours
Instrument: 75 hours (including at least 10 hours in actual instrument weather)

Specialized Experience (GS-13 level)

At least one full year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
Experience must include operating multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes over long distances.
Must also demonstrate experience in at least one of the following:
- Formulating flight plans by studying maps and charts, determining routing, fuel requirements, and estimated flying times.
- Adhering to flight procedures and parameters specified in the airplane flight manual.
- Conducting detailed post-flight inspections to identify mechanical discrepancies or damage.