Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operations Division-Aviation Division, is seeking skilled pilots to provide vital aviation support for operational and intelligence elements across the DEA and the broader law enforcement community. The primary objective of this role is to detect, locate, identify, and assess illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities through expert operation of multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft. This position is located within the DEA Aviation Division.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot, the incumbent will operate multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes for the transportation of cargo, equipment, sensitive materials, and personnel. Duties include supporting DEA Special Agents in a variety of critical missions such as air/ground surveillance, photography, fugitive transport, reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, airborne tracking, sensitive cargo delivery, specialized missions, marijuana eradication, and prisoner transport. The pilot will also provide expert aviation advice to DEA management and operational staff concerning aircraft capabilities, limitations, and safety. Comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities, including detailed inspections, fuel planning, weight and balance calculations, risk assessments, and clearance acquisition, are integral to the role. Pre-operational planning for enforcement operations to optimize aviation support is also a key responsibility.
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 a 1-year/2-year trial period.
-
All tentatively selected applicants must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
-
DEA Pilots must undergo an annual flight physical by a Designated Medical Examiner in compliance with FAA regulations.
-
Pilot must complete an 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 appropriate military rating.
-
Commercial licenses for single and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft with an instrument rating.
-
Alternatively, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is acceptable.
-
Candidates qualifying based on military flight experience must provide official documentation.
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, with at least 10 hours in actual instrument weather.
Medical Requirements
-
A current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations, dated within the previous 12 months.
Selective Placement Factor (SPF)
-
Possession of a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).
-
Possession of a valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
Specialized Experience (GS-13)
-
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 (e.g., Beechcraft King Air 350s, ATR-42/500s) over long distances domestically and internationally.
-
Must also demonstrate experience in at least ONE of the following:
-
Formulating flight plans based on map and chart study, determining routing, stops, alternates, fuel, and flight times.
-
Adhering to flight procedures and parameters as specified in the airplane flight manual.
-
Conducting detailed post-flight inspections to identify mechanical discrepancies, system performance issues, or damage.