The U.S. Forest Service is seeking qualified pilots to operate a variety of aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain for passenger and cargo transport across multiple destinations. These positions offer the opportunity to serve as Pilot-In-Command on single and multi-engine aircraft, provide technical aviation guidance, and support critical agency operations, including fire management and smokejumper deployment. Positions are located across various U.S. Forest Service regions.
About the Role
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Pilots a variety of aircraft models, often at low altitudes and varying speeds over difficult terrain, for passenger and cargo transport.
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Serves as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on single-engine land and light/multi-engine aircraft in day and night conditions.
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Acts as a technical advisor to management on single and/or multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft activities.
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Performs basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure readiness for flight operations.
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Serves as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Representative for airplane contracts and contract pilots.
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Conducts air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision, Leadplane operations, and smokejumper/paracargo delivery.
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Analyzes organizational issues and develops recommendations for policy and procedural implementation.
Requirements
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Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
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Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
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Subject to background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
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Must have federal payments made by direct deposit.
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Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
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Must be 18 years of age.
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Position is drug testing designated; subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
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Willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
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Age requirement: Under 40, or less than 40 after subtracting permanent federal service in a firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible over 40 requesting a waiver.
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Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Qualifications
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Basic Requirement: Possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land ratings OR a current FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land rating.
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Medical Certificate: Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
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Flight Hours (GS-09): A minimum of 1,200 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours as PIC, 100 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 50 hours of night flight, 50 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (with at least 5 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months. Flight logs must substantiate all experience.
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Flight Hours (GS-11 and GS-12): A minimum of 1,500 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours as PIC, 500 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 75 hours of night flight, 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (with at least 10 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months. Flight logs must substantiate all experience.
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GS-12 Specific: May be required to obtain and maintain a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (Airplane) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Airplane Instruction ratings, or military equivalent.
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Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.
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Selective Placement Factor: Under age 40 -OR- less than age 40 after subtracting firefighter/law enforcement service -OR- veteran preference eligible over 40 requesting a waiver.