Forest Service | Pilot

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain for passenger and cargo transport across multiple destinations. These roles are continuous announcements, with eligibility and qualifications verified upon vacancy. Positions are available within various Forest Service regions.

About the Role

Pilots will serve as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on single-engine land, light, and/or multi-engine aircraft, conducting operations during day and night conditions. Key duties include transporting passengers and cargo, performing aerial supervision and Leadplane operations, and delivering smokejumpers and paracargo. The role also involves serving as a technical advisor on aviation operations and contracts, and conducting basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure flight readiness.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Federal payments must be made by direct deposit.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Position is drug testing designated, subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
• Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service, or a veteran preference eligible requesting an age waiver.
• Mandatory 1-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land ratings OR a current and valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land rating.
• Hold a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
• Possess all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Airplane - Multi-Engine).

Minimum Flight Experience:

• GS-09: 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 (minimum 5 hours actual), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• GS-11 and GS-12: 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 (minimum 10 hours actual), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs.

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.

Selective Placement Factors:

• Under age 40 - OR - less than age 40 after subtracting months of qualifying federal service - OR - a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40, requesting a waiver.