The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced Pilots to operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain, transporting passengers and cargo across diverse destinations. This announcement is open continuously, providing a ready pool of applicants for upcoming vacancies at multiple locations nationwide. Successful candidates will serve as Pilot-in-Command, provide technical aviation advice, and perform essential aircraft inspections.

About the Role

The Pilot role involves operating a variety of single and multi-engine aircraft in demanding conditions, including day and night flights over mountains, forests, and deserts. Responsibilities include serving as Pilot-in-Command for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, Leadplane operations, and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo. Additionally, the role requires providing technical guidance to aviation operations managers and serving as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Expert for airplane contracts and contract pilots. Basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure operational readiness are also part of the duties.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12-31-59 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.
This is a drug testing designated position, subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
Age requirement: Under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible older than age 40 requesting a waiver.
Must serve a 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.
Possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
Meet all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Airplane - Multi-Engine).

Flight Experience

GS-09: Minimum 1,200 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC), 100 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 50 hours of night flight, 50 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (at least 5 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
GS-11 and GS-12: Minimum 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 (at least 10 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
All flight experience must be substantiated by complete and verifiable flight logs.
GS-12 only: May be required to obtain and maintain a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (Airplane) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Airplane Instruction ratings, or the military equivalent.

Selective Placement Factors

Under age 40 -OR- less than age 40 after subtracting months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver.