Forest Service | Pilot

About the Role

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during day and night conditions for passenger and cargo transport. This position also involves serving as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) for a range of flight operations, including aerial supervision and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo, as well as providing technical advice on aviation operations and acting as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Expert.

Responsibilities

• Pilot diverse aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over unfavorable terrain, day and night.
• Transport passengers and cargo to various destinations.
• Serve as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on single-engine land, light, and/or multi-engine aircraft.
• Provide technical advisory services to management for fixed-wing aircraft activities.
• Perform basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure readiness for flight operations.
• Act as a technical leader and provide guidance to contractors regarding airplane contracts.
• Conduct aerial supervision and Leadplane operations.
• Deliver smokejumpers and paracargo.
• Analyze issues and develop recommendations for organizational policies and procedures.

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.
• 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.
• Willing to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
• Under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service, or a veteran preference eligible requesting a waiver.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
• Commitment to improving federal government efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
• Possession of all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Airplane - Multi-Engine).
• Minimum Flight/Flying 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 (with at least 5 hours actual in flight), 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 (with at least 10 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• Flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible 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.
• Experience credit includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.

Age Requirements

• For those not currently in a primary firefighter retirement position: Must be under age 40; less than age 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service; or a veteran preference eligible older than age 40 requesting a waiver.