Forest Service | Pilot

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate various aircraft models for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and specialized operations such as smokejumper and paracargo delivery. These positions involve flying in challenging conditions over diverse terrain and may require serving as pilot-in-command on single-engine land and multi-engine aircraft. The roles also include providing technical aviation advice and performing basic aircraft system inspections.

About the Role

• Piloting a variety of aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain.
• Transporting passengers and cargo to multiple destinations.
• Serving as pilot-in-command (PIC) on single-engine land and light/multi-engine aircraft.
• Acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations involving fixed-wing aircraft.
• Performing basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure flight readiness.
• Serving as an aviation contracting officer's technical expert for airplane contracts and pilots.
• Conducting aerial supervision and leadplane operations.
• Delivering smokejumpers and paracargo.
• Analyzing organizational issues and developing recommendations for policy and procedure implementation.

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 at least 18 years of age.
• Position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Willingness to live and work in remote, potentially volatile, and unpredictable locations.
• Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service, or a veteran preference eligible over age 40 requesting a waiver.
• A one-year probationary period is required.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirement: 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.
• Medical Certificate: Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
• Flight Experience (GS-09): Minimum of 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 (with at least 5 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• Flight Experience (GS-11 and GS-12): 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.
• All flight experience must be substantiated by complete and verifiable flight logs.
• GS-12 Requirement: 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 is given for paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.

Age Requirements

• Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting months of qualifying Permanent Federal Service (firefighter/law enforcement), or a veteran preference eligible over age 40 requesting a waiver.
• This position is covered under special retirement provisions for primary/rigorous firefighter positions.