The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and specialized missions. This announcement serves as an open continuous recruitment to fill vacancies across various U.S. Forest Service regions.
About the Role
This role involves piloting diverse aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during both day and night conditions. Responsibilities include serving as pilot-in-command for single-engine land, light, and multi-engine aircraft, acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations, conducting basic aircraft systems inspections, and providing technical guidance to aviation contractors. Pilots will also be responsible for the air transport of agency personnel and cargo, lead plane operations, and smokejumper/paracargo delivery.
Requirements
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Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
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Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
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Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
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Federal payments must be made by direct deposit.
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Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
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Must be at least 18 years of age.
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This is a drug testing designated position, 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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Must be 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 be a veteran preference eligible over age 40 requesting a waiver.
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Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Qualifications
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Basic Requirement:
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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.
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Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
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Must possess all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Airplane - Multi-Engine).
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Minimum Flight/Flying Experience:
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GS-09:
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.
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GS-11 and GS-12:
1,500 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours as Pilot-In-Command (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.
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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.
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Flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs clearly identifying aircraft type, flight conditions, PIC designation, and dates.