Forest Service | Pilot

About the Role

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain. These positions involve transporting passengers and cargo, serving as pilot-in-command on single-engine land and multi-engine aircraft, and acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations. Responsibilities also include performing basic systems inspections and providing technical guidance on airplane contracts and contract pilots. This is an open continuous announcement, with eligibility and qualifications verified when vacancies arise.

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 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 40 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

Basic Requirement:

• Must 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.
• Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
• Must possess 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.
• 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).
• 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs.

GS-11 and GS-12:

• 1,500 total flight hours in airplanes.
• 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).
• 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
• All flight experience must be supported 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 rating.

Selective Placement Factors:

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