Summary
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and specialized mission support across diverse terrains and conditions. These positions involve serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and providing technical aviation guidance. Opportunities are available across multiple regions within the U.S. Forest Service.
About the Role
This role involves piloting various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain, including mountains, forests, and deserts, under both day and night conditions. Responsibilities include:
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Serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on single-engine land, light and/or multi-engine aircraft.
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Acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations concerning fixed-wing aircraft activities.
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Performing basic systems inspections on light single and/or twin-engine aircraft to ensure flight readiness.
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Providing technical guidance to contractors as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Expert.
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Conducting air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision/Leadplane operations, and delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo.
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Analyzing complex organizational problems and developing recommendations for policies and procedures.
Requirements
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Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
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Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
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Must be able to pass a 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 18 years of age.
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Position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
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Willingness to live and work in remote, potentially volatile locations.
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Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service, or be a veteran preference eligible requesting a waiver to the age requirement.
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Required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
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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).
Minimum Flight/Flying Experience:
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GS-09:
1,200 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours PIC, 100 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 50 hours of night flight, 50 hours of instrument time (at least 5 hours actual), and 100 hours in the preceding 12 months.
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GS-11 and GS-12:
1,500 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours PIC, 500 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 75 hours of night flight, 75 hours of instrument time (at least 10 hours actual), and 100 hours in the preceding 12 months.
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All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs.
GS-12 Specific Requirement:
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May be required to obtain and maintain a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (Airplane) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Airplane Instruction ratings or military equivalent.
Age Requirements:
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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 older than age 40 and requesting a waiver.
Note:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.