The U.S. Forest Service seeks experienced pilots to operate various aircraft for essential transportation and operational support. This announcement is open continuously to build a readily available pool of qualified applicants for upcoming vacancies across multiple U.S. Forest Service regions.
About the Role
Pilots will operate a variety of aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain, in both day and night conditions, to transport passengers and cargo. Responsibilities include serving as pilot-in-command for single-engine land, light, and/or multi-engine aircraft. Additionally, pilots will act as technical advisors to management on aviation operations, perform basic aircraft systems inspections, and serve as technical experts for aviation contracting. Key duties involve air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision, leadplane operations, and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo. This role also involves analyzing organizational problems and developing policy recommendations.
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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Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
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All 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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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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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.
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Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement: Certificates and Ratings
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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.
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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 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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All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs bearing the applicant's name, clearly identifying aircraft type, flight conditions, PIC designation, and dates.
GS-12 Specific Qualification
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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 the military equivalent.
Selective Placement Factors
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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- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.