The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft across diverse terrains and conditions. This role involves transporting passengers and cargo, serving as pilot-in-command, and providing technical aviation advice within multiple U.S. Forest Service regions.
About the Role
This continuous announcement serves to build a readily available pool of qualified applicants for pilot positions within the U.S. Forest Service. Successful candidates will be responsible for piloting various aircraft models, including single-engine land and light/multi-engine aircraft, often at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during both day and night. Key duties include serving as pilot-in-command for critical missions such as air transport, aerial supervision, leadplane operations, and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo. Additionally, incumbents will act as technical advisors on aviation operations and serve as Aviation Contracting Officers Technical Experts for airplane contracts.
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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Must have federal payments 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 drug testing designated; 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 meet specific criteria for older applicants (e.g., subtracting permanent federal service as a firefighter/law enforcement, or veteran preference eligible requesting a waiver).
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Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
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Commitment to improving federal government efficiency, upholding the ideals of the American republic, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.
Qualifications
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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.
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Medical Certificate:
Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
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Flight/Flying Experience:
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GS-09:
Minimum 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:
Minimum 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.
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GS-12 Specific:
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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Selective Placement Factor:
Under age 40 -OR- less than age 40 after subtracting eligible Permanent Federal Service -OR- a veteran preference eligible older than age 40 requesting a waiver.