The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during day and night conditions. These roles involve transporting passengers and cargo, serving as pilot-in-command on single and multi-engine aircraft, and providing technical advice on aviation operations. The positions are located across multiple U.S. Forest Service regions, offering opportunities to contribute to project and fire management work.
About the Role
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Serve as pilot-in-command on single-engine land and multi-engine aircraft.
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Transport passengers and cargo to diverse destinations.
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Conduct aerial supervision and Leadplane operations.
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Deliver smokejumpers and paracargo.
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Perform basic systems inspections on aircraft to ensure operational readiness.
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Act as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Expert for airplane contracts and contract pilots.
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Provide technical guidance to contractors and resolve complex organizational problems related to aviation operations.
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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Must have federal payments made by direct deposit.
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Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
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Must be at least 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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Age requirement: Under 40, or less than 40 after subtracting qualifying federal service, or a veteran preference eligible over 40 requesting a waiver.
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Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period.
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Commitment to improving federal government efficiency, upholding the ideals of the American republic, and adherence to the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
Qualifications
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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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Possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
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Meet all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hour requirements 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 instrument time (at least 5 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 PIC, 500 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 75 hours of night flight, 75 hours of instrument time (at least 10 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 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.