The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft for diverse missions, including transporting passengers and cargo, aerial supervision, and fire management support. This continuous announcement allows for a readily available pool of applicants for future vacancies across multiple U.S. Forest Service regions.
About the Role
As a pilot within the U.S. Forest Service, individuals will operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during both day and night conditions. Responsibilities include serving as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on single-engine land, light, and/or multi-engine aircraft, acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations, performing basic aircraft systems inspections, and providing technical guidance to aviation contractors. The role also involves air transport of agency personnel and cargo, lead plane operations, and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo.
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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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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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 requesting a waiver.
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Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Qualifications
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Basic Requirement:
Possession of 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 Experience:
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GS-09:
Minimum 1,200 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours as 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. Flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs.
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GS-11 and GS-12:
Minimum 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 actual or simulated instrument time (with at least 10 hours actual in flight), and 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months. Flight experience must be supported by complete and verifiable 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.