Pilot Positions with the U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots for various aircraft operations across multiple locations. These roles involve flying a range of aircraft types, transporting passengers and cargo, and providing essential aviation support for project and fire management work.
About the Role
Incumbents will pilot 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 for single-engine land, light, and multi-engine aircraft, acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations, performing basic aircraft systems inspections, and serving as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Representative. Key duties involve air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision, lead plane operations, and smokejumper/paracargo delivery. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to issue analysis and policy development within major agency organizations.
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 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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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 over 40 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 rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements
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Certificates and Ratings: 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 Experience: 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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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.
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.
Additional Information
This is an open continuous announcement providing a source of applicants for when vacancies occur. Eligibility and qualifications will be verified at the time of vacancy. Specific location details and application deadlines can be found on the Forest Service website. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. Government housing, federal day care facilities, and telework may be available depending on the position and location. This position may be covered under special retirement provisions.