The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots for aviation operations across various locations. This announcement is open continuously to build a pool of qualified applicants for potential vacancies. Selected individuals will operate a range of aircraft for critical agency missions, including transport of passengers and cargo, aerial supervision, and support for fire management activities.
About the Role
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Pilots a variety of aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during day and night conditions.
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Serves as pilot-in-command on single-engine land, light and/or multi-engine aircraft.
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Acts as a technical advisor for aviation operations, including WCF and contract activities.
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Performs basic systems inspections to ensure aircraft readiness.
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Serves as an Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Representative, providing guidance to contractors.
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Conducts air transport of personnel and cargo, leads aerial supervision and leadplane operations, and supports smokejumper and paracargo delivery.
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Analyzes complex organizational issues and develops recommendations for policy and procedure implementation.
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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Position is 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 periods 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 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 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.
Additional Information
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This position is covered under special retirement provisions for primary firefighters.
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Promotion potential may be available through a career development plan.
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Salary rates vary by location.
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Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized.
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Candidates are expected to be committed to improving government efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and supporting the U.S. Constitution.