The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and project work. These roles involve flying in challenging conditions over diverse terrains and require significant flight experience and specific FAA certifications.

About the Role

Pilots will operate various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain, including mountains, forests, and deserts, during both day and night conditions. Key responsibilities include serving as pilot-in-command for 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 entails air transport of agency personnel and cargo, leadplane operations, and the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo. Successful candidates will contribute to resolving complex organizational problems and developing agency policies and procedures.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Must have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Must be 18 years of age.
This is a drug testing designated position, subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
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 40 requesting a waiver.
Must serve a 1-year probationary period.

Qualifications

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.
Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
Must possess all necessary certificates, ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Airplane - Multi-Engine).

Minimum Flight/Flying Experience

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.
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.
All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs.

GS-12 Specific Requirement

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.