Pilot (GS-09, GS-11, GS-12)

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking experienced Pilots to operate a variety of aircraft in diverse and challenging conditions across multiple locations. This continuous announcement seeks to establish a readily available pool of qualified applicants for future vacancies. Successful candidates will pilot agency aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and specialized missions such as smokejumper and paracargo delivery.

About the Role

As a Pilot with the U.S. Forest Service, incumbents will be responsible for piloting a range of aircraft models, including single-engine land, light, and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft. Operations will involve flying at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain, both day and night. The role also includes serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), acting as a technical advisor for aviation operations, performing basic aircraft systems inspections, and providing technical guidance to aviation contractors.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Must be willing to live and work in remote, potentially volatile and unpredictable locations.
Must pass a federal background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Must have federal payments made by direct deposit.
Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Position is drug testing designated; subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period.
Age requirement: 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 a veteran preference eligible older than age 40 requesting a waiver. This is a primary/rigorous position covered under special retirement provisions.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement

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

Minimum Flight/Flying Experience

GS-09: A minimum of 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, and 50 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (with at least 5 hours actual in flight), plus 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
GS-11 and GS-12: A minimum of 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, and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (with at least 10 hours actual in flight), plus 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
All flight experience must be substantiated by complete, legible flight logs bearing the applicant's name, with entries clearly identifying aircraft type, flight conditions, PIC designation, and dates.

GS-12 Specific Qualification

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 rating.