The U.S. Forest Service seeks experienced pilots to operate a variety of aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, aerial supervision, and fire management support across diverse terrains. These positions are located within various Forest Service regions throughout the United States.
About the Role
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Pilots aircraft at low altitudes and varying speeds over challenging terrain during day and night conditions.
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Serves as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on single-engine land and multi-engine aircraft.
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Provides technical advice on aviation operations, including fixed-wing aircraft activities for project and fire management.
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Conducts basic systems inspections to ensure aircraft readiness for flight operations.
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Acts as a technical expert for aviation contracts and contract pilots.
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Manages air transport for agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision/Leadplane operations, and smokejumper/paracargo delivery.
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Analyzes 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 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
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Subject to satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
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Federal payments must be 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 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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Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting months of permanent federal service in a firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible over age 40 requesting a waiver.
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Requires a 1-year probationary period.
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Commitment to improving government efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.
Qualifications
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Basic Requirement:
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:
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GS-09:
Minimum 1,200 total flight hours in airplanes, including 250 hours PIC, 100 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 50 hours night flight, 50 hours 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 PIC, 500 hours in multi-engine airplanes, 75 hours night flight, 75 hours 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 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 military equivalent.