Forest Service | Pilot

Pilot (Single Engine Land/Sea) - Ely, MN

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking a qualified Pilot to operate light single-engine aircraft for wildfire suppression, aerial intelligence, and various support missions in Ely, Minnesota. This role involves serving as pilot-in-command, performing critical aviation duties, and providing technical expertise within the Region 9 Fire and Aviation Management division.

About the Role

• Serve as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of light single-engine aircraft configured for land or sea operations.
• Perform wildfire suppression duties, including low-level water drops and providing airborne fire intelligence.
• Conduct transportation of fire crews, wildfire detection, and wildlife surveys.
• Operate aircraft under various weather conditions, including visual and instrument flight rules.
• Execute landings in challenging terrain and conditions such as austere forests and frozen lakes.
• Conduct preflight checks, plan extended flights, and evaluate weather conditions.
• Provide technical advice on airplane contracts and contract pilots.
• Act as a technical leader and participate in aviation contract development.
• Serve as a technical advisor to regional aviation leadership.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• 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.
• Willing to live and work in remote locations.
• Age requirement: Under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting periods of Permanent Federal Service in primary/secondary firefighter/law enforcement roles, or a veteran preference eligible over 40 requesting a waiver.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Certificates and Ratings

• Possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings, and an Instrument Rating; OR an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings.
• Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
• Must possess proof of a tailwheel logbook endorsement post April 15, 1991, or appropriate logbook entry for PIC Tail Wheel time pre-April 15, 1991.
• Must possess all necessary certificates and ratings, and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings).

Minimum Flight/Flying Experience

• GS-11: 1500 hours total flight time (Airplane), with 500 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC). Minimum 200 hours PIC in Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea. Minimum 50 hours PIC IFR flight. Minimum 75 hours PIC Night Flight. Minimum 100 hours PIC in the preceding 12 months.
• GS-12: 1500 hours total flight time (Airplane), with 1200 hours as PIC. Minimum 200 hours PIC in Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea. Minimum 500 hours PIC Cross Country flight. Minimum 200 hours PIC low-level mountainous terrain operations (flight at 2500 AGL and below). Minimum 75 hours PIC actual or simulated Instrument time (50 hours in flight). Minimum 100 hours PIC Night Flight. Minimum 100 hours PIC in Category in the preceding 12 months and 10 hours PIC in Category in the preceding 60 days.

Education

There is no education substitution for this position.