Aviation Pilot
Summary:
This position requires a highly skilled and experienced pilot to operate a variety of aircraft in challenging environments. The incumbent will serve as pilot-in-command, transport personnel and cargo, and provide technical expertise in aviation operations. This role demands a commitment to safety, a high level of proficiency, and the ability to work in remote and sometimes volatile conditions.
Responsibilities:
- Pilots various aircraft models at low altitudes and varying speeds over difficult terrain, including mountains, forests, and deserts, during both day and night operations.
- Serves as pilot-in-command on single-engine land, light, and/or multi-engine aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient transport over challenging landscapes.
- Acts as a technical advisor to the Regional Aviation Operations Manager/Supervisory Pilot, providing expertise on fixed-wing aircraft activities (WCF and contract) for project and fire management.
- Performs thorough pre-flight systems inspections on light single and/or twin-engine aircraft, and/or heavy multi-engine aircraft to confirm readiness for flight.
- Serves as the Aviation Contracting Officer's Technical Expert, offering definitive guidance to contractors on airplane contracts and pilot services.
- Leads air transport operations for agency personnel and cargo, conducts aerial supervision/Leadplane operations, and manages the delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo.
- Gathers, identifies, and analyzes complex issues and develops recommendations to resolve problems or implement organizational policies across major agency departments.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period, if not already served.
- Federal payments must be made by direct deposit, as per Public Law 104-134.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- This is a drug testing designated position; pre-employment and random drug testing will be required with appointment contingent upon negative results.
- Must be willing to live/work in remote locations with volatile and unpredictable conditions.
- May be subject to additional Conditions of Employment; applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time of a tentative job offer.
- Must be under age 40, or under 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible, older than 40 and requesting a waiver.
- Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
Qualifications:
- Must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements as defined by the applicant submission date. For further information, please consult the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
- Application and resume must clearly demonstrate the possession of required experience.
Basic Requirements:
- Certificates and Ratings: Must hold 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.
- Medical Certificate: Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate. All necessary certificates, ratings and flight hours in the appropriate category and class (Airplane-Multi-Engine) are also required.
Minimum Flight/Flying Experience:
- GS-09: Must possess minimum flight time of 1200 hours with 250 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum flight time of 100 hours in multi-engine airplanes; possess minimum time of 50 hours performing Night Flight; possess minimum time of 50 hours of actual or simulated Instrument time with minimum 5 hours actual in flight; possess minimum flying time in Category of 100 hours (preceding 12 months).
- GS-11 and GS-12: Must possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours with 250 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum flight time of 500 hours in multi-engine airplanes; possess minimum time of 75 hours performing Night Flight; possess minimum time of 75 hours of actual or simulated Instrument time with minimum 10 hours actual in flight; possess minimum flying time in Category of 100 hours (preceding 12 months).
- GS-12 only: May be required to obtain and maintain a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, as appropriate to the position (Airplane) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Airplane Instruction ratings, or the military equivalent.
Experience includes paid and unpaid roles, including volunteer work, which can provide critical competencies, knowledge, and skills.
Selective Placement Factors:
- Must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
Retirement Coverage:
- This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Age Requirements:
- Applicants not currently holding a permanent Federal position covered under primary firefighter retirement must be under age 40, or less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position, or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver.
Education:
- Please refer to the QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.
Application and Evaluation:
Applicants will be evaluated on their qualifications. This is a Direct-Hire Authority position; all qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. A rating system will not be used, and veteran's preference does not apply. Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service.
Important Notes:
- Inaccurate information on Federal documents could lead to non-selection or disciplinary action.
- A link to view the application form is provided: [application form link removed]
Required Documents:
The following documents are required for a complete application package. Our office is not responsible for technical issues such as incompatible software, illegible transmissions or system failures. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
- Resume: Include personal information, education, detailed work experience including work schedules and employment dates, supervisor's contact information and other qualifications.
- Transcripts: Submit an unofficial copy with the application; official copies will be required upon selection. Education must be from an accredited institution. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for equivalency.
- DD214: Required if requesting a maximum entry age (MEA) waiver.
- Proof of Eligibility: Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide proof.
- FAA Certificates: Must provide a copy of your current and valid FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land ratings, OR FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi-Engine Land rating.
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate: if applicable
- Medical Certificate: Submit a copy of your current FAA first- or second-class Medical Certificate.
Failure to provide the required documentation may result in an ineligible rating.
Education:
- Education must be accredited by a recognized U.S. Department of Education institution. Failure to provide this will result in disqualification.
Salary & Location:
- Salary: $74,431 - $140,317 per year
- Pay Scale & Grade: GS 9 - 12
- Multiple Locations: This position has multiple vacancies available in the following locations: Redding, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Broomfield, CO; Lawrenceville, GA; Missoula, MT; Albuquerque, NM; Redmond, OR; and Ogden, UT.
Open and Closing Dates:
09/04/2024 to 07/07/2025