Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) | Pilot

Summary

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a dedicated full-time LSA Conservation Pilot to be based at their project headquarters in Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, Central African Republic. This field-based role involves piloting a Savannah aircraft for crucial conservation efforts, including aerial patrols, wildlife biomonitoring, and logistical support within national parks.

About the Role

The LSA Conservation Pilot will be instrumental in conducting aerial conservation patrols, supporting wildlife biomonitoring initiatives, and providing essential logistical assistance to law-enforcement and project teams. This position also encompasses aircraft management, technical reporting, administration, staff training, and coordination with WCS aviation and project managers to ensure a professionally structured, safety-centered aviation operation. Key responsibilities include piloting the aircraft under WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various conservation activities, maintaining aircraft documentation and readiness, and planning aviation activities in collaboration with field teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely and professionally pilot the aircraft for conservation patrols, resource protection, biomonitoring, and logistics.
• Maintain all aircraft documents, flight approvals, tracking records, and flight logs.
• Ensure aircraft cleanliness, security, equipment readiness, and operational readiness.
• Plan aviation activities in coordination with field operations, ecology, monitoring, and law-enforcement teams.
• Coordinate aircraft maintenance and scheduling with the Aviation Fleet Manager and Maintenance Manager.
• Manage fuel, oil, consumables, stores, hangar facilities, airstrip standards, and survey and surveillance equipment.
• Support aviation budgets and annual plans.
• Train staff in aircraft safety and procedures.
• Coordinate aviation transport, clearances, and documentation.
• Maintain high safety standards, report hazards, incidents, and aircraft snags.
• Participate in safety evaluations and training, contributing to the WCS Safety Management System.

Requirements

• A current ICAO Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with an instrument rating.
• An ICAO second-class medical certificate.
• A minimum of 400 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) flying experience.
• Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) experience is required, preferably on a Savannah or a similar Rotax-powered aircraft.
• Effective communication skills for cross-cultural teams.
• Willingness and motivation to live in a challenging and remote location.
• Fluency in both English and French.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience in Africa, particularly in francophone Africa.
• Experience with wildlife surveys.
• Experience with anti-poaching surveillance.
• Experience in remote bush flying.
• Experience with Part 135 operations.
• Aircraft mechanic work.