Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) | Pilot

About the Role

A full-time, field-based Conservation Pilot position is available supporting Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) operations in the Northeastern Protected Area Complex of the Central African Republic. The role is located within Bamingui-Bangoran National Park and Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park. This C206 Pilot position is integral to conducting aerial patrols, supporting aerial biomonitoring, and providing essential logistical support to wildlife law enforcement and project teams. The position also involves significant contributions to aircraft management, maintenance coordination, aviation safety, staff training, operational planning, reporting, administration, and the development of aviation budgets and plans.

About the Employer

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Location

Bamingui-Bangoran National Park and Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic

Aircraft

C206

Requirements

• Current FAA Commercial Pilot License with instrument rating.
• FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.
• Minimum of 400 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) flying experience.
• Sound knowledge of operating under FAA regulations.
• High-performance piston-engine time, preferably on a C206 or similar aircraft.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-cultural teams.
• Willingness and motivation to live and work in a challenging remote location.
• Fluency in English and French.

Qualifications (Advantageous)

• Experience in Africa, particularly francophone Africa.
• Experience with wildlife surveys.
• Experience with anti-poaching surveillance.
• Experience in remote-area bush flying.
• Experience with FAR Part 135 operations.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely and professionally pilot aircraft for park operations, resource protection, aerial patrols, biomonitoring, and logistical activities in accordance with WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain high standards of aircraft management and operations.
• Adhere to flight procedures, approval and tracking processes, aviation laws, and safety-management requirements.
• Ensure all aircraft documents are kept current.
• Maintain detailed flight logs covering flight locations, passengers, purposes, and durations.
• Participate in aviation planning meetings with field operations, ecology, monitoring, and law-enforcement teams.
• Maintain the cleanliness, security, serviceability, and operational status of aircraft, engine compartments, equipment, hangars, offices, stores, airstrips, and aviation facilities.
• Train staff in aircraft safety and procedures.
• Coordinate aircraft maintenance and scheduling with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager and Maintenance Manager.
• Manage aviation stock and procure fuel, oil, and consumables.
• Oversee survey and surveillance equipment.
• Coordinate aviation logistics and documentation with the project logistics manager.
• Support aviation budget planning and develop annual plans and budgets for the NPAC Aviation Unit.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, hazards, aircraft issues, and snags through established procedures.
• Participate in internal evaluations and regular flight and safety-management training.
• Contribute fully to the WCS Aviation Safety Management System.