Airplane Pilot; Wildland Firefighter

Summary

THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. This type of announcement provides the USDA Forest Service with a readily available source of applicants when vacancies occur.

• Pilots a variety of models at low altitudes and varying speeds over unfavorable terrain such as mountains, forests, or deserts, during both day and night conditions, to transport passengers and cargo among a variety of destinations.
• Serves as pilot-in-command on single‑engine land, light and/or multi‑engine aircraft over unfavorable terrain such as mountains, forests, or deserts, during day and night conditions.
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Regional Aviation Operations Manager/ Supervisory Pilot for single and/or multi‑engine fixed‑wing aircraft activities (WCF and contract) used by the agency for project and fire‑management work.
• Performs basic systems inspection on light single and/or twin‑engine aircraft and/or heavy multi‑engine aircraft to confirm that the aircraft is ready for flight operations according to prescribed preflight checks.
• As the Aviation Contracting Officer’s Technical Expert regarding airplane contracts and contract pilots, serves as a technical leader in a specific subject‑matter area, providing definitive technical guidance to contractors.
• Serves as pilot-in-command for air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision/Leadplane operations, and delivery of smokejumpers and paracargo.
• Gathers information, identifies and analyzes issues, and develops recommendations to resolve complex organizational problems or develop and implement organizational policies and procedures across major agency organizations.

• Current 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.
• Current FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate in airplanes (Multi‑Engine Instructor–Instrument) rating.
• Current and valid FAA first‑ or second‑class Medical Certificate.
• Flight time and logbook evidence showing required experience in operating single‑ and multi‑engine aircraft over unfavorable terrain, including day and night operations.
• Experience providing technical advisement for aviation operations and contracts is preferred.

Positions are located on USDA Forest Service Fire and Aviation Unit, within various regional offices (Northern, Rocky Mountain, Southwestern, Intermountain, Pacific Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Southern). Salary is based on locality pay 2025 Special Rate Table Number 0767; rates vary by location. Promotion potential exists but is not guaranteed. The department may offer standard federal benefits, and additional options such as relocation incentive, government housing, or daycare facilities are available under certain circumstances.