The incumbent of this position supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) mission andprograms in the Alaska Region by operating aircraft in support of a variety of areas (biological, public use, subsistence,maintenance, etc.). The USFWS has trust responsibilities for resources across the state and throughout the Region. The employee supports natural resource conservation through logistics and assisting with data collection for scientific studies.

Duties

As a Airplane Pilot your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Serves as pilot-in-command of single engine, wheel, float, fixed-wing aircraft. Flight hours will depend on the organizational need and budgets, but for a full-time employee will generally average between 350 and 450 hours per year; and a significant amount of this time involves wildlife surveys and patrols under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), often below 500 feet above ground level (AGL) over hazardous terrain. Coordinates with other Airplane Pilots in the Region to ensure logged Regional flight scheduler requests for flight services made by Regional staff and programs and outside interests are fulfilled safely, timely, and efficiently; and communicates and coordinates closely with management concerning aircraft support of field operations. Maintains records, including: pilot training records, check ride expiration dates, flight hours, aircraft maintenance needs, aircraft inspection dates, and other information. Assists in performing biological surveys including but not limited to waterfowl, raptor, vegetative mapping, radio telemetry, data tabulation, classification of habitats, and other related field and office work. Most surveys will be aerial, but incumbent will occasionally participate in ground surveys which will involve walking or working out of canoes and small boats. The incumbent may coordinate or assist in emergency operations, including search and rescue, wildfire management, law enforcement and emergency medical operations; provide support to law enforcement for criminal investigations; plan and coordinate logistical arrangements for field camps; perform resource management projects including wildlife capture and tracking, population counts, vegetation studies, and erosion monitoring; etc.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Drug Testing Position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
• Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Applicant will be required to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Single Engine Seaplane Rating.
• Applicant must provide a copy of front and back of the Federal Aviation Administration license that includes the certificate number.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date 01/15/2025 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Selective Placement Factor and Minimum Qualification. Selective Placement Factor: Per Department of the Interior Departmental Manual 351 DM 3 - Section 3.2(A): the minimum pilot experience required is:1,500 hours of total pilot time; 1,200 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) in category (Airplane);75 hours PIC night in category (Airplane);100 hours of flying time in the last 12 months; This position requires an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Airplane Single Engine Land) or FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate (demonstrate possession of knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience.)This position requires a Federal Aviation Administration Instrument Rating (or military or other acceptable certificate) of 75 hours of actual or simulated flight time; at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. Minimum Qualification GS-12 One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level Examples of experience may include: experience with flying a fixed-wing Single Engine, or Multi-Aircraft and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position; maintains records, including: pilot training records, check ride expiration dates, flight hours, aircraft maintenance needs, aircraft inspection dates, and other information; and assist in emergency operations, including search and rescue, wildfire management, law enforcement and emergency medical operations. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: fwshiring@fws.gov