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. Eligibility and qualifications will be verified when a vacancy appears for the location and grade for which you applied. Information on specific locations where jobs are being filled and the dates applications are due for these locations can be found on the Forest Service website.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for details.

Open & closing dates: 10/01/2025 to 05/29/2026

Salary: $75,697 to – $142,712 per year

Pay scale & grade: GS 9 – 12

Locations:
Many vacancies in the following regions and cities:

• SOUTHWESTERN REGION 3 – Mesa, AZ

• PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION 5 – Redding, CA

• PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION 5 – San Bernardino, CA

• ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION, REGION 2 – Broomfield, CO

• SOUTHERN REGION 8 – Lawrenceville, GA

• NORTHERN REGION 1 – Missoula, MT

• SOUTHWESTERN REGION 3 – Albuquerque, NM

• PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION 6 – Redmond, OR

• SOUTHERN REGION 8 – Chattanooga, TN

• INTERMOUNTAIN REGION 4 – Ogden, UT

Remote job:
No
Telework eligible:
No

Travel Required:

50% or less – travel overnights on fire suppression or fire related assignments may be required.

Relocation expenses reimbursed:
No

Appointment type:
Permanent

Work schedule:

Full‑time

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GS‑12 level.
• 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 during both day and night conditions.
• Serve 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 aircraft is ready for flight operations according to prescribed preflight checks.
• Acts as the Aviation Contracting Officers Technical Expert regarding airplane contracts and contract pilots, serving as a technical leader in a specific subject matter area.
• Serves as pilot‑in‑command for air transport of agency personnel and cargo, aerial supervision/Leadplane operations, and delivery of smoke jumpers 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.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12‑31‑59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one‑year probationary period, unless previously served.
• All federal employees required to have federal payments made by direct deposit.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Position is drug‑testing designated; pre‑employment and random drug testing required.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Under age 40; 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 is requesting a waiver to the requirement.

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualification requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Requirement: Certificates and Ratings

• Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Airplane Multi‑Engine Land ratings OR possess 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. Must possess…