Summary

The selectee serves as an Airplane Pilot and operates light category single and multi-engine airplanes at low altitudes and speeds, conducting research and development testing and dispensing biological control specimens, such as sterile insects, over designated areas (including unfavorable terrain) throughout the United States, and performs related duties to support agricultural flying activities. The work includes extensive travel assignments.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Operate special purpose aircraft along flight lanes to dispense sterile insects over designated areas throughout the United States.
Pilot aircraft as required to conduct research and development tests for applying agricultural chemicals and delivering biological control specimens at low altitudes and minimum controllable speeds.
Prepare maps using specialized computer hardware and software to include Global Information System (GIS) programs using various formats of latitude and longitude coordinates.
Download and upload flight data to program computers and onboard precision guidance systems, and prepares daily flight records and required reports.
Coordinate both ground and flight activities with program, aircraft, and equipment personnel to ensure that program objectives and schedules are accomplished.
Perform other duties as assigned which may include preventive maintenance on and the cleaning of airplanes and special purpose equipment.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
Must hold a valid Airline Transport or Commercial Pilot license and a current First or Second class medical certificate.
Subject to all types of weather conditions, as well as dust, dirt, petroleum products, noise, and safety and health hazards associated with shop work.
Work requires the incumbent to acquire and maintain a current APHIS Pesticide Applicator Certificate.
Must have and maintain the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) valid Airline Transport or Commercial Pilot license.
Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered, see Additional Information below.
Temporary consent must be granted to USDA APHIS PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE to review the applicant’s records maintained in the FAA Pilot Record Database.

Qualifications

Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating.

Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements
1.Total Flight Time -- 1500 HRS - Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying.

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