Summary The incumbent serves as WS Pilot with responsibility for flying fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes) in support of WS operations to protect a variety of resources and human interests from wildlife damage. Responsibilities 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: Operating speeds are significantly slower than in comparison to other aircraft (generally 60 knots or less), at typical altitudes from ground level to 200 feet. Frequently pilots an airplane with a crew member, gunner, or observer on board for the purpose of locating and/or shooting predatory or other damaging animals Flight assignments generally involve flying at minimum speeds, at low altitudes, normally under favorable weather conditions, and over unfavorable terrain (e.g., mountains, forests, or deserts) Flight assignments generally involve flying at minimum speeds, at low altitudes, normally under favorable weather conditions, and over unfavorable terrain (e.g., mountains, forests, or deserts) Remains current on required pilot qualifications and licensing and continually reviews applicable policies, laws, and regulations. Incumbent is cognizant of aviation industry practices and methods. Flight assignments may also involve search and rescue projects, surveys, or other searches for various wildlife species, sometimes with the use of radio-telemetry or thermal equipment to aid in wildlife Missions often involve making flights over uncharted courses and using meadows or roads for landing strips. Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Supervisory status No Promotion Potential 12 Requirements: Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born 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 [redacted] 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. Assignments involve flying airplanes over unfavorable terrain, at slow air speeds and low altitude. Extended travel or temporary duty may be required of the position. This may involve irregular working hours, including overtime. To fulfill field or laboratory requirements in this position, proof of specific vaccinations and boosters, may be required as a condition of employment to prevent contracting preventable diseases. Must possess Appropriate FAA license and FAA medical certificate Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. 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; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required. 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. 3.Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable. 4.Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work. 5.Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience that demonstrates the ability to operate light (less than 12,500 lbs), single engine, tail wheel, piston powered fixed-wing aircraft or rotary in all types of terrain, to include mountainous, for the purpose of conducting aerial livestock protection and other wildlife management operations at low level altitudes and slow airspeeds. Experience tracking, identifying wildlife from the air. 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 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