Duties

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Operates Agency aircraft as required to conduct research and development tests for applying agricultural chemicals and delivering biological control specimens.

• Operates Agency aircraft to supervise contract aerial application programs.

• Plans, with the program manager and PPQ pilots, the layout of treatment blocks and direction of flight lines.

• Directly supervises a staff of 5-6 Pilots, Aircraft Mechanics, and Laborers, and has full supervisory responsibility for all activities related to the use of aircraft and for establishing priorities.

• Provides flight training and instruction for newly hired Pilots, Mechanics, Laborers, and Contractors.

• Calibrates the aircraft to assure an accurate application rate per acre and rejects aircraft that do not meet contract specifications.

• Serves as the Point of Contact with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to deliver briefs on programs involving the treatment of cities, towns, or other congested area.

• Oversees all procurement of aircraft services to include maintenance, overhauls, and equipment modifications, and the acquisition of replacement aircraft or additions to the PPQ fleet.

• Determines compliance with PPQ safety rules and individual state requirements for applying pesticides.

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.

• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.

• 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.

• 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.

• Work will be performed outdoors, in a shop or office atmosphere, and in the limited cockpit space of agricultural airplanes.

• Subject to all types of weather conditions, as well as dust, dirt, petroleum products, noise, and safety and health hazards associated with shop work.

• Must have and maintain the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) valid Airline Transport or Commercial Pilot license.

• Work requires the incumbent to acquire and maintain a current APHIS Pesticide Applicator Certificate.

• 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

• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered, see Additional Information below.

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.

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 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.

• 4.Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.

• 5. Instructor Time --500 HRS-- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.
  

Medical Requirements: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test