Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource. This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Division of Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/ We expect to fill 1 position; however, additional positions may be filled if they become available.
In order to qualify for the position, you must meet minimum qualifications which includes both the minimum eligibility requirements and the specialized experience requirements. Minimum Eligibility Requirements: The minimum eligibility requirements below will be verified during the selection process. CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS: Must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate OR an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate OR the military equivalent rating with a rating of: Multi-engine land; and instrument rating. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: For pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. GS-9 FLIGHT HOURS: Must possess a Total Flight Time of 1200 hours; Pilot-In-Command of 250 hours; Night Flying of 50 hours; Flying Time Last 12 Months of 100 hours; Instrument of 50 hours; Multi-engine Airplane of 100 hours. GS-11/12 FLIGHT HOURS: Must possess a Total Flight Time of 1500 hours; Pilot-In-Command of 250 hours; Night Flying of 75 hours; Flying Time Last 12 Months of 100 hours; Instrument of 75 hours; Multi-engine Airplane of 500 hours. Specialized Experience: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. Failure to provide required information on resume could result in ineligibility for consideration. To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Flying light single or twin-engine airplanes primarily under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions; flying various kinds of survey work, point to point, with minimum degree of hazard; train, under a qualified instructor, to perform in the lead plane mission. To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: serving as a pilot and team member during Smokejumper operations; provides airspace coordination and air traffic management over the incident; conducts low-level operations and aerial deployment of personnel and cargo. To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: serving as a pilot and team member during Smokejumper operations; provides airspace coordination and air traffic management over the incident; conducts low-level operations and aerial deployment of personnel and cargo; functioning as subject matter expert with various contacts on matters such as Smokejumper aircraft standards and procedures, cooperative contract specifications, and interagency operations, staying current with developments applicable to Federal aviation policy. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. If selected at the lower grade, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition dependent upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties. Physical Demands: Frequent flights are made at low-level altitudes in adverse weather conditions (turbulence, high winds, wind shear, heat and smoke). The work requires constant coordination with other aircraft, ground units and dispatch involved in the operation. The pilot is required to maintain a high level of concentration and attention in these conditions for long periods of time. The incumbent must maintain an FAA second class pilot's medical certificate. The job includes travel by aircraft, ground vehicle, and by foot to remote field locations to evaluate operations. May be required to move light to moderate weight loads. Work Environment: The risks and discomforts involved are those of air travel compounded by the necessity of flight in smoke, turbulent air, over mountainous terrain, at low airspeeds and altitudes, and in high density air traffic (with and without radar control). A substantial degree of hazard may be encountered due to maneuvering close to mountainous terrain where visibility is restricted, air currents are unstable and flying very precise patterns close to the surface in highly congested terminal and fire areas. Mission flying requires precise timing and execution while other tasks may create constant diversion or division of attention from flying the aircraft and require immediate response on the part of the pilot to avert an incident and take corrective action. Protective equipment required includes the use of fire protective clothing, gloves, hearing protection and boots. Conditions at standby locations may be primitive. Work includes extensive travel with considerable time spent away from home. Duty days are long and limited only by agency safety regulations.
Serves as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) conducting general and special use operations.
Operations are conducted under visual and instrument flight rules, including tactical missions over wildland fires, reconnaissance, and transportation of personnel and cargo.
During the fire season the individual may function as a Smokejumper Pilot conducting low-level operations, aerial deployment of personnel and cargo, and providing airspace coordination over wildland fire incidents.
Responsible for the preparation, execution, and administration of assigned flights including performance planning, weight and balance calculations, weather, and completion of required logs and documents.
Serves as a national level technical advisor, course coordinator, and instructor for aviation and fire suppression operations.