Position Summary
The Aircraft Instructor serves as the Flight Instructor and is responsible for evaluating aviation safety and flight crew proficiency for all rotary-wing and fixed-wing aviation activities supporting operations and research programs. This position conducts flight evaluations, proficiency reviews, aviation safety inspections, and pilot training while ensuring compliance with standards, regulations, and contract requirements. The Aircraft Instructor also provides technical guidance to agency personnel and aviation contractors to maintain safe and standardized flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate routine Proficiency Flight Reviews (check rides) for Wildlife Services agency and contract pilots.
• Conduct flight evaluations and training for rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft and crews.
• Ensure compliance with Wildlife Services aviation standards and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
• Verify agency contractors meet aviation training, safety, and operational contract requirements.
• Conduct aviation safety inspections of agency and contract aircraft and flight crews.
• Verify required training certifications and minimum equipment list (MEL) functionality.
• Provide technical assistance to aviation contractors regarding pilot training requirements and standards.
• Conduct on-site aviation safety visits for Wildlife Services aviation programs.
• Evaluate aircraft crews and determine additional training needs based on field observations.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate aircraft ratings.
• Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (or military equivalent).
• Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
• Minimum 1,500 hours Total Flight Time.
• Minimum 250 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
• Minimum 75 hours Night Flight Time.
• Minimum 100 flight hours within the previous 12 months.
• Minimum 500 hours Flight Instructor time applicable to the aircraft category.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• Experience flying single-engine tailwheel aircraft.
• Experience operating single-engine tailwheel aircraft at low airspeeds and low altitudes.
• Experience conducting aerial predator control operations in mountainous environments.
• Low-level flight experience in aircraft similar to a Piper Cub or comparable single-engine piston aircraft.
• Ability to successfully complete background investigation, drug screening, medical evaluation, and Continuous Vetting requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package.
• Health insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid leave.
• Federal holidays.
• Additional federal employee benefits based on eligibility.

Locations

• Phoenix, Arizona
• McArthur, California
• Sacramento, California
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Golden, Colorado
• Boise, Idaho
• Caldwell, Idaho
• Gooding, Idaho
• Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Rexburg, Idaho
• Manhattan, Kansas
• Monroe, Louisiana
• Billings, Montana
• Turner, Montana
• Bismarck, North Dakota
• Lincoln, Nebraska
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Elko, Nevada
• Reno, Nevada
• Winnemucca, Nevada
• Hydro, Oklahoma
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Weatherford, Oklahoma
• Salem, Oregon
• Pierre, South Dakota
• Spearfish, South Dakota
• San Antonio, Texas
• Sweetwater, Texas
• Cedar City, Utah
• West Valley City, Utah
• Olympia, Washington
• Casper, Wyoming
• Worland, Wyoming

Application Deadline

• July 1, 2026