About This Role
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a US non-profit founded in 1895, seeks a Conservation Pilot to support protected-area managers at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based in Epulu, the pilot flies surveillance, wildlife-monitoring and logistical support missions as pilot-in-command, and manages aviation activities for the WCS DRC program on the ground, including a small team of observers and assistants. The role reports to the Field Operations Manager and the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager and involves travel within the DRC, Uganda and occasional international travel.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely pilot aircraft as PIC for logistical support, park operations, resource protection and monitoring flights, strictly adhering to all flight operating procedures and maintaining detailed flight logs.
- Oversee aircraft management and operation to the highest standards in line with regulations and maintenance plans, keep aircraft documents current, keep the aircraft clean and secured, and train staff on aviation safety and procedures.
- Manage survey and surveillance equipment, aviation stocks and procurement (avgas, oils), the aviation facility (office, stores, hangar) and airstrip condition, and aviation operations finances.
- Coordinate planning with the WCS Field Operations Manager, ecologist, monitoring and law enforcement teams, develop annual plans and budgets, and fully implement WCS Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Management System, reporting all safety concerns, incidents, hazards and aircraft snags.
Requirements
- Candidates must hold a current US FAA commercial pilot license with an instrument rating and an FAA second-class medical certificate.
- A minimum of 400 hours PIC flying experience and solid knowledge of operating under FAA regulations is required, along with high-performance piston engine time (preferably on the Cessna 206 or similar).
- English and French fluency are required, as is willingness to live and be based in a challenging and remote location.
- Experience in Africa (especially francophone Africa), experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance and bush flying in remote areas, and experience flying under FAR Part 135 and/or holding an FAA A&P license are all considered advantages.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills are expected.