About This Role
Full-time, field-based conservation pilot position supporting WCS operations in the Northeastern Protected Area Complex of the Central African Republic. The pilot conducts aerial patrols, supports aerial biomonitoring, and provides logistical support to wildlife law enforcement and project teams from the WCS project headquarters in Bamingui-Bangoran National Park. The role also contributes to aircraft management, maintenance coordination, aviation safety, staff training, operational planning, reporting, administration, and the development of aviation budgets and plans.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely and professionally pilot aircraft for park operations, resource protection, aerial patrols, biomonitoring, and logistical activities in accordance with WCS SOPs. Maintain high standards of aircraft management and operations
- follow flight procedures, approval and tracking processes, aviation laws, and safety-management requirements
- keep aircraft documents current
- and maintain detailed flight logs covering flight locations, passengers, purposes, and durations. Participate in aviation planning meetings with field operations, ecology, monitoring, and law-enforcement teams. Keep the aircraft, engine compartment, equipment, hangar, office, stores, airstrip, and aviation facilities clean, secure, serviceable, and operational. Train staff in aircraft safety and procedures, coordinate maintenance and scheduling with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager and Maintenance Manager, manage aviation stock and procurement of fuel, oil, and consumables, and oversee survey and surveillance equipment. Coordinate aviation logistics and documentation with the project logistics manager, support aviation budget planning, and develop annual plans and budgets for the NPAC Aviation Unit. Report safety concerns, incidents, hazards, aircraft issues, and snags through established procedures
- participate in internal evaluations and regular flight and safety-management training
- and contribute fully to the WCS Aviation Safety Management System.
Requirements
- Applicants must hold a current FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating, an FAA second-class medical certificate, and at least 400 hours of PIC flying experience with sound knowledge of operating under FAA regulations.
- High-performance piston-engine time is required, preferably on a C206 or similar aircraft.
- Experience in Africa, particularly francophone Africa, is advantageous, as are experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance, remote-area bush flying, FAR Part 135 operations, and an FAA A&P license.
- Candidates must communicate effectively in cross-cultural teams, be willing and motivated to live and work in a challenging remote location, and be fluent in English and French.