About This Role
WCS seeks a full-time, field-based LSA Conservation Pilot based at its project headquarters in Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, Central African Republic. The pilot will conduct aerial conservation patrols, support wildlife biomonitoring, provide logistical assistance to law-enforcement and project teams, and help maintain a professionally structured, safety-centered aviation operation. The role also includes aircraft management, technical reporting, administration, staff training, aviation logistics, and coordination with WCS aviation and project managers.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely and professionally pilot the aircraft under WCS SOPs for conservation patrols, resource protection, biomonitoring, and logistics. Maintain aircraft documents, flight approvals, tracking records, flight logs, aircraft cleanliness, security, equipment, and operational readiness. Plan aviation activities with field operations, ecology, monitoring, and law-enforcement teams
- coordinate maintenance and scheduling with the Aviation Fleet Manager and Maintenance Manager
- manage fuel, oil, consumables, stores, hangar facilities, airstrip standards, and survey and surveillance equipment
- support aviation budgets and annual plans
- train staff in aircraft safety and procedures
- and coordinate aviation transport, clearances, and documentation. Maintain high safety standards, report hazards, incidents, aircraft snags, and other concerns, participate in safety evaluations and training, and contribute to the WCS Safety Management System.
Requirements
- Applicants must hold a current ICAO commercial pilot license with instrument rating, an ICAO second-class medical certificate, and 400 hours of PIC flying experience.
- LSA experience is required, preferably on the Savannah or a similar Rotax-powered aircraft.
- Experience in Africa, especially francophone Africa, wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance, remote bush flying, Part 135 operations, or aircraft mechanic work is advantageous.
- Candidates must communicate effectively in cross-cultural teams, be willing and motivated to live in a challenging and remote location, and be fluent in English and French.