The selectee serves as an Airplane Pilot and operates light category single and multi-engine airplanes at low altitudes and speeds, conducting research and development testing and dispensing biological control specimens, such as sterile insects, over designated areas (including unfavorable terrain) throughout the United States, and performs related duties to support agricultural flying activities. The work includes extensive travel assignments.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Operate special purpose aircraft along flight lanes to dispense sterile insects over designated areas throughout the United States.
- Pilot aircraft as required to conduct research and development tests for applying agricultural chemicals and delivering biological control specimens at low altitudes and minimum controllable speeds.
- Prepare maps using specialized computer hardware and software to include Global Information System (GIS) programs using various formats of latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Download and upload flight data to program computers and onboard precision guidance systems, and prepares daily flight records and required reports.
- Coordinate both ground and flight activities with program, aircraft, and equipment personnel to ensure that program objectives and schedules are accomplished.
- Perform other duties as assigned which may include preventive maintenance on and the cleaning of airplanes and special purpose equipment.
Conditions of Employment:
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Qualifications:
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled.
Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
- Total Flight Time: 1500 HRS - Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
- Pilot-In-Command: 250 HRS - Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
- Night Flying: 75 HRS.
- Flying Time, Last 12 Months: 100 HRS - Required only for positions that involve flying.
FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants who meet the Minimum Flight Hour Requirements are qualified for the GS-11 grade level.
Medical Requirements: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating.
This is a temporary appointment not to exceed one year (Appointment may be extended one additional year without reannouncing).
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