Conservation Pilot - Okapi Wildlife Reserve

About the role

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is recruiting a Conservation Pilot for its Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pilot supports protected area managers by carrying out surveillance and monitoring flights and logistical support flights, manages aviation activities on the ground with the WCS Aviation Program team and leads a small team of observers and assistants. The post reports to the Field Operations Manager or WCS Aviation Fleet Manager, with expected travel within the DRC, Uganda and occasional international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Pilot aircraft (PIC) for logistical support, park operations, resource protection and monitoring, strictly following flight procedures and keeping a detailed flight log.
• Ensure aircraft documents are current and compliant with international and national aviation laws.
• Maintain aircraft to the highest standards, keep it clean, secure and well managed, and train staff on aircraft safety.
• Manage survey and surveillance equipment, aviation stocks and procurement (avgas, oils), and the office, stores, hangar and airstrip.
• Support local arrangements for aviation maintenance and manage aviation finances with the finance manager.
• Take part in planning meetings, help develop annual plans and budgets for the aviation unit, and liaise with the logistics manager on transport, fuel, oils and flight clearances.
• Implement WCS standard operating procedures, report safety concerns and incidents, and report aircraft issues through the established procedures.

Required profile

• Current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating and FAA second-class medical certificate.
• 400 hours as PIC, with high-performance piston engine time, preferably on a C206 or similar.
• Fluency in English and French; willingness to live in a challenging, remote location.
• Advantages: experience in Africa (especially francophone Africa), wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance and bush flying, FAR Part 135 or FAA A&P experience.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; interested candidates apply through the link given in the original posting.