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Conservation Pilot – Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Location
Epulu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5-15 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Conservation Pilot will support protected area managers in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve by conducting surveillance, monitoring, and logistical support flights. This role involves managing aviation activities for the WCS Democratic Republic of Congo program, overseeing a small team, and ensuring adherence to aviation safety standards and regulations.
Job Summary:
The Conservation Pilot will support protected area managers, notably in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to carry out surveillance and monitoring flights as well as logistical support flights. They will manage aviation activities for the WCS Democratic Republic of Congo program on the ground, working with the WCS Aviation Program team. They will manage a small team of observers and assistants.
Major Responsibilities:
Piloting
Expert application to safely pilot aircraft (PIC) for aviation logistical support to park operations and resource protection activities and monitoring.
Strictly adhere to procedures in place for all flight operations.
Ascertain all necessary aircraft documents are in place, up to date and according to relevant international and national aviation laws.
Participate and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements.
Maintain a detailed flight log report of all flights and hours flown, including location, passengers, purpose and duration.
Aviation Operations
Oversee and maintain the highest standards in aircraft management and operation, following regulations, legal requirements and maintenance plans as required.
Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated and maintained.
Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment and equipment.
Assure aircraft is always fully secured.
Train any staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures.
Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing.
Manage aviation stocks and plan accordingly for procurement (avgas, oils and other usable).
Manage aviation facility (office, stores and hangar) and equipment and assure the condition of the airstrip is according to agreed standards and operational needs.
Support local arrangements and logistics to aviation maintenance needs.
Manage aviation operations finances in collaboration with the assigned finance manager, including operational costs (landing and navigation fees, passenger fees etc.).
Maintain regular coordination and planning meetings concerning aviation operations with WCS Field Operations Manager, Ecologist and Monitoring point person and law enforcement team.
Closely liaise with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oils) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance).
Participate in regular planning meetings and develop annual plans/budgets for the NNNP Aviation Unit.
Aviation Safety Management
Assure the WCS Standard Operation Procedures are fully implemented in all operations and any requirements communicated by the WCS Fleet Manager.
Report all safety concerns, incidences and hazards and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System as prescribed.
Maintain the highest safety standards at all times.
Participate and conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS Fleet manager and part of the WCS aviation SMS on operations.
Report all aircraft issues and snags through the established procedures (online) and via direct communications with the WCS Fleet Manager.
Qualification Requirements
Required qualifications and experience:
Current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating;
FAA second class medical certificate;
400 hours PIC flying experience and solid knowledge of operating under FAA regulations;
Experience in Africa, especially francophone Africa an advantage;
High-performance piston engine time is required, preferably on C206 model or similar;
Experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance and bush flying in remote areas is an advantage;
Experience flying under FAR part 135 and/or FAA A & P license is an advantage;
Ability to communicate effectively within cross-cultural teams or varied capacity, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to work;
Willingness and motivation to be based and live in a challenging and remote location;
English and French language fluency required.
Updated 1d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5-15 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Team size
Growing team
Location
Epulu, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organization founded in 1895. Its mission is to preserve wildlife and wilderness by understanding critical problems, developing scientific solutions and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries, and experience in the creation of more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships needed to ensure that wild places and animal species thrive alongside local communities.
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Conservation Pilot – Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Epulu, Democratic Republic of Congo • Full Time