WCS - Wildlife Conservation Society
Job Description
Matrix report to: Director / WCS Aviation Fleet Manager
Location: Bamingui
Country Program Central Africa Republic
Position Type: Full Time
Internal liaison: Law Enforcement, biomonitoring and logistical team
Expected travel: Occasional international travel for maintenance and meeting purposes.
Background
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. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.
In support of its conservation projects, WCS owns and operates a conservation air wing made up of Cessna C206, C182, Super cub and Savannah (LSA) aircraft. WCS is hiring full-time, field-based conservation pilots tasked with providing expert pilot skills and ensuring effective, safe and compliant aerial support to the programs. The conservation pilot position is responsible for undertaking aerial patrols of conservation areas, supporting aerial biomonitoring and providing logistical support to wildlife law enforcement and project operations across protected areas and project sites.
Our ideal candidate-role profile
While a professional pilot attitude, airmanship, and judgment skills are essential for this role, the ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude and is interested in making a difference. They will demonstrate a wide range of skills and experience applicable to the broad space of conservation aviation, including safety and risk management, remote aviation operations, and science applications of aerial platforms contributing to the air wing’s safety and operational objectives, as well as the organization’s larger conservation goals. This position provides a great opportunity for dual-function positions in conservation science and law enforcement, participating and leading on cutting-edge, science-based approaches and analysis and implementation of best practices in the conservation aviation space.
The pilot role reports to the Country and Park Directors regarding project operational and administrative aspects and to the WCS fleet manager regarding aviation safety and aircraft maintenance and management.
Why consider this position?
- The WCS pilot in the Central African Republic will be flying within a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, including two national parks (of which one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and various reserves, in a developing environment with significant potential.
- This position is an opportunity to build experience in conservation aviation mission sets: low-level surveillance and survey flights.
- The aim is to fly 30-40 hours a month on survey flights, playing a valuable role in supporting the teams in the field and tracking wildlife movements, with logistical flights being kept to a minimum.
- This position offers the opportunity to build experience in a dynamic environment with many wildlife species.
- For Pilot demonstrating commitment and motivation, there is a potential for high-value input into operational decision-making.
- The pilot will be flying in Cessna 206 and/or Savannah ULM.
Qualification Requirements
- A commercial pilot license (CPL) with an instrument rating
- A current medical certificate class is required for all privileges of the CPL
- A minimum of 400 hours of PIC flying experience
- Desired fluency in French.
The ability to work in a team and under challenging field conditions is a necessity. A professional attitude and procedural approach to flying operations is a must. Additional skills to this role, such as experience with wildlife surveys, conservation science, anti-poaching law enforcement, spatial data management and mapping, and airframe/power plant licenses are a distinct advantage. The ability to communicate in both French and English will be an asset.
Benefits
- 20 days of vacation per year
- R&R according to the internal country program policy
- Attractive pension plan (after one year of service with WCS)
- Opportunity to work with local up-and-coming aviation/conservation experts
- Good accommodations conditions
- One annual home trip/travel
- Access to training for professional development, depending on budget availability
- Danger pay
- Health Insurance (Cigna)
- Living allowance and movement around the base facilitated.
How to apply
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab. We review received applications on a rolling basis
WCS is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
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Salary Range
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
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