Conservation Pilot, Central African Republic

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?