Lead Conservation Pilot, Northeastern Central African Republic

Job Description

Requirements

• Current ICAO commercial pilot license with instrument rating;
• ⁠ICAO second-class medical certificate;
• 400 hours PIC flying experience;
• ⁠Experience in Africa, especially francophone Africa an advantage;
• LSA time is required, preferably on the Savannah or similar model with Rotax engine;
• ⁠Experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance, and bush flying in remote areas is an advantage;
• Experience flying under Part 135 and/or mechanic experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Safely and professionally pilot the aircraft in accordance with WCS SOPs for aviation support to park operations and resource protection as well as logistical activities.
• Oversee and maintain the highest standards in aircraft management and operations
• Strictly adhere to all flight operations procedures and SOPs.
• Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated, and maintained according to relevant international and national aviation laws.
• Follow all flight approval and tracking procedures in place.
• 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.
• Participate in regular planning meetings concerning aviation operations with WCS Field Operations Manager, Ecologist and Monitoring point person, and law enforcement team.
• Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean, and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment, and equipment.
• Train any staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures.
• Closely work with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager (AFM) and Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft maintenance and scheduling
• Ensure aircraft are always fully secured.
• Manage aviation stock and plan procurement accordingly (fuel, oil, and other consumables).
• Manage aviation facility (office, stores, and hangar) and equipment
• Assure the condition of the airstrip is according to agreed standards and operational needs.
• Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing.
• Closely liaise with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oil) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance).
• Support aviation operations budget planning and needs and develop annual plans/budgets for the NPAC Aviation Unit.
• Maintain the highest level of safety standards at all times.
• Strictly adhere to the WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all operations and any additional requirements communicated by the WCS AFM.
• Report all safety concerns, incidents, and hazards, and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System (SMS) as prescribed.
• Participate and conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS AFM and part of the WCS aviation SMS on operations
• Report all aircraft issues and snags through the established procedures and via direct communications with the WCS AFM.
• Participate in and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements