Conservation Pilot – Savannah LSA

🧭 The Mission

As WCS’s field-based LSA Conservation Pilot, you’ll lead aerial conservation patrols, support wildlife biomonitoring, and provide critical aviation logistics for law-enforcement and project teams. You’ll help uphold a professionally structured, safety-centered operation while managing aircraft readiness, reporting, and staff training across two of Central Africa’s most important protected areas.

🧰 What You’ll Do

• Safely and professionally pilot the Savannah LSA under WCS SOPs for conservation patrols, resource protection, biomonitoring, and logistics.
• Plan aviation activities in coordination with field operations, ecology, monitoring, and law-enforcement teams.
• Maintain aircraft documentation, flight approvals, tracking records, flight logs, and ensure aircraft cleanliness, security, equipment serviceability, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate maintenance and scheduling with the Aviation Fleet Manager and Maintenance Manager; report snags promptly.
• Manage fuel, oil, consumables, spares, stores, hangar facilities, airstrip standards, and survey/surveillance equipment.
• Support aviation budgets and annual planning; assist with technical reporting and administration.
• Train staff in aircraft safety and ground/flight procedures; promote best-practice aviation standards in the field.
• Coordinate aviation transport, clearances, and required documentation with project and aviation managers.

🌟 What You’ll Bring

• Current ICAO Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating.
• ICAO Second-Class Medical Certificate.
• 400+ hours PIC total time.
• Proven LSA experience, preferably on the Savannah or similar Rotax-powered aircraft.
• Strong communication skills and effectiveness in cross-cultural teams.
• Fluency in English and French.
• Motivation and resilience to live and work in a challenging, remote environment.
• Highly advantageous: Experience in Africa (especially francophone), wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance, remote bush flying, Part 135 operations, or aircraft mechanic work.

🛡️ Safety & Standards

WCS maintains a robust Safety Management System. You will:

• Maintain high safety standards and adhere to WCS SOPs at all times.
• Report hazards, incidents, and occurrences; participate in safety evaluations and training.
• Support continuous improvement of the WCS Safety Management System through diligent reporting and feedback.

🌍 Field Life

This is a hands-on, bush-flying role based in remote parks. Expect varied conditions, austere infrastructure, and close teamwork with conservation and law-enforcement units. Flexibility, initiative, and a calm, safety-first approach are essential to success.