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Wildlife Conservation Pilot (PIC) – Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife Conservation Pilot (PIC) – Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Join the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a US non-profit founded in 1895, as a Conservation Pilot supporting protected-area managers at the iconic Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Based in Epulu, you will fly critical surveillance, wildlife-monitoring, and logistical support missions—and lead day-to-day aviation operations that help protect one of the world’s most biodiverse forests.
✈️ The mission
As Pilot-in-Command, you’ll deliver safe, reliable air support for conservation and park operations while managing a small aviation team and assets on the ground. Your flying, planning, and leadership will directly support anti-poaching efforts, ecological monitoring, and community-focused conservation in a remote, challenging, and deeply rewarding environment.
🧭 Where you’ll be and who you’ll work with
🧰 What you’ll do
- Serve as PIC for logistical support, park operations, resource protection, and monitoring flights—adhering to all flight operating procedures and maintaining detailed flight logs.
- Oversee aircraft operations and management to the highest standards in line with regulations and maintenance plans; keep aircraft documentation current, ensure the aircraft is clean and secured, and train staff on aviation safety and procedures.
- Manage survey and surveillance equipment, aviation stocks and procurement (avgas, oils), the aviation facility (office, stores, hangar), and airstrip condition, as well as aviation operations finances.
- Coordinate planning with the WCS Field Operations Manager, ecologist, monitoring and law enforcement teams; develop annual plans and budgets.
- Implement WCS Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Management System; report all safety concerns, incidents, hazards, and aircraft snags.
- Lead and mentor a small team of observers and assistants supporting aviation and field missions.
🌟 What you bring
- Current US FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating.
- FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.
- Minimum 400 hours PIC; strong knowledge of operating under FAA regulations.
- High-performance piston engine time (preferably Cessna 206 or similar).
- Fluency in English and French.
- Willingness to live and be based in a remote, challenging environment.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills and team leadership.
➕ Bonus points
- Experience in Africa, especially francophone regions.
- Background in wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance, and bush flying in remote areas.
- Experience flying under FAR Part 135.
- Holding an FAA A&P license.
📏 Minimum flight experience
🔐 Safety & standards
Safety underpins every flight and every decision. You’ll champion WCS SOPs and the Safety Management System, ensure meticulous record-keeping, and foster a strong reporting culture for hazards, incidents, and maintenance issues.
📨 Ready to apply?
If you meet the requirements and are motivated to use your aviation skills for conservation impact, we invite you to express your interest. Prepare your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant flight experience, remote operations, language ability, and bush-flying exposure. Application details will be provided by WCS for shortlisted candidates.