Conservation Pilot

~ The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US nonprofit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. ~ 

With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife 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 poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

WWC is seeking candidates to fill three Conservation Pilot positions in Africa!  

1. Conservation Pilot, WCS Gabon 

Position Overview 

This is a full-time field based position responsible for undertaking aerial surveys and aerial support to wildlife law enforcement in Gabon in partnership with Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN).

The position is based out of Libreville, Gabon and various field sites in the country. The WCS Gabon Conservation Pilot reports to the WCS Gabon Senior Conservationist. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Duties include assuring sound operations, piloting and maintenance of WCS aircraft, organizing and undertaking aerial surveys for wildlife and monitoring of human threats, providing aerial support to law enforcement efforts and monitoring, working with ANPN staff to develop the ANPN and WCS aviation program, following the WCS conservation aviation program standard procedures and systems.
• The position also includes technical reporting writing and mapping.   

Qualifications 

• The desired qualifications for this position are current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating, at least 250 hours PIC flying experience, strong knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft maintenance requirements.  
• Experience with wildlife surveys and bush flying in remote areas. 
• Working French and English language skills.
• Technical skills and knowledge in GIS, aerial surveys, wildlife protection monitoring, aerial photography, also desired.  
• Ability to work in a team with NGO and Government staff, and work under extreme field conditions.   

2. Conservation Pilot, WCS Cameroon-Chad 

Position Overview 

This is a full-time field based position responsible for undertaking aerial surveys and aerial support to wildlife law enforcement in Cameroon and Chad in partnership with Government Wildlife Agencies.

The position is based out of Bouba-Njidda and Sena-Oura Transboundary Parks in northern Cameroon/southwestern Chad. Occasional work in CAR may also be undertaken. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Duties include assuring sound operations, piloting and maintenance of WCS aircraft, organizing and undertaking aerial surveys for wildlife and monitoring of human threats, providing aerial support to law enforcement efforts and monitoring, following the WCS conservation aviation program standard procedures and systems.
• The position also includes technical reporting writing and mapping.  
• The WCS Conservation Pilot reports to the WCS Cameroon-Chad savannas project Director.  

Qualifications 

• The desired qualifications for this position are current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating, at least 250 hours PIC flying experience, strong knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft maintenance requirements.  
• Experience with wildlife surveys and bush flying in remote areas. 
• Working French and English language skills.
• Technical skills and knowledge in GIS, aerial surveys, wildlife protection monitoring, aerial photography, also desired.
• Ability to work in a team and under extreme field conditions.    

3. Conservation Pilot, WCS Mozambique 

Position Overview 

This is a full-time field based position responsible for undertaking aerial surveys and aerial support to wildlife law enforcement and protected area management in Mozambique in partnership with Government wildlife authorities.

The position is based out of the Niassa Reserve. The WCS Mozambique Conservation Pilot reports to the WCS Niassa Project Director. 

Key Responsibilities  

Duties include assuring sound operations, piloting and maintenance of WCS aircraft, organizing and undertaking aerial surveys for wildlife and monitoring of human threats, providing aerial support to law enforcement and protected area management efforts and monitoring, following the WCS conservation aviation program standard procedures and systems. 

The position also includes technical reporting writing and mapping.  

Qualifications 

• The desired qualifications for this position are current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating, at least 250 hours PIC flying experience, strong knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft maintenance requirements.  
• Experience with wildlife surveys and bush flying in remote areas. 
• Working English and Portuguese language skills.
• Technical skills and knowledge in GIS, aerial surveys, wildlife protection monitoring, aerial photography, also desired.
• Ability to work in a team and under extreme field conditions.  

To Apply 

• Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, should apply by sending an application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three referees to both jkilonzi@wcs.org and africaapplications@wcs.org.
• File size should be limited to under 500kb. 
• Be sure to apply before February 15th, 2015.
• Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.