Position Number: 22112964
County: Hot Spring
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $45,010
Forestry Division
Hiring Authority:
198 Airport Road
Malvern, AR 72014
Phone: 501/332-4446
Email: james.still@agriculture.arkansas.gov
As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.
Position Information
Class Code: X148C
Grade: GS08
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Salary Range: $45,010.00 - $65,265.00
Summary
The Aircraft Pilot is responsible for conducting aerial surveys to detect fires, insect and disease infestation, and weather related damage to forest land. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Functions
Pilots single-engine aircraft over assigned areas to detect wildfires for the protection of life, property, and forest land and assists fire suppression crews, in conjunction with other state agencies, concerning directions to wildfires in remote locations and containment of escaped control burns. Pilots a multi-engine aircraft or single-engine aircraft over assigned wildfire areas to strategically coordinate fire suppression crews and air tanker drops to suppress wildfires during seasons of high fire danger. Trains pilots in Arkansas Forestry Commission policies and procedures pertaining to fire detection, to include determining types and sizes of fires, use of geographic positioning system to determine location of wildfires, and learning how to obtain legal descriptions, types, and ages of timber, types of fuels, and hazards (oil wells, power lines gas lines, etc). Conducts aerial surveys of forest land to determine insect and disease infestation, weather-related damage caused from storms, floods, winds, or ice, aerial photography of fires, and plotting of timber management areas with digital sketch map equipment. Assists local government agencies with problems, such as locating escaped convicts, stolen property, search and rescue missions, assessing storm damage, and locating marijuana crops and methamphetamine laboratories. Updates maintenance schedule and logbook endorsements, coordinates transportation of aircraft for mandatory inspections performed by an FAA licensed mechanic, performs routine oil changes on aircraft, and maintains hangar, ramp area, and lawn care around hangar. Maintains aircraft reports, to include aircraft flight times and fuel (amount used and costs) for aircraft, and enters information into computer allowing access at any time and keeps monthly logs on vehicles allotted to the aviation department. Supplies commission wildfire suppression crews with personal protective fire equipment and supplies and maintain current inventory of equipment and supplies. Maintains up to date maps of administrative districts with current wildfire detection routes for each district and county. Performs other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
This position may involve work after normal hours and exposure to dangerous conditions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Knowledge of aerial navigational procedures. Ability to pilot an aircraft and operate radio equipment. Ability to perform aerial surveillance and plot maps of areas surveyed. Ability to compile data and prepare reports. Ability to inspect and perform minor maintenance on aircraft.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of an associate's degree in aviation; plus completion of at least 500 flight hours. Must have a Commercial Pilot's License. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Instrument Rated.
- A&P Aircraft Mechanic Certification.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.