AIRCRAFT PILOT

Position Information

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.

Licenses

None