Conservation Pilot, WCS

Position: Conservation Pilot, WCS

Reports to: Project Manager (Operational and administrative aspects)

Matrix Report to: WCS Aviation Fleet Manager (Aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, and management

Position Managed: N/A

Location: Africa

Country Program/Sector: Any country in Africa where WCS operates

Position Type: Full Time

Scope/ Capacity Country

Internal liaison: Law Enforcement, biomonitoring and logistical team

Expected travel: Occasional international travel for maintenance and meeting purposes.

Background:

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organisation founded in 1895. Its mission is to preserve wildlife and wilderness by understanding critical problems, developing scientific solutions and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, a presence in more than 60 countries, and experience in the creation of more than 150 protected areas around the world, WCS has accumulated the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships needed to ensure that wild places and animal species thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organisations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

Job Summary AND Major Responsibilities

WCS is seeking skilled and dedicated Conservation Pilots to support our field-based operations across Africa. Operating a fleet of light aircraft—including Cessna 206, Cessna 182, Super Cub, and Savannah LSA—our aviation program plays a key role in aerial patrols, wildlife surveys, and logistical support for conservation and law enforcement.This is not a typical pilot job. WCS pilots work in challenging field conditions, supporting mission-driven conservation efforts in some of the world’s most ecologically important areas. We are looking for professionals with excellent airmanship, sound judgment, and the adaptability to work in dynamic, multidisciplinary teams across diverse cultures and environments.

While professional pilot attitude, airmanship, and judgment skills are essential for this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a wide range of skills and experience applicable to the broad space of conservation aviation, including safety and risk management, remote aviation operations, and science applications of aerial platforms contributing to the air wing's safety and operational objectives, as well as the organization’s larger conservation goals. This position provides a great opportunity for dual-function positions in conservation science and law enforcement, participating in and leading on cutting-edge, science-based approaches, analysis and implementation of best practices in the conservation aviation space.

Date Posted

23-May-2025

Opportunity Type

Global Conservation Full-Time

Department

GLOBAL CONSERVATION

Qualification Requirements

Required Qualifications

The minimum desired qualifications for this position include:

A commercial pilot license (CPL) with an instrument rating, a medical as required for all privileges of the CPL held, and a minimum of 400 hours of PIC flying experience.

Experience flying high-performance piston aircraft (C206 or similar) and/or Rotax-powered Light Sport Aircraft (Savannah or similar).

The ability to work in a team and under challenging field conditions is a necessity.

Demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and a safety-first attitude.

Additional skills for this role:

Experience with wildlife surveys, conservation science, anti-poaching law enforcement, spatial data management and mapping, and airframe/power plant licenses is a distinct advantage.

Some positions or placements require fluency in either Portuguese, French, Kiswahili or English.

Ability to communicate effectively within cross-cultural teams or varied capacities, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to work;

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience should apply through the application tab. We review received applications on a rolling basis.

Please send a detailed application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three referees to the email addresses.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share the same values.

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Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience