Conservation Pilot

Place of work: Bouba Njida National Park, Cameroon

Reporting to: Program Director in regards to programmatic, administrative and planning matters and to the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager regarding aviation matters as per the WCS Aviation Manual and 182 Flight. Corp WCS Aviation Memo November 2014 (see attached Annex 1).

Liaison: Park senior management team and technical staff

Position type: One-year fixed-term contract, renewable as to be agreed

Conditions: Terms and conditions of employment as detailed in the contract

Expected travel: The position is expected to travel across the core WCS conservation sites within northern Cameroon and with some national and international travel, as required.

Position Description:

This position is responsible for undertaking aerial patrol flights in support of law enforcement, supporting aerial biomonitoring applications and providing logistical support to the project operations in northern Cameroon. The position is a full-time, field-based position based out of the WCS project HQ in Bouba Njida NP. Although professional pilot duties are a central component of this job, this position requires a broader engagement and involvement with the objective to strengthen the site level development of a professionally structured and safety centred air wing operation, directly contributing to the capacity of the conservation project. Motivation to learn and work as a team, find solutions to problems and be proactive will be critical in successfully implementing the aviation objectives. The position also includes some technical reporting, writing and administration.

The WCS Cameroon pilot reports to the site based Project manager on operational and administrative aspects and to the WCS Fleet Manager in regards to aviation safety and aircraft maintenance management.

Objectives

• Provide expert Pilot in Command (PIC) skills to safely and efficiently implement aviation support activities.
• Deliver a safety centred aviation operation and work culture based on WCS aviation management guidelines and strategies and in compliance with national, international and FAA regulations
• Strengthen WCS aviation wing effectiveness to measurably contribute to the organization conservation goals

Core duties and responsibilities

Piloting

• Expert application to safely pilot aircraft (PIC) for aviation logistical support to park operations and resource protection activities and monitoring.
• Strictly adhere to procedures in place for all flight operations.
• Ascertain all necessary aircraft documents are in place, up to date and according to relevant international and national aviation laws.
• Maintain a detailed flight log report of all flights and hours flown, including location, passengers, purpose and duration.

Aviation Operations

• Oversee and maintain the highest standards in aircraft management and operation, following regulations, legal requirements and maintenance plans as required.
• Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated and maintained.
• Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment and equipment.
• Assure aircraft is always fully secured.
• Train any staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures.
• Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing.
• Manage aviation stocks and plan accordingly for procurement (avgas, oils and other usable).
• Manage aviation facility (office, stores and hangar) and equipment and assure the condition of the airstrip is according to agreed standards and operational needs.
• Support local arrangements and logistics to aviation maintenance needs
• Manage aviation operations finances in collaboration with the assigned finance manager, including managing BP fuel account and all operational costs (landing and navigation fees, passenger fees etc.).
• Maintain regular coordination and planning meetings concerning aviation operations with WCS Field Operations Manager, Ecologist and Monitoring point person and law enforcement team.
• Closely liaise with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oils) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance).
• Participate in regular planning meetings and develop annual plans/budgets for the Niassa Reserve Aviation Unit.

Aviation Safety Management

• Assure the WCS Standard Operation Procedures are fully implemented in all operations and any requirements communicated by the WCS Fleet Manager.
• Report all safety concerns, incidences and hazards and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System as prescribed.
• Maintain the highest safety standards at all times.
• Conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS Fleet manager and part of the WCS aviation SMS on operations
• Report all aircraft issues and snags through the established procedures (online) and via direct communications with the WCS Fleet Manager.

Qualification Requirements

• Current US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating;
• FAA second class medical certificate;
• 400 hours PIC flying experience and solid knowledge of operating under FAA regulations;
• Experience in Africa, especially francophone Africa an advantage;
• High-performance piston engine time is required, preferably on C206 model or similar;
• Experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance and bush flying in remote areas is an advantage;
• Experience flying under FAR part 135 and/or FAA A & P license is an advantage;
• Ability to communicate effectively within cross-cultural teams or varied capacity, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to work;
• Willingness and motivation to be based and live in a challenging and remote location;
• English and French language fluency required.