Conservation Pilot – Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Country: Rwanda Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society Closing date: 31 Aug 2026 Reports to: Field Operatoins Manager / WCS Aviation Fleet Manager Location: Epulu, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Democartic Republic of Congo Country Program/Sector: Democartic Republic of Congo Position Type: Full Time Internal liaison: Park anti-poaching and logistical team; national logistical team Expected travel: Travel within the Democartic Republic of Congo, Uganda and occasional international travel Background: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organization 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 organizations, 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: The Conservation Pilot will support protected area managers, notably in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to carry out surveillance and monitoring flights as well as logistical support flights. They will manage aviation activities for the WCS Democratic Republic of Congo program on the ground, working with the WCS Aviation Program team. They will manage a small team of observers and assistants. Major 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. • Particpate and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements • 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 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 NNNP 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. - Participate and 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. Required qualifications and experience: • 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. How to apply Application process Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply at this application link . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis . WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.