Conservation Pilot – Okapi Wildlife Reserve

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. The role involves overseeing and maintaining the highest standards in aircraft management and operation, including ensuring all aircraft documents are up to date, maintaining the aircraft in a pristine state, training staff on safety procedures, managing survey and surveillance equipment, and handling aviation stocks and procurement (e.g., avgas, oils). The pilot will also manage aviation facilities (office, stores, hangar), coordinate with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, documentation), and participate in regular planning meetings to develop annual plans and budgets for the NNNP Aviation Unit. The position requires strict adherence to flight safety protocols, regular flight log reporting, and compliance with WCS Standard Operation Procedures and Safety Management System. The pilot will report to the Field Operations Manager / WCS Aviation Fleet Manager and work closely with park anti-poaching teams, national logistical teams, and law enforcement. Travel within the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and occasional international travel is expected.

Expert application to safely pilot aircraft (PIC) for aviation logistical support to park operations and resource protection activities and monitoring; Strict adherence to procedures for all flight operations; Maintenance of detailed flight log reports including location, passengers, purpose, and duration; Assurance that all aircraft documents are in place, up to date, and compliant with international and national aviation laws; Participation in regular flight and safety management training; Implementation of WCS Standard Operation Procedures in all operations; Reporting of safety concerns, incidents, and hazards; Maintenance of highest safety standards; Participation in internal evaluations as part of the WCS aviation SMS; Reporting of aircraft issues and snags through established procedures; Management of a small team of observers and assistants; Training staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures.