Conservation Pilot, Northern Cameroon Landscape

Organization Background: 
 
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife 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 livelihoods that depend on the direct utilization of natural resources. 

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 of strengthening 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 regarding 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's conservation goals 

Major Responsibilities: 
 
Piloting 

• Safely and professionally pilot the aircraft in accordance with WCS SOPs for aviation support to park operations and resource protection as well as logistical activities. 

• Oversee and maintain the highest standards in aircraft management and operations. 

• Strictly adhere to all flight operations procedures and SOPs. 

• Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated, and maintained according to relevant international and national aviation laws. 

• Follow all flight approval and tracking procedures in place. 

• Participate in 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 

• Participate in regular planning meetings concerning aviation operations with the WCS Field Operations Manager, Ecologist and Monitoring point person, and law enforcement team. 

• Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean, and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment, and equipment. 

• Train any staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures. 

• Closely work with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager (AFM) and Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft maintenance and scheduling 

• Ensure aircraft is always fully secured. 

• Manage aviation stocks and plan accordingly for procurement (fuel, oil, and other usable). 

• Manage aviation facility (office, stores, and hangar) and equipment 

• Assure the condition of the airstrip is according to agreed standards and operational needs. 

• Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing. 

• Closely liaise with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oil) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance). 

• Support aviation operations budget planning and needs and develop annual plans/budgets for the NPAC Aviation Unit. 

Aviation Safety Management 

• Maintain the highest level of safety standards at all times.  

• Strictly adhere to the WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all operations and any additional requirements communicated by the WCS AFM. 

• Report all safety concerns, incidents, and hazards, and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System (SMS) as prescribed. 

• Participate and conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS AFM and part of the WCS aviation SMS on operations 

• Report all aircraft issues and snags through the established procedures and via direct communications with the WCS AFM. 

• Participate in and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements 

Qualification Requirements 

• Current FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating; 

• FAA second-class medical certificate; 

• 400 hours PIC flying experience and sound 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 an 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.