Summary
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the BPA Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA), Transmission Services (T).
We are seeking an expert Lead Flight Instructor for Bell 407 helicopters and drones. You will train and evaluate our pilots and instructors, develop advanced flight manuals and safety procedures, and lead critical missions in challenging environments to support the Northwest's power grid.
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Duties
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Power the Pacific Northwest from the Skies: Lead the Next Generation of Aviation Pioneers at Bonneville Power Administration
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) delivers clean, reliable electricity across the Pacific Northwest, and our aviation team serves as the vital "eyes in the sky" keeping the high-voltage transmission grid safe and functional. As our Lead Flight Instructor, you will step into a premier, high-impact role. You won't just fly; you will shape the future of our aviation division, master cutting-edge flight technology, and lead safety-critical flight operations in one of the nation's most rewarding, challenging, and picturesque flying environments.
Eight Key Opportunities and Duties Designed for Elite Aviators:
- Lead and Mentor a High-Caliber Flight Team - Instruct and evaluate our dedicated team of FAA-certified helicopter and drone pilots. You will oversee flight techniques, conduct in-flight proficiency exams, and provide the advanced mentorship that ensures our pilots operate at peak performance levels.
- Pilot Advanced Helicopters in Challenging Terrains - Take the controls as Pilot-in-Command of the Bell 407 helicopter. You will fly specialized utility missions across the diverse Pacific Northwest-from low-level power line patrols to navigating complex, high-altitude mountain environments and variable weather conditions.
- Sustain and Expand our Drone Program - You will design training curricula, oversee remote pilot certifications, plan drone missions, and leverage high-resolution aerial data to support environmental research and infrastructure inspections.
- Master Precision Aerial Utility Operations - Execute and teach highly specialized utility maneuvers. You will train pilots in precision external cargo transportation, vertical-reference long-line placements of materials in tight spots, and tactical operations near high-voltage utility structures.
- Design Modern, High-Impact Aviation Curriculums - Formulate classroom and in-flight training programs. You will develop lessons covering critical topics like crew resource management, emergency procedures, hazard mitigation, and flying safely in low-altitude wire environments.
- Author and Define Flight Safety Manuals - Pioneer safety and operating procedures by developing and updating BPA's flight, operations, and hazard-mitigation manuals.
- Guide Crew Progression and Career Advancement - Act as a key decision-maker in our pilot pipeline. You will assess new hires during orientation, run flight exams, and make critical crew assignment recommendations to leadership, directly shaping who advances to Pilot-in-Command.
- Coordinate Mission Operations with Regional Partners - Collaborate with dispatchers, safety officers, and transmission line maintenance crews. You will lead pre- and post-flight safety briefings and build integrated daily flight plans to ensure all operations run safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration
When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
Key Requirements:
- You must be a United States Citizen.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
- You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
Conditions of Employment:
- This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
- This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
- After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
- A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
- This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 3 days per pay period.
- Must be able to pass an EKG (electrocardiogram) before entry into the position and annually thereafter.
- Obtain (prior to the closing date of this announcement) and maintain a first-class or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
- Must complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirements for positions in the 2181 series, you must also meet a selective placement factor (screen-out); both requirements will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
You
MUST provide a copy of your current ATP or helicopter commercial certificate with appropriate endorsement, medical certificate and sufficient documentation (e.g., copy of Log Book) to show proof you meet the requirements stated below. Failure to provide supporting documentation by the closing date may result in disqualification; your application will be marked incomplete.
The individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor for this position are as follows:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Helicopter certificate or Commercial pilot license with rotorcraft helicopter ratings and/or appropriate military rating.
- FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
- 1500 Total Flight Hours (as pilot-in-command or copilot in an aircraft of any weight or category (1,125 for eligible current federal employees)
- 250 helicopter flight hours as Pilot-in-Command.
- 75 Night Flying (25 hours may be waived for eligible current federal employees)
- 100 Flying Time in the Last 12 Months (50 hrs for eligible current federal employees)
- 500 Helicopter Instructor Hours
Other requirements for Helicopter:
- Possess and maintain an FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
- Pilot Certificate must state "English Proficient".
- FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class B)
- FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class C)
- Must complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.
- This position is subject to initial and random drug and alcohol testing.
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.
Additional information
- The salary is based on a Special Rate Table, Number 0764: https://apps.opm.gov/SpecialRates/
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE
EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register
Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.
We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
