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Usda Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)

Ely, MN · On-site

$92K - $144K/yr

... harmon@usda.gov. Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Duties listed are at the full ... Perform as pilot in command of light single engine aircraft configured for land or sea equipment ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S-70 * Willingness to fly other aircraft types ...

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S70 * Willingness to fly other aircraft types ...

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S70 * Willingness to fly other aircraft types ...

Senior Food Scientist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

... pilot plant trials, and commercial production trials. * Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and formulation development. * Working knowledge of USDA, FDA ...

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Vessel Agent

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr (+ commission)

S. customs, USDA, elevators, and customers. * Attend inspections, berthing, sailings, clearances, and coordinate ordering of pilots. * Communicate effectively with customers, government facilities ...

Senior R&D Scientist

Dakota, IL · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

... USDA requirements for shelf-stable products. * Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development. * Ensure overall management of the pilot ...

Senior R&D Scientist

Dakota, IL

$93K - $119K/yr

... USDA requirements for shelf-stable products. Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development. Ensure overall management of the pilot plant ...

... USDA-regulated production environments. Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & Formulation ... Support pilot-scale and commercial production trials through technical planning, execution, and ...

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Usda Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do usda pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Pilot?

A USDA Pilot operates aircraft for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support missions such as agricultural research, wildfire suppression, pest control, and wildlife management. These pilots may fly fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, often in challenging conditions, to monitor and protect natural resources. They work closely with USDA scientists, land managers, and other government agencies to conduct aerial surveys, transport personnel or equipment, and implement conservation efforts.

What are the typical assignments and work environments for a USDA Pilot?

USDA Pilots typically conduct aerial surveys, monitoring agricultural land, forests, or wildlife, and may also assist in emergency response situations such as wildfire detection or pest control. The work often involves flying fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters over varied terrains and collaborating closely with USDA scientists, field staff, and government agencies. Most USDA Pilots split their time between flight operations, pre-flight planning, and administrative tasks like reporting and data collection. The role can require travel to remote or rural locations and may involve flexible hours depending on project needs and weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the USDA Pilot position?

Succeeding as a USDA Pilot requires advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot’s license, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and agricultural operations. Familiarity with aerial surveillance equipment, GPS mapping systems, and government reporting tools is often necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and attention to detail, along with excellent communication, help handle diverse missions and dynamic field conditions. These competencies ensure safe and effective aerial operations that support USDA mission goals in resource management and agricultural oversight.

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What cities are hiring for Usda Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Usda Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Usda Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Usda Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Usda Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Usda Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Usda Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

$92K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

NEW CLOSED DATE: 9/8/2026.
This position is located in Ely, MN within Region 9 Fire and Aviation Management.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jeremy Harmon at jeremy.harmon@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
To receive consideration for these positions, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the time of applicant submission date.Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement: Certificates and Ratings:
Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings, an Instrument Rating or an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings.
Medical Certificate: Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
Must possess proof of a tail wheel logbook endorsement post April 15, 1991. Pre-April 15, 1991, proof of PIC Tail Wheel time will be required via logbook entry, as appropriate to the position held.
Must possess all necessary certificates and ratings and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings) as required.
Minimum Flight/Flying Experience:
GS-11: Must meet all the following flight requirements and all minimum hours must be in Category (Airplane): possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours with 500 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum PIC time of 200 hours in Category and Class to be flown (Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea); possess minimum PIC flight time of 50 hours performing Instrument Flight Rules(IFR) flight; Possess minimum PIC flight time of 75 hours performing Night Flight; and possess minimum PIC flight time of 100 hours in the preceding 12 months.
GS-12: Must meet all the following flight requirements and all minimum hours must be in Category (Airplane): possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours with 1200 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum of 200 hours in Category and Class to be flown (Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea); possess minimum PIC time of 500 hours performing Cross Country flight; possess minimum PIC time of 200 hours performing low-level operations in mountainous terrain (flight at 2500 AGL and below terrain identified as mountainous in 14 CFR 95.11, and as depicted in the Aeronautical information Manual figure 5-6-3); possess minimum PIC flight time of 75 hours of actual or simulated Instrument time with 50 hours in flight; possess minimum PIC time of 100 hours performing Night Flight; possess minimum PIC time in Category of 100 hours (preceding 12 months) and 10 hours (preceding 60 days).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.
Selective Placement Factors:
Under age 40 -OR- less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Age Requirements: For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 40; less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no education substitution for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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