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Usda Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$48K/yr

... USDA) Foods in Schools Program. • Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required ... pilot program). • Deferred compensation plan • Wellness plans Learn more about the Paid ...

Usda Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do usda pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda pilot in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 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.

Infographic showing various Usda Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,999 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES, PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIALIST 1

The State of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

$48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


State Of Arizona rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES, PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIALIST 1

Apply now Job No: 542013
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Administrative Support/Customer Service, Education/Training, Health and Nutrition Services

Arizona Department of Education The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.
Health and Nutrition Services, Program Project Specialist 1
Job Location:
Health and Nutrition Services Section Phoenix Location 
Posting Details:
Salary: $48,000 
Grade: 18
Closing Date: 08/19/2026
Job Summary:

This position will provide operational support necessary for the implementation of the new food distribution software and overall support for the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods in Schools Program.
Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Job Duties:

Provide customer service for Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) operators participating in the USDA Foods in Schools program in the form of program guidance, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance information
On-board new operators, new sites, and new users that participate in the USDA Foods in Schools program
Ensure that all operators fulfill program requirements promptly
Terminate operators who no longer participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), making them ineligible for the USDA Foods in Schools Program
Complete formal and informal technology related testing for HNS related scope in ADE data systems
Place or remove temporary deactivations for operators as required, based on compliance review findings, unpaid invoices, or any other deemed necessary circumstances

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):


Knowledge in:
Federal Child Nutrition Programs, school lunch program
Policy and procedures documents
Electronic file storage systems
Ticketing systems for tracking external requests
Applicants must have experience with customer service
An associate degree, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
Skills in:
Interpersonal skills
Excellent verbal and written communication
Intermediate skills in Microsoft applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
Strong organizational and time management
Spreadsheet principles to calculate and analyze data
Ability to:
Operate successfully in a team environment
Perform to stated deadlines and to produce expected results
Express ideas and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Process instructions successfully update materials, and accurately process requisitions
Coordinate and support multiple tasks and track progress

Selective Preference(s):

Preference will be given to those applicants with a bachelor's degree.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Driver's License Requirements.
All employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

Contact Us:

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.

Advertised: 30 Jun 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 19 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912