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Usda Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 1, 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 job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Usda Pilot position, and why are they important?

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.

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.

More about Usda Pilot jobs
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Supervisory Aircraft Instructor

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

You will serve as the Supervisory Aircraft Flight Instructor/Training Officer (FITO) for the USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services (WS) Aviation Program is responsible for the evaluation and analysis of the aviation safety and flight crew proficiency for all rotary or fixed wing aviation activities that fall within WS operations and research programs.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Note:
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. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
  5. Instructor Time --500 HRS-- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below
:FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Experience operating single engine, tail wheel aircraft at low airspeeds (generally 60 knots or less), at typical altitudes from ground level to 200 feet.
  • Flying over unfavorable terrain (e.g., mountains, forests, or deserts) with responsibility for operating from confined or isolated areas primarily under visual flight conditions.
  • Experience providing instruction and evaluations in tail wheel aircraft at low airspeeds (generally 60 knots or less), at typical altitudes from ground level to 200 feet and conducting off airfield landings.
  • Demonstrated competency in the operations involving single engine, tail wheel aircraft on improved and unimproved landing areas, including roads and other open areas.
  • Piloted an airplane with a crewmember, gunner, or observer on board for the purpose of conducting natural resource or wildlife management missions.
Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER