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Usda Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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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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.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Rifle, CO • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 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

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as a first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.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.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers; Planned and coordinated complex air operations using numerous helicopter models, capabilities and limitations, including remote, isolated work locations; Developed specific aerial ignition plans for burning projects after analyzing conditions.
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
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 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 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 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 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
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 substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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