Supplemental Information

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employer (SAME) to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

This position (#108808) is located in the Office of Forestry, Aviation division.

This position is domiciled in East Baton Rouge parish.

This position may be filled by probationary appointment or by promotion of a classified employee of The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, serving with permanent status. Applicants who are not permanent employees of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will be required to serve a new 24-month probationary period.

As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled from this recruitment as an Aircraft Pilot 1 or 2 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).
Please refer to the 'Job Specifications' tab located at the top of the LA Careers Current Job
Opportunities' page of the Civil Service website for specific information on salary ranges, minimum qualifications and job concepts for each level.
The starting annual salary for each level in this Career Progression Group is as follows:
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor. LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors.

Qualifications

Possession of appropriate ratings, waivers and/or certificates that may be required by the position to which the appointment is being made.

Must be willing to carry and use a firearm if the flight assignment should require it.

Job Concepts

Function of Work:
To pilot an aircraft to transport cargo, passengers and to train in the performance of agency program related aerial activities.

Level of Work:
Entry.

Supervision Received:
General from a higher ranking pilot or other agency supervisors.

Supervision Exercised:
None.

Location of Work:
May be used by all state agencies.

Job Distinctions:
Differs from higher level Aircraft Pilots by serving as a trainee in agency aerial program activities or by participation in training to obtain ratings in addition to the FAA commercial airplane pilot's license.

Examples of Work

Incumbent of this position will perform skilled technical aviation work in the operation of aircraft in providing fire patrol, freight and passenger service for the Office of Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Work includes forest fire detection and suppression activities, forest insect and disease patrol and survey, transportation of various materials and supplies, and the transport of personnel engaged in various forestry activities. Work is performed in accordance with rules and regulations for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Supervision of this position is received from the Aircraft Fleet Command Pilot.

60%
Responsible for the operation of a single-engine and/or multi-engine airplane in wild land fire detection and suppression activities. Responsible for reporting all wildfires located to the appropriate Office of Forestry dispatcher and/or the respective parish supervisor. During both routine and large fire operations, the pilot may be asked to provide information on the following fire suppression activities: determining fire priority for multiple fire situations. Directing crews to fire locations, directing initial suppression attack, directing fire crew(s) escape route from life threatening situations, etc.). Assists ground crews with equipment maintenance, ground support, and mitigation program requirements.

15%
Responsible for detection and survey flights pertaining to insect and disease outbreaks. This involves flying a preset grid in order that a forester or other observer may make air observations for the purpose of pinpointing damaged forest areas on aerial maps.

10%
Determines the suitability of weather conditions and other factors related to safe flying. This includes the occasions when the incumbent is called upon to fly patrol when weather is below visual flight rule minimums due to smoke and/or haze. Will use his own judgment on whether or not to fly.

5%
Required to participate in an Aviation Safety Continuing Education Program on a quarterly basis. Required to be recertified each year by an approved agency check pilot. Serves as the Office of Forestry Safety Coordinator for an assigned location. Responsible for all training, documentation, and audits associated with the Office of Forestry safety program.

5%
Ensures that all fight records including flight plans are filed, updated and maintained. Ensures that all aircraft maintenance, records, and equipment are up to date and available upon request for the aircraft that he/she is currently flying.

5%
Responsible for transporting administrative personnel and personnel engaged in forestry activities. Also transport needed supplies and materials.

Other duties as may be assigned.

Functional Requirements

• Moderate light lifting, 30 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Sit over a long period of time while on wildfire patrols
• Frequent reaching above shoulder height
• Occasional bending or kneeling
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Walking and standing (8 hours)
• Drive a vehicle for long periods of time to perform various duties

Environmental Factors

• Working indoors and outdoors
• Excessive heat and humidity
• Required to wear appropriate safety protection
• Working around routine neighborhood residential and wild land hazards
• Occasionally working in moderately cold temperatures for short periods of time
• Exposed to smoke and dust