Conservation Pilot – Cameroon Program

Position title: Conservation Pilot – Cameroon Program
Reports to: Site-based Project Manager / WCS Aviation Fleet Manager
Location: Garoua, Cameroon
Country Program/Sector: Cameroon Republic
Position Type: Full Time
Internal liaison: Park anti-poaching and logistical team; national logistical team
Expected travel: Travel within Cameroon, Chad, and occasionally other international travel

Objectives

Provide expert Pilot-in-command (PIC) skills to safely and efficiently implement aviation support activities.
Deliver a safety-centred aviation operation and work culture based on WCS aviation management guidelines and strategies and in compliance with national, international and FAA regulations
Strengthen WCS aviation wing effectiveness to measurably contribute to the organization's conservation goals
 

Major Responsibilities:

Piloting

• Safely and professionally pilot the aircraft in accordance with WCS SOPs for aviation support to park operations and resource protection as well as logistical activities.
• Oversee and maintain the highest standards in aircraft management and operations.
• Strictly adhere to all flight operations procedures and SOPs.
• Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated, and maintained according to relevant international and national aviation laws.
• Follow all flight approval and tracking procedures in place.
• Participate in and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements.
• Maintain a detailed flight log report of all flights and hours flown, including location, passengers, purpose, and duration.
   

Aviation Operations

• Participate in regular planning meetings concerning aviation operations with the WCS Field Operations Manager,
• Ecologist and Monitoring point person, and law enforcement team.
• Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean, and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment, and equipment.
• Train any staff involved in aviation operations on safety around aircraft and procedures.
• Closely work with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager (AFM) and Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft maintenance and scheduling
• Ensure aircraft is always fully secured.
• Manage aviation stocks and plan accordingly for procurement (fuel, oil, and other usable).
• Manage aviation facility (office, stores, and hangar) and equipment
• Assure the condition of the airstrip is according to agreed standards and operational needs.
• Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing.
• Closely liaise with the project logistics manager for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oil) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance).
• Support aviation operations budget planning and needs and develop annual plans/budgets for the NPAC Aviation Unit.
   

Aviation Safety Management

• Maintain the highest level of safety standards at all times.
• Strictly adhere to the WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all operations and any additional requirements communicated by the WCS AFM.
• Report all safety concerns, incidents, and hazards, and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System (SMS) as prescribed.
• Participate and conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS AFM and part of the WCS aviation SMS on operations
• Report all aircraft issues and snags through the established procedures and via direct communications with the WCS AFM.
• Participate in and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements
   

Qualification Requirements

• Current FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating;
• FAA second-class medical certificate;
• 400 hours PIC flying experience and sound knowledge of operating under FAA regulations;
• Experience in Africa, especially francophone Africa an advantage;
• High-performance piston engine time is required, preferably on C206 model or similar;
• Experience with wildlife surveys, anti-poaching surveillance and bush flying in remote areas is an advantage;
• Experience flying under FAR part 135 and/or an FAA A&P license is an advantage;
• Ability to communicate effectively within cross-cultural teams or varied capacity, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to work;
• Willingness and motivation to be based and live in a challenging and remote location;
• English and French language fluency required.
   

How to apply
Interested candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria and possess the required qualifications, skills, and experience are encouraged to apply via this application link by submitting their resume and cover letter. This posting will be open through October 31, 2026, and applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Salary Range
Competitive salary based on experience.