Background

WCS has been working in Tanzania since 1956 and has a country program office in Dar es Salaam. The largest of the four WCS projects in the country is the Ruaha-Katavi Landscape, a true wildlife stronghold harboring East Africa’s largest elephant population (19,883 +/- 2,198), roughly 10% of the continent’s lions and one of three African wild dog populations of over 500 individuals. The landscape is expansive (roughly 92,500km²) and varied. WCS works under agreements with various wildlife authorities (Tanzania National Parks Authority, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, Tanzania Forest Services Agency) and supports a broad program of work across numerous protected areas. In addition, we work with local communities to manage essential wildlife connectivity within the landscape too and have previously established numerous community wildlife management areas. In mid 2016, we initiated a program of aerial support, and this continues and has become central to much of what we do. We have put in place aviation infrastructure, data gathering and management systems and grown a reputation as one of the best established WCS aviation programs.

Job Summary

This position is primarily responsible for undertaking aerial patrols with various protected area authorities, other aerial monitoring work, exposure flights with decision makers and periodic formal aerial surveys (normally every 3 years funds permitting). We continuously seek to get the most from aviation and other activities and applications may also be developed. The position is a full-time, local hire and field-based position based out of a park apartment in Msembe, the headquarters of Ruaha National Park. You will be surrounded by wildlife, with the plane hangered 50 meters away. Although professional pilot experience is a central requirement to fulfilling this role, this position requires a wider engagement and capacity to fully support and strengthen a professionally structured and safety centered air wing operation and effectively contributing to the overall objectives of the conservation project. The position also includes some technical reporting writing and administration. The WCS Tanzania pilot reports to the WCS Landscape Director regarding project operational and administrative aspects and to the WCS Fleet Manager in regard to aviation safety and aircraft maintenance management.

Major Responsibilities:

Piloting

• Expert application to safely pilot aircraft 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, following all policies and procedures in place.
• Assure all aircraft documents are in place, updated and maintained.
• Follow all flight approval and tracking procedures in place
• 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 WCS Landscape Director and others.
• Maintain the aircraft in a pristine, clean, and well-managed state, including regular cleaning of the airframe, engine compartment and equipment.
• Manage an on-site local Aviation Assistant who provides support to fueling, cleaning the aircraft and data management.
• Closely work with the WCS Aviation Fleet Manager regarding aircraft maintenance and scheduling.
• Assure aircraft is always fully secured.
• Manage aviation stocks and plan accordingly for procurement (avgas, oils and other usable).
• Manage aviation facility (office, stores, and hangar) and equipment and assure the condition of airstrips are according to agreed standards and operational needs.
• Manage all survey and surveillance equipment assigned to the aviation wing.
• Closely liaise with the other WCS landscape staff for aviation logistics (transport, fuel, oils) and documentation (aircraft and flight clearance).
• Support aviation operations budget planning and needs and develop annual plans/budgets for the landscape.

Aviation Safety Management

• Assure the WCS Standard Operation Procedures are fully implemented in all operations and any requirements communicated by the WCS Fleet Manager.
• Report all safety concerns, incidences and hazards and fully contribute and interact with the WCS Safety Management System as prescribed.
• Maintain the highest safety standards at all times.
• Participate and conduct regular internal evaluations, as agreed upon by the WCS Fleet manager 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 Fleet Manager.
• Participate and comply with regular flight and safety management training requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• US FAA commercial pilot license with instrument rating or Tanzanian / Kenyan CPL / IR with rating on a C182 / C206 if applicable
• Second class medical certificate.
• 400 hours PIC flying experience and solid knowledge of operating under FAA and TCAA regulations.
• Experience in Africa, especially East 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 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 fluency and Swahili would be a significant advantage.

How to apply

• Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and CV via email to WCS Tanzania addressing  the County Director at wcshrtanzania@wcs.org
• Position is open for Tanzanian Nationals and Expatriates.

Applications should be submitted no later than 5 June 2023.