Job Ref #: AP-265
Industry: Aviation
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

African Parks Network (APN) is a South African not-for-profit organization founded in 2000 in response to the decline of many protected areas and the biodiversity they conserve. Today, APN is responsible for managing 23 parks in 13 African countries.

In 2010, African Parks and the Chadian Government signed a management agreement for Zakouma National Park, and in 2017, the Chadian Government formed the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, incorporating Siniaka Minia National Park, Bahr Salamat Wildlife Reserve and connecting areas within African Parks' management mandate.

2. Purpose

We are looking for an experienced and professional bush pilot to work in a challenging and remote area. This role will require the incumbent to perform operate African Parks owned aircraft within the protected areas under African Park management in a safe, professional and legally compliant manner. This will include but not be limited to pre- and post-flight inspections, fuel management, equipment and navigational systems management, base / hangar management and safe aerial support operations.

Job description

Main duties:

• Carry out flights as scheduled/instructed within the prescribed legal and aircraft performance limitations

• Ensure that all aircraft and operator safety requirements are met as per international standards and industry best practice.

• Ensure that all flight data and observation data is recorded accurately

• Ensure that all flights are conducted on time and according to the African Parks SOPs

• Ensure monthly joint-flight planning with concerned departments and ensure that is adhered to

• Provide monthly reports as per AP standard operating procedures to the Field Operations Manager

• Ensure that all aircraft logbooks and paperwork are filled out and kept up to date at all times

• Ensure the communication equipment related to the aircraft is functional and charged at all times and adheres to standard

• Ensure that aircraft maintenance schedules and continued airworthiness requirements are adhered to and arranged in time.

Non-flying responsibilities:

• Take full responsibility for safety and flight operations.

Job Requirements

Skills and experience required:

1. Commercial pilots license, issued/recognized by an ICAO or SACAA state.

2. Minimum flying experience of 1000 hours total time on fixed wing aircraft.

3. Type rated and experienced on a Savannah and Ventura Ultra-Light Aircraft

4. Proficiency check/training shall be conducted through and approved African Parks Network instructor and ATO.

5. Valid and current instrument flight rating;

6. Valid and current night rating;

7. Valid Class 1 medical certificate;

8. Desired LSA / ULM aircraft experience;

9. Demonstrable experience in bush flying and remote operations and willing to be based in a remote area with minimal infrastructure and support

10. Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills in English, additional French skills will be an advantage;

11. Strong capacity to manage time and competing priorities;

12. Strong initiative, perseverance, and resilience;

13. Good team player with experience working with multicultural teams.

14. Strong personal integrity and dependability

15. Knowledge and passion for conservation and wildlife

16. Strong commitment to safe, efficient and compliant remote aerial operations.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

Fully functional, safe and legally compliant aerial operations with:

• Full responsibility for the safety and operations of all flights; and

• Full responsibility for the maintenance oversight of organisations’ aircraft.

• Zero preventable incidents / accidents and exemplary safety record

  How to apply:

  To apply, please email your CV and cover letter via Direct Hire or to abrahamd@africanparks.org  by Monday, 30th of June 2025. Please mention the position name in the subject line of the email. In case you do not hear from us within two weeks after the closing date, this means that your application was not successful.

  The application must include

  - A covering letter stating the candidate's interest in the post;

  - A detailed CV including references from three (03) people with their contact email addresses;

  Other documents will be requested at a later stage.

  We thank you for your interest in working for African Parks