African Parks Aircraft Pilot Job Vacancy 2026 – Gambella

African Parks is inviting qualified and experienced pilots to apply for an Aircraft Pilot position based at Gambella National Park, Gambella, Ethiopia. The position involves aircraft operations, aviation management, aerial activities, safety and risk management, and aviation support for African Parks' conservation operations.

Job Summary

Employer: African Parks
Job Title: Aircraft Pilot
Job Location: Gambella National Park, Gambella, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience: Minimum 1,500 hours PIC on rotor-wing aircraft and minimum 500 hours on turbine rotor-wing aircraft
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

The successful candidate will operate and manage an African Parks aircraft and aerial activities in the assigned park/region. The pilot will report to the Aviation Supervisor, with technical supervision from the Park Managers, and may be required to support other parks within the African Parks portfolio.

About African Parks

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization responsible for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities.

African Parks manages protected areas across several African countries, including Ethiopia. In December 2024, African Parks signed a 10-year renewable management agreement with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State for the management and restoration of Gambella National Park.

Available Job Position

Aircraft Pilot

Employer: African Parks
Job Title: Aircraft Pilot
Location: Gambella National Park, Gambella, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Permanent

Experience:

• Minimum 1,500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) on rotor-wing aircraft.
• Minimum 500 hours on turbine rotor-wing aircraft.
• Conservation or bush flying experience.
• UH-1 series rating and experience is beneficial.
• Military background or experience in high-risk areas is beneficial.
• Mechanical background and experience is beneficial.
• Survey or surveillance experience is beneficial.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Minimum valid and current Commercial Pilot’s License.
• Rated and current on applicable aircraft type(s).
• Valid Class I Aviation Medical Certificate.
• Valid Instructors rating.
• Current CRM and DG certification.
• Current Pilot Proficiency Check.
• No accidents in the last 3 years.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work and live comfortably in remote and isolated areas.
• Ability to carry out aviation operations in accordance with applicable legal requirements and African Parks SOPs.

Key Responsibilities

The Aircraft Pilot will be responsible for:

• Safely and professionally operating African Parks aircraft.
• Managing and caring for the aircraft.
• Managing aviation facilities, hangars, and related infrastructure.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements and African Parks SOPs.
• Managing aircraft, operations, aviation documentation, and reporting.
• Maintaining effective communication.
• Supporting logistics functions.
• Managing permits, fuel, oil, and aircraft parts.
• Supporting aviation safety and risk management.
• Carrying out aerial activities within the assigned park/region.
• Supporting other parks within the African Parks portfolio when required.

Reporting: Aviation Supervisor
Technical Supervision: Park Managers
Collaboration: Field Operation Manager, APN

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit the following documents by email:

• Updated CV
• Cover letter
• Copies of relevant licenses and certificates
• Last three pages of the pilot's logbook
• Career hours summary showing aircraft types and hours flown on each type
• References verifying the required flying hours and previous work experience

Application Email:
ethiopiarecruitment@africanparks.org

Email Subject:
Aircraft Pilot

Applicants should ensure that emailed files are named using the following format:

• Name_Cover Letter_Position Name.pdf
• Name_Curriculum Vitae_Position Name.pdf

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline

October 15, 2026