Aircraft Flight Instructor.

About the Role

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) delivers clean, reliable electricity across the Pacific Northwest, and our aviation team serves as the vital "eyes in the sky" keeping the high-voltage transmission grid safe and functional. As our Lead Flight Instructor, you will shape the future of our aviation division, master cutting-edge flight technology, and lead safety-critical flight operations in one of the nation's most rewarding, challenging, and picturesque flying environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Mentor a High-Caliber Flight Team - Instruct and evaluate our dedicated team of FAA-certified helicopter and drone pilots. Oversee flight techniques, conduct in-flight proficiency exams, and provide advanced mentorship to ensure peak performance.
• Pilot Advanced Helicopters in Challenging Terrains - Serve as Pilot-in-Command of the Bell 407 helicopter, flying specialized utility missions across the Pacific Northwest, including low-level power line patrols and navigating complex, high-altitude mountain environments.
• Sustain and Expand our Drone Program - Design training curricula, oversee remote pilot certifications, plan drone missions, and leverage high-resolution aerial data to support environmental research and infrastructure inspections.
• Master Precision Aerial Utility Operations - Execute and teach specialized utility maneuvers, including precision external cargo transportation, vertical-reference long-line placements, and tactical operations near high-voltage utility structures.
• Design Modern, High-Impact Aviation Curriculums - Develop classroom and in-flight training programs covering crew resource management, emergency procedures, hazard mitigation, and safe flying in low-altitude wire environments.
• Author and Define Flight Safety Manuals - Develop and update BPA's flight, operations, and hazard-mitigation manuals to pioneer safety and operating procedures.
• Guide Crew Progression and Career Advancement - Assess new hires during orientation, run flight exams, and make critical crew assignment recommendations to leadership, shaping who advances to Pilot-in-Command.
• Coordinate Mission Operations with Regional Partners - Collaborate with dispatchers, safety officers, and transmission line maintenance crews to lead pre- and post-flight safety briefings and build integrated daily flight plans.

Requirements

• United States citizenship.
• Participation in the e-Verify program.
• Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for males.
• Valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Initial and random drug or drug and alcohol testing; failure may result in removal from Federal employment.
• Periodic physical examinations if exposed to health hazards, at BPA expense.
• Preliminary and ongoing background checks for suitability for Federal employment.
• Must report physically to the official worksite at least 3 days per pay period; this position does not support remote work.
• Must pass an EKG (electrocardiogram) before entry into the position and annually thereafter.
• Obtain and maintain a first-class or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
• Complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.

Qualifications

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Helicopter certificate or Commercial pilot license with rotorcraft helicopter ratings and/or appropriate military rating.
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating.
• Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  • 1500 Total Flight Hours (as pilot-in-command or copilot in any aircraft; 1,125 for eligible current federal employees).
  • 250 helicopter flight hours as Pilot-in-Command.
  • 75 Night Flying hours (25 hours may be waived for eligible current federal employees).
  • 100 Flying Time in the Last 12 Months (50 hrs for eligible current federal employees).
  • 500 Helicopter Instructor Hours.
• Possess and maintain an FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Pilot Certificate must state "English Proficient".
• FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class B).
• FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class C).

Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner. "Experience" includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work through National Service programs or community-based organizations.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment and offers programs supporting work/life balance, including wellness initiatives through its Be Well program, which focuses on career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.