Piloting Sheriff's Office aircraft in support of law enforcement activities, search-and-rescue, emergency response, and special operations is the core of this role. The pilot serves as Pilot in Command, making flight safety decisions and providing aerial observation and tactical support to ground units.
Responsibilities
Pilot Sheriff’s Office aircraft in support of law enforcement activities, search-and-rescue, emergency response, special operations, and other Sheriff’s Office activities
Support drug enforcement operations through real-time observations and aerial surveillance
Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) and exercise authority over flight safety decisions during operations
Evaluate terrain, hazards, and operational conditions to support safe tactical deployments; manage aircraft systems during day, night, and adverse-weather operations
Provide aerial observation, real-time intelligence, and tactical support to deputies, detectives, and command staff
Support ground units during pursuits, searches, perimeter operations, and SWAT activations; maintain radio communication with dispatch, ground units, allied agencies, and aviation command staff
Ensure aviation operations comply with FAA regulations, state requirements, and Sheriff’s Office policies
Maintain and audit required records, including flight logs, pilot training files, maintenance documentation, and FAA compliance records
Oversee documentation for incidents, missions, evidence retention, and video management related to aerial operations
Maintain proficiency in emergency procedures, including autorotation, system failures, and night operations; maintain proficiency in advanced flight operations such as low-level flight, nighttime operations, and confined area landings
Coordinate and oversee scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance
Track Aviation Unit staff training requirements, recurrent training schedules, medical certificates, and proficiency evaluations; assist in training Aviation Unit staff when assigned
Support Sheriff’s Office briefing and debriefing processes by preparing mission materials, reviewing data, and distributing reports
May supervise Extra Help Sheriff Pilot staff
May be called to testify in court
Conduct tactical and administrative law enforcement flight operations during day or night, over all types of terrain, in all types of weather conditions, and in all types of airspace
Safely operate aircraft in accordance with federal, state, and local aviation regulations, policies and procedures
Maintain accurate records; review records and assess aircraft needs; follow departmental practices and policies
Perform the duties of an aircraft Pilot-in-Command under the direction of the Sheriff or his authorized representative
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Safely operate the aircraft during hours of darkness
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision, and color perception
Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping
Maintain a current FAA medical certificate required for the position and aircraft
Operate a personal computer and other office equipment
Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion
Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, and through various communication devices and systems
Work and exercise good judgment in emergency, hazardous and stressful situations; apply first aid and CPR
Perform job duties under stressful conditions
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations
Appropriately represent the County, the Sheriff and the Sheriff’s Office with the community
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects
Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl
Requirements
Graduation from high school or an acceptable equivalent certificate
500 hours of Pilot-in-Command time, which includes a minimum of 50 hours of night flying
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license
Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation
Possess one of the following valid and current certificates at the time of appointment and maintain:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine aircraft rating, and possession of at least a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner
FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine helicopter rating and sufficient training and proficiency in agency aircraft; Bell 206B, and Bell UH-1h, to be operated under FAR Part 61 Flight Rules
Knowledge of principles and supervision and training
Knowledge of administration practices of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration pertaining to the use of aviation assets
Knowledge of flight control systems and equipment; terrain, weather, and flying conditions in California
Knowledge of Airborne Law Enforcement Operations including surveillance techniques, piloting skills, navigation, safety, maintenance, and training
Knowledge of the general geography and topography of Merced County
Knowledge of mountain aircraft flying
Knowledge of basic math to compute weight and balance
Knowledge of basic recordkeeping practices
Ability to pilot and patrol urban, rural and mountain areas while maintaining safe flying conditions
Ability to effectively supervise, schedule and train subordinate staff
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Ability to prepare and review clear, concise and comprehensive written reports, including detailed and accurate descriptions
Ability to work effectively under physical and mental stress and/or pressure, in potentially hazardous situations
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adapt quickly and effectively to emergency situations with reasonable courses of action
Nice to have:
Possession of an Instrument Rating
Certified Flight Instructor rating with Instrument Instructor rating
Prior law enforcement experience or training
Important Details
Schedule: Work any shift including days, evening, nights, weekends, and holidays; be on stand-by during off-duty hours as assigned and report to duty within 30 minutes, or as otherwise directed by the Sheriff’s Office
