Primary Purpose

The Pilot is a civilian or sworn law enforcement position. The Pilot is responsible for operating rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter) to conduct airborne law enforcement operations. The Pilot will operate a helicopter in areas in sparse population, forested terrain, heavily populated residential areas, and under adverse weather conditions. Additional duties include; but not limited to, transporting deputies on assignment as observers during overt and covert airborne surveillance missions and while in pursuit of fleeing suspects or when searching for person(s). Performing pre-and post-flight inspections to determine flight worthiness of aircraft; ensuring the safety and legality of flight operations; and maintaining aircraft flight records. The Pilot may be required to perform minor aircraft maintenance and assist maintenance personnel of the hangar area. This position entails responsibility for performing related duties as required.

• Must meet all qualifications for Pilot 2 plus:
• Minimum of 1000 hours of helicopter flight time,
• Minimum of 500 hours of turbine flight time as pilot in command
• Must have FAA Instrument Pilot rating for Rotocraft
• Day and night NVG qualified
• Pass the FAA Class II medical examination
• Bell 407 experience preferred 
• Chief Pilot or Designee Concurrence

• Meet all requirements for Pilot 3 status plus:
• Must meet all qualifications for Chief Pilot status
• Hold a FAA Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft license
• Minimum of 1500 hour’s helicopter flight time
• Minimum of 1000 hours of turbine flight time as pilot in command
• Hold a FAA Instrument Pilot Rotorcraft license
• Pass the FAA Class II medical examination
• Must have Certified Flight Instructor Status and have provided a minimum of 100 hours of flight instruction in turbine rotorcraft
• Chief Pilot or Designee Concurrence

• Must meet all qualifications of Pilot 4 plus:
• Hold a FAA Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft license
• Minimum of 2000 hours’ helicopter flight time
• Minimum of 1500 hours of turbine flight time as Pilot in Command
• Hold a FAA Instrument Pilot Rotorcraft license
• Pass the FAA Class II medical examination
• Must have CFII (Instructor and Instrument) Status and have provided 200 hours of documented flight instruction as CFII
• Must have NVG Instructor status
• Chief Pilot or Designee Concurrence

Special Requirements

• Possess in-depth knowledge of helicopter operations and functions
• Knowledge of navigation equipment and control
• Understand safety practices procedures and other aviation tools
• Familiarity of aerial and spatial atmosphere
• Make quick and effective decisions
• Able to work without supervision
• Ability to work under stressful and emergency situations
• Excellent eye and hand coordination
• Detail oriented and well organized
• Maintain a patient and positive attitude
• Strong communication skills to communicate with aircrew, unit personnel, passengers, etc.
• Stay in compliance with federal state and local regulations as well as various SOPs.

Duties

• Serve as a pilot-in-command of any agency owned operated aircraft for which the pilot is rated as directed by the Chief Pilot or designee
• May be required to fly day or night missions
• Prepare written documents daily flight forms, risk assessments, law enforcement reports, etc
• Explain duties and responsibilities of the aviation unit
• Inspect, monitor, and evaluate aircraft conditions and helicopter to determine compliance with prescribed operating, safety, standards, regulations, and guidelines including Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Helicopter Operators Manual and departmental procedures
• Operate aircraft tow equipment to move aircraft
• Assist the maintenance personnel with performing unscheduled maintenance as necessary
• Move aircraft and supplies as deemed necessary
• Clean work area and equipment: helicopter, hangar and facility
• Work with cleaning fluids and aviation fuel using normal, routine and protective equipment to clean and refuel aircraft
• Resolve operational and other work-related problems related specifically to aircraft operations and personnel
• Maintain knowledge of law enforcement procedures and two-way radio communication
• Exhibit initiative and independent judgement in the flight operations
• Cope with the psychological and physiological pressures of flight operations;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships
• Other duties as assigned

Job Controls and Complexities

• Reports directly to the supervisor
• Adhere to laws/agency policy/rules/ regulations/SOP/ procedures
• Governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations
• Maintain confidentiality/security of files and information obtained in the course of employment
• Maintain operational efficiency through accurate and timely dissemination of information to staff/co-workers
• Adhere to leave, overtime, and attendance policies/procedures (i.e. arrive promptly, regular attendance at work, notification to supervisor regarding absence from work due to illness or untimely incidents, etc.)
• The work consists of varied duties in the operation of an assigned helicopter.
• The purpose of this position is to operate agency aircraft. Success in this position contributes to the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and contributes to the effectiveness of department operations

Contacts

• General Public
• Employees
• Government Agencies

Grade Classification

• Class 2 FAA Medical
• Commercial Helicopter Certificate
• Day /Night/NVG Qualified
• Chief Pilot Concurrence

Physical Environment

• Position requires a significant amount of time flying in agency aircraft
• Work is performed in both a typical office setting, as well as non-conventional
• Normal business hours apply; however, hours are subject to vary and overtime may be necessary including night assignments, holidays, and weekends
• Works in close proximity to noisy equipment to include helicopter engines and other aviation equipment
• Subject to mandatory overtime requirements as needed
• Potential exposure to inclement weather, noisy environment, threat of bodily harm, hazardous conditions, various odors, chemicals, pathogens, unsanitary locations, and unsightly and disturbing crime scenes and images
• Work may require acts of physical endurance and agility
• Work under highly stressful conditions both in field operations and an office environment
• Operate motor vehicle safely in routine (Code 1). Sworn personnel may be required to operate safely in emergency mode (Code 3)
• Make decisions which affect the welfare and safety of the public and other employees, involving elements of personal danger and ability to act independently in various situations while exercising independent discretion in addressing emergency situations
• (Sworn) Must be able to meet the physical standard requirements completed by the Physical Abilities Test
• (Sworn) Must be able to demonstrate safety and proficiency with firearms and pass the agency qualification
• Sit for long periods      
• Stand for long periods
• See at normal range or with accommodations
• Hear at normal level or with accommodations
• Speak understandably                          
• Manual dexterity
• Ambulate independently                                              
• Frequently grasp/push/pull/bend/squat/lift/carry items up to 105 lbs or more 
• Occasionally reach above head/kneel/walk/climb/stoop/stand/lift items up to 105 lbs or more

Important Information

Regular attendance is critical and required to the success of this position and assignment of all Agency personnel.

The list of tasks, policies and proficiencies for this position, as well as any statements contained within this page are considered essential.  All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or the public.  This job description in no way states or implies the listed duties are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her supervisor.

See SJSO Policy for additional information on agency expectations and Senior Status requirements