Pilot - Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

3d • $34 - $47 • Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment is specifically for a Fixed-Wing Pilot assignment within the Sheriff’s Department Air Unit, operating a Cessna 208 in support of law enforcement missions. The position will primarily be assigned to a four-day work week on a swing shift and will rotate between days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. On-call availability and reassignment to other shifts or posts may occur at management’s discretion. Duties include, but are not limited to, coordinating with a tactical flight deputy operating the FLIR camera system and deputies on the ground. Pilots hired for this assignment will also be expected to learn FLIR camera operations and may, from time to time, operate the FLIR system as part of Air Unit missions. As part of this role, pilots will be exposed to sensitive and potentially disturbing and/or violent situations, including crime scenes or deceased individuals. As part of the selection process, candidates will be required to: Present flight logbooks for review during the oral board interview. Upon successfully passing the oral board interview, participate in ride-alongs in the Cessna 208. Ride-alongs are conducted both to provide candidates with firsthand experience of the assignment and to allow the department to assess the candidate’s fit for the role prior to any job offer. If hired, training will be provided, and the candidate will be required to: Learn and apply department ten codes and supplemental codes for effective police radio communication. Develop proficiency in supporting law enforcement strategies for apprehending fleeing suspects, working closely as a team with the assigned observer. Failure to demonstrate the ability to perform these duties may result in dismissal from employment. Candidates are encouraged to provide a comprehensive application that clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications as well as any of the preferred qualifications listed below. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Requirements

• FOR FIXED WING - High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) from an accredited institution AND current and valid Commercial Pilot’s License for airplane single engine land and multiengine land AND current flight review AND meet currency requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations 61.57 (a)(b)(c)
• FOR ROTARY WING - High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) from an accredited institution AND current and valid Commercial Pilot’s License with rotorcraft-helicopter rating AND current flight review AND meet currency requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations 61.57 (a)(b)(c) AND must have 2,000 hours rotary wing flight experience INCLUDING 1,000 hours turbine helicopter PIC, 100 hours in Airbus H125 (or equivalent AS350 series) PIC, 100 hours of night flight, and documented experience conducting search and rescue operations utilizing external load or hoist equipment.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• All positions require current and valid Class II FAA Medical Certificate along with a FAA Commercial Pilot Certification with instrument rating and ratings appropriate for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Access to airfields and airports will require additional screening or clearances as mandated by the FAA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or local airport authorities.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation due to the need for access to law enforcement, corrections and courts facilities, property, communications and associated confidential information and documents, databases and evidentiary materials.
• Pre-/post-appointment drug screening is required, and polygraph examinations may be required, for all positions due to the need for access as described above.
• The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• Must be able to distinguish colors, detect smoke within the cockpit, and detect warning devices when working around equipment and within aircraft
• Frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Frequently push, pull, and tow aircraft using manual and mechanical means
• Frequently bend, crouch, kneel, and reach to conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections
• Frequently climb ladders, steps, and aircraft structures to access aircraft components
• Sit for extended periods while operating aircraft
• Operate hand tools, fueling equipment, and aircraft ground support equipment
• Must have vision correctable to 20/20 (near and distant), with normal color vision and depth perception
• Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate clearly over aviation radios, intercoms, and law enforcement communications equipment
• Must be able to operate aircraft while wearing and using personal protective equipment including night vision goggles, aviation helmets/headsets, and flight suits
• Maintain alertness and sustained concentration for extended periods during night operations
• Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Experience with/knowledge of using Garmin G1000 systems.
• Minimum of 750 hours fixed wing flight experience.
• Minimum of 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Minimum of 100 hours Cessna 208 Pilot in Command (PIC) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 100 hours multiengine Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Minimum of 100 hours of night flight experience.
• Possess a valid Certified Flight Instructor's rating.
• Previous law enforcement experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as pilot-in-command (PIC) operating fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft, primarily during nighttime, in support of law enforcement, search and rescue, surveillance, and emergency missions
• Ensures safe flight operations by conducting thorough pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections, completing flight risk assessments, and maintaining strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aviation safety standards, and departmental policies
• May develop and follow detailed flight plans; coordinates with air traffic control, ground units, and command staff
• Operates mission-specific equipment such as forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems to support airborne law enforcement and investigative missions
• Transports personnel, detainees, and critical equipment securely and efficiently
• Maintains accurate flight records, logs, and maintenance documentation
• Identifies and reports aircraft maintenance and safety issues to ensure operational readiness
• Assists with minor maintenance, aircraft cleaning, hangar upkeep, refueling, and the stocking of parts and supplies to ensure operational readiness
• Participates in training exercises, drills, and continuing education to maintain flight proficiency and certifications
• Assists in developing operational procedures and safety protocols for aviation missions
• Maintains the security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties
• Participating in Department-sanctioned public events/demonstrations, which may include speaking to the public/media regarding aviation

Benefits

• competitive salaries
• generous health insurance coverage
• retirement plans
• flexible work schedules
• generous family leave policy
• wellness programs
• opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs
• County-wide employee recognition program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED