B407/MD530 Spray Pilot – Florida

Heli Preflight; Florida; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full family medical benefits

Florida Retirement System

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Manatee County Mosquito Control District seeks a Helicopter Pilot in Ellenton, Florida. You will operate Hughes 530FF and two Bell 407GXi helicopters for airborne surveillance and spray missions, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires extensive flight hours, a current rotorcraft PPL/Instrument rating, and the ability to perform pre/post-flight checks with potential maintenance support. Competitive benefits and state readiness are provided.

Qualifications

• 1500 helicopter flight hours with 500 PIC hours.
• 5 years aerial spray application experience with 200+ hours.
• Commercial Pilot’s License with rotorcraft rating and Instrument rotorcraft rating.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-flight inspections to ensure airworthiness.
• Operate helicopters in day and night operations over populated areas.
• Maintain flight time records and assist with aircraft maintenance as needed.

Skills

Flight experience

Rotorcraft operation

Education

Commercial Pilot License – rotorcraft

Tools

GIS knowledge

Job description

Helicopter Pilot – Florida – Manatee County Mosquito Control District

Company: Manatee County Mosquito Control District
Location: Ellenton, Florida
Type: Permanent
Salary: $85,000–$115,000/yr
Posted: 27 October 2026

Description

Job Summary

The Manatee County Mosquito Control District is accepting applications for the position of “Helicopter Pilot”.

The position of Helicopter Pilot is responsible for the safe, legal and responsible operation/maintenance of one Hughes 530FF and two Bell 407GXi helicopters which are used to provide airborne surveillance and spray operations for the control of mosquito populations.

The incumbent will operate a helicopter at low altitudes, in day- and night-time periods and over heavily populated areas. Additional duties include: making pre- and post-flight inspections to determine flight worthiness of aircraft; ensuring the safety and legality of flight operations; and maintaining aircraft flight time records. The incumbent may be required to perform minor aircraft maintenance and assist with maintenance of the hangar area. This position is responsible for performing related duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1,500 flight-hours in helicopter(s) with 500 hours as Pilot in Command.
• Minimum of 200 hours and 5 years experience of aerial spray applications.
• Possess and maintains a Commercial Pilot’s License with rotorcraft, instrument helicopter rating.
• Possession of a current FAA 1st or 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
• Licensed in “Public Health Pest Control” and “State Aerial Applicator” from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or able to obtain such certification within six months.
• Knowledge of GIS computer mapping programs.
• Valid Florida driver’s license within 6 months of employment
• Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing

Salary and Compensation:

This is a salaried position at $85,000 to 115,000 annually. Work week is typically 40-hours, 6:30am to 3:00pm with ½ hour for lunch unless otherwise arranged and pre-approved by the District Director. The salary of a new hire may observe more aggressive adjustments in the first few years of employment. Typically, all District employees receive 5% annual pay increase subjected to Board approval and also receive 10-, 20- and 30-year longevity raises (5% each)

• Advancement of the salary “upper limit” will be based upon the annual cost of living adjustment and only be made at 5% increments and may not be performed annually.
• The Helicopter Pilot, like all District employees shall receive full family medical benefits (currently paid 100% by the District) and are eligible for enrollment in the Florida Retirement System
• Additionally, the incumbent is eligible to receive paid vacation, sick and holiday leave.

Work Environment:

Manatee County is located in southwest Florida approximately 1 hour south of Tampa. The 2 major urban centers are Bradenton/Sarasota and are amongst the fastest growing residential communities in the Country with approximately 400,000 full time residents. The area has excellent, A-rated public school, a high diversity of entertainment opportunities, beautiful beaches and pleasant year-round weather. The County is a mix of traditional agriculture and urban/suburban land uses.

The District has approximately 30 full time employees with low turnover and high employee morale. The District is managed by an Executive Director who is appointed by 3 elected Commissioners. The District performs legislatively mandated public-health mission under a $10m operational budget and serves the entire County.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate physical activity is required on a regular basis including lifting, reaching for, pulling and carrying up to fifty pounds, reaching and pulling with arms, stooping, walking, standing, sitting for long periods of time and climbing in and out of airplanes, helicopters, vehicles and other equipment. Must be able to use hands and fingers to type, and grip and operate a variety of aircraft and other equipment. Excellent vision, both close and distance, is required.

Company Details

Company: Manatee County Mosquito Control District
Address: 2317 2nd Avenue West · Palmetto, Florida 34221 · USA
Web: http://www.manateemosquito.com
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