INTERNAL JOB POSTING Drone Pilot (DFR)

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office seeks a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Pilot to provide rapid aerial response in real-time law enforcement operations. You will monitor calls, remotely deploy drones, and relay crucial intelligence to deputies on scene.

Minimum POST certification and a current FAA Part 107 certificate (or willingness to obtain within six months) are required. Ability to work rotating days, nights, weekends, and holidays is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be POST certified.
• Must possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or be willing to obtain within six months.
• Ability to complete agency UAS and DFR training.

Responsibilities

• Monitor 911/CAD activity to identify drone deployment opportunities.
• Remotely deploy and operate DFR aircraft in response to calls for service.
• Provide real-time intelligence to deputies before and during arrival on scene.
• Assist in locating suspects, vehicles, missing persons, or objects of interest.
• Relay critical information including suspect descriptions, travel direction, hazards, and scene conditions.
• Coordinate with RTIC to maintain an operational picture during incidents.
• Support pursuits, perimeter operations, searches, and special events.
• Maintain FAA regulations and agency policies for UAS/DFR procedures.
• Complete flight logs, equipment checks, and training requirements.

Skills

POST certification

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Strong communication

Decisive under pressure

Job description

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office

Internal Opportunity Announcement

Drone as First Responder (DFR) Pilot

Position Title

DFR Pilot

Shift

10-hour shifts

Job Duties

DFR Pilots will serve as a critical component of real-time law enforcement operations by providing rapid aerial response and situational awareness to deputies in the field.

DFR Pilots Will

• Monitor active 911 calls and CAD activity for potential drone deployments.
• Remotely deploy and operate DFR aircraft in response to calls for service.
• Provide responding deputies with real-time intelligence prior to and during arrival on scene.
• Assist in locating suspects, vehicles, missing persons, and other persons or objects of interest.
• Relay critical information including suspect descriptions, direction of travel, hazards, and scene conditions.
• Respond to deputy backup requests and assist calls where aerial support enhances safety and awareness.
• Coordinate closely with RTIC personnel to maintain a complete operational picture during incidents.
• Support pursuits, perimeter operations, searches, critical incidents, and special events.
• Maintain compliance with FAA regulations, agency policy, and UAS/DFR procedures.
• Complete required flight logs, equipment checks, and ongoing training requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Be POST certified.
• Possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or be willing and able to obtain certification within six (6) months of selection.
• Be willing to complete all required agency UAS and DFR training.
• Be available to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be capable of operating in a fast-paced, high-demand environment while managing multiple technology systems (CAD, 911, radio traffic, mapping platforms, and drone systems).
• Possess strong communication skills and sound decision-making ability under pressure.

Preferred Experience

Criminal Operations experience is preferred; however, applicants with relevant drone or real-time operational experience will be considered.

Additional Consideration May Be Given To

• Patrol or field-based law enforcement experience
• Public safety drone operations
• Real-time incident support
• CAD and 911 system familiarity
• Mapping, camera systems, or situational awareness platforms
• Experience with pursuits, perimeter control, or search operations

Selection Process

• All letters of interest received by the deadline will be considered.
• Selected applicants will participate in an oral interview.
• Applicants may be required to complete a practical exercise or scenario-based evaluation related to drone operations and decision-making.

Packets Must Include

• Letter of interest (to include hire date, current rank/assignment, time in position, and any relevant experience or qualifications)
• Resume (including work history, training, and certifications)
• Copy of FAA Part 107 Certificate (if currently certified)

Employees under consideration must have met or exceeded the requirements needed to satisfy the directives listed in the job announcement. Employees also must have met or exceeded the requirements listed as potential qualifiers for the position. Employees must understand that a request for transfer will not guarantee the transfer, it is merely an "ask for consideration".