MSP HELICOPTER PILOT I (Second-in-Command)

Helicopter Jobs; California (MD); On-site; USD 101,678 - 142,396; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Police is seeking a MSP Helicopter Pilot (SIC) to operate MSPAC aircraft under FAA and MSPAC rules, performing aero-medical and law-enforcement missions. The role requires 1200 helicopter flight hours and FAA certificated pilot status, with duties including upholding safety standards and maintaining flight records.

The position is full-time, based at St. Mary’s, MD, with selection based on examination, background checks, and mandatory drug and background screening as part of the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1200 helicopter or fixed-wing flight hours as FAA certificated pilot.

Responsibilities

• Fly MSPAC aircraft as SIC for aero-medical, SAR, homeland security and other missions.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections per FAA/MSPAC standards.
• Maintain aircraft records and assist with paperwork and training compliance.

Skills

1200 flight hours

Flight operations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

FAA regulations

Job description

MSP HELICOPTER PILOT

Recruitment # 26-002281-0004

Department MSP - Support Services Bureau

Date Opened 7/17/2026 10:00:00 AMFiling

Deadline 8/17/2026 11:59:00 PM

Salary $101,678.00 - $142,396.00/year

Employment Type Full-Time

HR Analyst: Rita Thomas

Work Location: St. Mary's

Introduction

It is important that all experience be fully documented.

Failure to LIST ALL EXPERIENCE FULLY AND ACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.

• The application is part of the examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process.
• Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.
• Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".
• Although you may attach a resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or responses to supplemental questions.
• Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disqualification.
• Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates.

GRADE

PILT 001A

LOCATION OF POSITION

MSP, Trooper 7, Southern MD Section

44174 Airport Road, Suite 500

St. Mary's County Airport

California, MD 20619

Main Purpose of Job

An MSP Pilot I-A, Second-in-Command, is the intermediate level of civilian helicopter pilot work within MSP Aviation Command (MSPAC). Employees in this classification will act as the Second-in-Command (SIC) pilot of helicopters enumerated in the MSPAC Standard Operating Procedures, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Rules and Regulations and as mandated by the Director of Flight Operations or the MSPAC Commander. Employees conduct flight operations in accordance with FAA rules and regulations for search and rescue missions, medical evacuation operations, and other law enforcement related missions. Employees ensure all MSPAC and FAA Regulations concerning operation of Department aircraft are strictly followed. Ensures aircraft are in a constant state of readiness and shall notify the Maryland State Police Pilot II (Pilot-in Command) or appropriate supervisor of any discrepancy of a grounding nature. Employees ensure all records concerning the aircraft are maintained according to established protocol. Employees work in conjunction with the Pilot-in Command, flight paramedic and other passengers to form the crew.

POSITION DUTIES

• Flies MSPAC aircraft as SIC for aero-medical missions, search and rescue missions, homeland security, disaster assessments, prisoner extradition, personnel transport and other law-enforcement related missions according to FAA rules and regulations;
• Conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections in accordance with MSPAC and FAA regulations and standards;
• Performs maintenance functions that include cleaning aircraft interiors and exteriors, refueling and adding necessary fluids, and replacing light bulbs;
• Performs routine maintenance of hangar and office facilities;
• Operates specialized flight-related equipment, such as tow motors;
• Recommends go/no-go flight risk management decisions related to weather conditions, maintenance, and other flight safety considerations;
• Completes paperwork required by the MSPAC and Maryland State Police such as flight operation logs, aircraft logs, and other documents;
• Completes required training courses and exercises in compliance with FAA and MSPAC regulations;
• Performs other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Twelve hundred (1200) helicopter or fixed wing flight hours as a FAA certificated pilot.

Notes

• Applicants may be able to substitute verified portions of U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Piloting field of work for the required experience.
• Applicants may be able to substitute verified portions of flight hours recorded via the International Civil Aviation Organization for the required experience.
• Helicopter and fixed wing flight hours may not be combined to meet the experience requirement.

Selective Qualifications

Must have twelve hundred (1200) helicopter flight hours as an FAA certified pilot.

Preferred Qualifications

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Turbine Experience
• Twin Turbine Experience

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Employees in this classification must possess and maintain a FAA Commercial Helicopter or Commercial Airplane multi-engine certification.
• Employees in this classification must possess and maintain FAA 2nd Class Medical certification.
• Employees in this classification must possess and maintain an acceptable Instrument Helicopter or Instrument Fixed Wing Rating as determined by FAA regulations and as required by the MSPAC.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Special Requirements

• Candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening and a complete criminal background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, by the Maryland State Police before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the applicant.
• Employees in this classification are subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis, and therefore, will be required to provide the employer with a phone number where they can be reached.
• Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
• Employees in this classification are subject to other FAA applicable drug testing requirements.
• Employees in this classification are required to sign an Obligation Service Agreement.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for this recruitment will involve a review of each application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligible list in the BEST, BETTER or QUALIFIED category. The list will be used by the hiring manager to select the individual to fill the vacancy. The list will be valid for one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants may be given a physical examination and will be subject to an interview, background investigation, polygraph examination and substance abuse testing.

Benefits

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Currently, applicants are limited to uploading one file. As a result, it is strongly urged that those applying upload ALL required and additional documents (undergraduate and graduate transcripts, resumes, etc.) as one file.

If you are unable to apply online, you may submit an application via mail. The Maryland State Application Form can be found online.

Completed applications, required documentation and any required addendums may be mailed to:

Maryland State Police, Aviation Command

3023 Strawberry Point Road

Middle River, MD 21230

Attn: Christina Blake

Contact Information: [e-mail] or 410-238-5843

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of the Maryland State Police to comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination and to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected status.