Sheriff Pilot

County of Merced; California; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County, CA seeks a Pilot for Sheriff’s Office aviation to support law enforcement, SAR, and emergency response. The role includes PIC responsibilities, real-time aerial surveillance, and coordination with ground units.

Applicants must have 500 PIC hours (50 night), a California driver license, and pass a background check. FAA certificates in current status are required at appointment; instrument rating and instructor ratings are desirable. Office duties span day to night operations.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Background investigation successful completion.
• FAA certificates as listed below maintained at appointment.

Responsibilities

• Pilot Sheriff’s Office aircraft for law enforcement, SAR, and emergency responses.
• Support drug enforcement via real-time observations and aerial surveillance.
• Serve as PIC and make flight safety decisions during operations.
• Evaluate terrain, hazards, and conditions for safe tactical deployments.
• Provide aerial observation and real-time intelligence to deputies and command staff.
• Coordinate with ground units during pursuits and SWAT activations; maintain radio comms.
• Ensure operations comply with FAA and Sheriff’s Office policies.
• Maintain flight logs, pilot training files, maintenance docs, and FAA records.
• Oversee incident and mission documentation and video management.
• Maintain emergency procedure proficiency, including night operations and low-level flight.
• Coordinate and oversee scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance.
• Track staff training, recurrent training, medical certificates, and proficiency evaluations.
• Assist in training Aviation Unit staff when assigned.
• Prepare mission materials and distribute reports for briefings/debriefings.

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

500 PIC hours with at least 50 night hours

Job description

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pilot Sheriff’s Office aircraft in support of law enforcement activities, search- and-rescue, emergency response, special operations, and other Sheriff’s Office activities.
• Support drug enforcement operations through real-time observations and aerial surveillance.
• Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) and exercise authority over flight safety decisions during operations.
• Evaluate terrain, hazards, and operational conditions to support safe tactical deployments; manage aircraft systems during day, night, and adverse-weather operations.
• Provide aerial observation, real-time intelligence, and tactical support to deputies, detectives, and command staff.
• Support ground units during pursuits, searches, perimeter operations, and SWAT activations; maintain radio communication with dispatch, ground units, allied agencies, and aviation command staff.
• Ensure aviation operations comply with FAA regulations, state requirements, and Sheriff’s Office policies.
• Maintain and audit required records, including flight logs, pilot training files, maintenance documentation, and FAA compliance records.
• Oversee documentation for incidents, missions, evidence retention, and video management related to aerial operations.
• Maintain proficiency in emergency procedures, including autorotation, system failures, and night operations; maintain proficiency in advanced flight operations such as low-level flight, nighttime operations, and confined area landings.
• Coordinate and oversee scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance.
• Track Aviation Unit staff training requirements, recurrent training schedules, medical certificates, and proficiency evaluations; assist in training Aviation Unit staff when assigned.
• Support Sheriff’s Office briefing and debriefing processes by preparing mission materials, reviewing data, and distributing reports.
• May supervise Extra Help Sheriff Pilot staff.
• May be called to testify in court.

Education:

Graduation from high school or an acceptable equivalent certificate.

Experience:

Five hundred (500) hours of Pilot-in-Command time, which includes a minimum of fifty (50) hours of night flying.

Special Requirements:

Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license; must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Certification:

Possess one of the following valid and current certificates at the time of appointment and maintain:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine aircraft rating, and possession of at least a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine helicopter rating and sufficient training and proficiency in agency aircraft; Bell 206B, and Bell UH-1h, to be operated under FAR Part 61 Flight Rules.

Desirable:

• Possession of an Instrument Rating.
• Certified Flight Instructor rating with Instrument Instructor rating.
• Prior law enforcement experience or training.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and supervision and training.
• Administration practices of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration pertaining to the use of aviation assets.
• Flight control systems and equipment; terrain, weather, and flying conditions in California.
• Airborne Law Enforcement Operations including surveillance techniques, piloting skills, navigation, safety, maintenance, and training.
• The general geography and topography of Merced County.
• Mountain aircraft flying.
• Basic math to compute weight and balance.
• Basic recordkeeping practices.

Ability to:

• Pilot and patrol urban, rural and mountain areas while maintaining safe flying conditions.
• Effectively supervise, schedule and train subordinate staff.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare and review clear, concise and comprehensive written reports, including detailed and accurate descriptions.
• Work effectively under physical and mental stress and/or pressure, in potentially hazardous situations.
• Analyze situations accurately and adapt quickly and effectively to emergency situations with reasonable courses of action.

• Conduct tactical and administrative law enforcement flight operations during day or night, over all types of terrain, in all types of weather conditions, and in all types of airspace.
• Safely operate aircraft in accordance with federal, state, and local aviation regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records; review records and assess aircraft needs; follow departmental practices and policies.
• Perform the duties of an aircraft Pilot-in-Command under the direction of the Sheriff or his authorized representative.
• Safely operate the aircraft during hours of darkness.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision, and color perception.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Maintain a current FAA medical certificate required for the position and aircraft.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, and through various communication devices and systems.
• Work and exercise good judgment in emergency, hazardous and stressful situations; apply first aid and CPR.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Appropriately represent the County, the Sheriff and the Sheriff’s Office with the community.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
• Work any shift including days, evening, nights, weekends, and holidays; be on stand-by during off-duty hours as assigned and report to duty within 30 minutes, or as otherwise directed by the Sheriff’s Office.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Why Merced County? A message from the CEO: