Sheriff Pilot

Merced County; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County is seeking a qualified Pilot to support the Sheriff’s Office aviation unit across day and night operations. You will pilot aircraft, supervise staff, and coordinate maintenance while ensuring FAA compliance during high-stakes missions.

Requirements include 500 PIC hours with 50 night hours, a valid California driver's license, a comprehensive background check, and current FAA certificates suitable for agency aircraft (single engine or helicopter as applicable).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license; background check required.
• FAA certificates: Commercial Pilot with single engine aircraft or Airline Transport Pilot; or helicopter rating with relevant training.

Responsibilities

• Pilot Sheriff’s Office aircraft in support of law enforcement, search- and-rescue, emergency response, and other activities.
• Provide aerial observation, real-time intelligence, and tactical support to deputies and command staff.
• May supervise Extra Help Sheriff Pilot staff and may testify in court.
• Ensure aviation operations comply with FAA regulations and Sheriff’s Office policies.
• Maintain and audit flight logs, training files, maintenance documentation, and FAA compliance records.

Skills

Pilot in command

Staff supervision

Flight operations

Emergency response

Aerial surveillance

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.