Skydive Jump Pilot

SKYDIVE SURFCITY - SANTA CRUZ; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Employee discounts

Training & development

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

SKYDIVE SURFCITY - SANTA CRUZ is seeking a dependable, safety-minded Lead Jump Pilot to join our operations at Watsonville Airport. This role involves flying Cessna aircraft to support skydiving and parachuting operations while ensuring professionalism and care in all interactions.

The ideal candidate will have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, strong communication skills, and a safety-first mindset. Duties include completing aircraft inspections and playing a vital role in operational readiness on weekends.

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate required.
• Instrument rating preferred.
• High-performance endorsement required or ability to obtain before operating applicable aircraft.
• Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience preferred.
• Reliable Friday through Monday availability strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fly Cessna jump operations safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
• Support safe, timely, and professional jump operations.
• Complete aircraft preflight and postflight inspections.
• Fuel aircraft and help manage fuel readiness.
• Log tach time and daily flight records accurately.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Safety-first mindset

Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience

Jump pilot experience

Education

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate

Current FAA Medical Certificate

Tools

Cessna 182

Cessna 206

Job description

Benefits

• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Career advancement opportunities in aviation
• Meaningful flight time in real-world Cessna jump operations
• Competitive per-load compensation with scheduled-day minimums
• Hands‑on aircraft operations experience
• Coastal airport environment at Watsonville Airport
• Team‑focused, safety‑first skydiving operation
• Opportunity to grow into a trusted lead pilot role

Job Summary

Skydive Surf City, dba Skydive Santa Cruz, is looking for a dependable, safety‑minded Lead Jump Pilot / Aircraft Operations Lead to join our Cessna skydiving operation at Watsonville Airport.

This role involves flying our Cessna 182 Supercharged and Cessna U206 in support of skydiving and parachuting operations. We are looking for someone who wants to build meaningful flight time, sharpen real‑world decision‑making, and become a key part of a respected coastal aviation team.

Our pilot is one of the most visible and important people in the day’s flow. Crew, customers, students, participants, spectators, airport personnel, and other tenants all look to the pilot as a leader. We are proud of our reputation at Watsonville Airport and are looking for someone who represents the aircraft, the dropzone, and the skydiving community with professionalism and care.

Schedule

Primary commitment is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Our airport schedule allows us to fly from 8:00 AM until sunset, though the actual rhythm varies by day, weather, and season. Typically we begin around 11:00 AM and conclude flight ops within 4‑6 hours. Fridays and Mondays often begin closer to midday. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be fuller flying days as the season builds.

Compensation

Compensation is structured as:

• $35 per completed jump flight/load.
• Additional approved aircraft operations, aircraft care, or maintenance‑support duties may be paid hourly when arranged in advance.

The scheduled‑day is intended for active operational support. If flying is delayed due to weather, volume, or operational needs, the pilot may be assigned aircraft operations duties such as aircraft washing, hangar organization, fuel checks, log updates, squawk tracking, or maintenance‑readiness tasks.

Responsibilities

• Fly Cessna jump operations safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
• Support safe, timely, and professional jump operations.
• Complete aircraft preflight and postflight inspections.
• Fuel aircraft and help manage fuel readiness.
• Keep aircraft clean, organized, and professionally presented.
• Log tach time and daily flight records accurately and 100‑hour inspection tracking.
• Provide excellent customer service and professional acknowledgment to crew, customers, jumpers, spectators, and airport personnel.
• Build positive working relationships with Watsonville Airport staff, tenants, and aviation neighbors.

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate required.
• Instrument rating preferred.
• High‑performance endorsement required or ability to obtain before operating applicable aircraft.
• Current FAA Medical Certificate required.
• Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience preferred.
• Jump pilot experience preferred but not required for the right candidate.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Safety‑first mindset required.
• Reliable Friday through Monday availability strongly preferred.
• Willingness to support aircraft care, fuel systems, hangar organization, and daily operational readiness.

If you are safe, coachable, reliable, proud of the aircraft, good with people, and excited to help keep a skydiving operation moving, we would love to hear from you.