Chief Sheriff's Pilot

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

• Perform helicopter or fixed-wing pilot/copilot/tactical flight officer duties as a law enforcement officer in support of operational mission requirements that include reconnaissance, surveillance, traffic control, search and rescue, and passenger transport.

• Supervise the work of assigned officers by scheduling, assigning, and reviewing work; provide training, and counseling; and evaluate performance.

• Develop flight plans in accordance with flight manual; operational requirements; and federal, state, and county procedures and regulations.

• Perform preflight and post flight inspections to determine the aircraft's airworthiness including the visual inspection of flight controls, engine, propellers, night vision, and rotor systems.

• Secure aircraft after mission completion; record flight time, damages, and malfunctions in flight logs and maintenance records; prepare reports; and coordinate required maintenance with ground support personnel.

• Maintain aircrew proficiency and certification in accordance with FAA rules and regulations.

• Perform law enforcement deputy duties.

• Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid as required.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of FAA, state, and county laws, rules, and ordinances and operating procedures governing flight operations and aircraft maintenance including air traffic control rules and procedures.

• Considerable knowledge of aircraft operational control including instrumentation, weather, emergency procedures, radio communications, and navigation.

• Working knowledge of the functions, services, procedures, and regulations of assigned unit or department.

• Working knowledge of supervisory functions.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and ordinances pertinent to law enforcement.

• Working knowledge of law enforcement guidelines and criminal investigation methods and techniques.

• Skill in the operation of helicopters and single engine fixed wing aircraft in congested and remote areas and at low altitude ground levels.

• Skill in the use of aircraft computer operated systems to include gyro stabilized infra-red camera systems, microwave downlink, moving map, and airborne recording systems.

• Skill in the use of Aviation Night Vision Systems.

• Skill in the use and care of firearms and other law enforcement related equipment.

• Ability to use aircraft crash survival equipment and techniques.

• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.

• Ability to read maps, flight manuals, and navigational charts.

• Ability to identify and implement in-flight and ground emergency procedures.

• Ability to prepare and maintain flight logs, records, and reports.

• Ability to handle confidential information.

• Ability to follow established procedures.

• Ability to work effectively with others.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to act quickly and correctly in emergencies.

• Ability to pay close attention to detail.

• Ability to enforce the law courteously, tactfully, firmly, and impartially.

• Ability to climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch at ground level.

• Ability to work non-standard duty hours and rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds short distances over rough and/or uneven terrain.

• Ability to swim and tread water wearing a flight suit, boots, and 20 pounds of equipment.

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to work in a subtropical climate under adverse weather conditions and high noise levels.

• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Minimum Education & Experience

• An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education or 60 semester hours/90 quarter hours towards a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

• Possession of a FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot's License and a FAA Class II Flight Medical Certificate from an approved Aviation Medical Examiner.

• Possession of instructor level certification through the FAA.

• Possession of a State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification or ability to take Equivalency of Training (EOT) Course and certification exam.

• Five years of experience as a state, county, or city law enforcement officer.

• Two years of experience instructing law enforcement pilots.

 Additionally, the following is required:

• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

• No visible tattoos on face. Tattoos on hands, neck, or arms must be covered with white, black, or neutral colored covering.

• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

• No felony convictions within lifetime.

• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

• Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.