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Job Description Summary Department - Sheriff's Department Job Description Job Type: Unclassified Job Classification: 1291 - Pilot - Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing Salary Grade: 15 Pay Range Hiring Range: $33.14 - $39.77 Per Hour Pay Range: $33.14 - $46.40 Per Hour Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. This position is specifically for a Fixed-Wing Pilot assignment within the Sheriff’s Department Air Unit, operating a Cessna 208 in support of law enforcement missions. The Fixed Wing Pilot position will primarily be assigned to a four-day work week on a swing shift and will rotate between days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. On-call availability and reassignment to other shifts or posts may occur at management’s discretion. Duties include, but are not limited to, coordinating with a tactical flight deputy operating the FLIR camera system and deputies on the ground. As part of this role, pilots will be exposed to sensitive and potentially disturbing and/or violent situations, including crime scenes or deceased individuals. As part of the selection process, candidates will be required to: Present flight logbooks for review during the oral board interview. Upon successfully passing the oral board interview, participate in ride-alongs in the Cessna 208. Ride-alongs are conducted both to provide candidates with firsthand experience of the assignment and to allow the Department to assess the candidate’s fit for the role prior to any job offer. If hired, training will be provided, and the candidate will be required to: Learn and apply department ten codes and supplemental codes for effective police radio communication. Develop proficiency in supporting law enforcement strategies for apprehending fleeing suspects, working closely as a team with the assigned observer. Failure to demonstrate the ability to perform these duties may result in dismissal from employment. Candidates are encouraged to provide a comprehensive application that clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications as well as any of the preferred qualifications listed. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor. Serves as pilot-in-command (PIC) operating fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft, primarily during nighttime, in support of law enforcement, search and rescue, surveillance, and emergency missions; Ensures safe flight operations by conducting thorough pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections, completing flight risk assessments, and maintaining strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aviation safety standards, and departmental policies; May develop and follow detailed flight plans; coordinates with air traffic control, ground units, and command staff; Operates mission-specific equipment such as forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems to support airborne law enforcement and investigative missions; Transports personnel, detainees, and critical equipment securely and efficiently; Maintains accurate flight records, logs, and maintenance documentation; Identifies and reports aircraft maintenance and safety issues to ensure operational readiness; Assists with minor maintenance, aircraft cleaning, hangar upkeep, refueling, and the stocking of parts and supplies to ensure operational readiness. Participates in training exercises, drills, and continuing education to maintain flight proficiency and certifications; Assists in developing operational procedures and safety protocols for aviation missions; Maintains the security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties; Participating in Department-sanctioned public events/demonstrations, which may include speaking to the public/media regarding aviation. Minimum Qualifications: FOR FIXED WING - High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) from an accredited institution AND current and valid Commercial Pilot’s License for airplane single engine land and multiengine land AND current flight review AND meet currency requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations 61.57 (a)(b)(c). FOR ROTARY WING - High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) from an accredited institution AND current and valid Commercial Pilot’s License with rotorcraft-helicopter rating AND current flight review AND meet currency requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations 61.57 (a)(b)(c) AND must have 2,000 hours rotary wing flight experience INCLUDING 1,000 hours turbine helicopter PIC, 100 hours in Airbus H125 (or equivalent AS350 series) PIC, 100 hours of night flight, and documented experience conducting search and rescue operations utilizing external load or hoist equipment. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application. Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.): Experience with/knowledge of using Garmin G1000 systems. Minimum of 750 hours fixed wing flight experience. Minimum of 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC). Minimum of 100 hours Cessna 208 Pilot in Command (PIC) or equivalent. Minimum of 100 hours multiengine Pilot in Command (PIC). Minimum of 100 hours of night flight experience. Possess a valid Certified Flight Instructor's rating. Previous law enforcement experience. Selection Procedure: Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information: Licenses and Certifications: All positions require current and valid Class II FAA Medical Certificate along with a FAA Commercial Pilot Certification with instrument rating and ratings appropriate for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft. Access to airfields and airports will require additional screening or clearances as mandated by the FAA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or local airport authorities. Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Pre-/post-appointment drug screening is required, and polygraph examinations may be required, for all positions due to the need for access as described above. Physical/Sensory Work Requirements: Must be able to distinguish colors, detect smoke within the cockpit, and detect warning devices when working around equipment and within aircraft; Frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds; Occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; Frequently push, pull, and tow aircraft using manual and mechanical means; Frequently bend, crouch, kneel, and reach to conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections; Frequently climb ladders, steps, and aircraft structures to access aircraft components; Sit for extended periods while operating aircraft; Operate hand tools, fueling equipment, and aircraft ground support equipment; Must have vision correctable to 20/20 (near and distant), with normal color vision and depth perception; Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate clearly over aviation radios, intercoms, and law enforcement communications equipment; Must be able to operate aircraft while wearing and using personal protective equipment including night vision goggles, aviation helmets/headsets, and flight suits; Maintain alertness and sustained concentration for extended periods during night operations. Working Conditions: All positions are required to work rotating shifts, which include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as on-call, and to work an assigned post that can be rotated/reassigned at management’s discretion; Frequently operates aircraft during nighttime hours, including extended flights over mountainous, desert, and heavily populated urban terrain; Frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions, including excessive heat, cold, high winds, precipitation, and low visibility; Frequently exposed to aviation hazards including propeller/jet blast, noise, vibration, moving vehicles, and rotating machinery; Frequently exposed to stressful and volatile law enforcement situations, including airborne pursuit of fleeing suspects and search and rescue operations; May be exposed to biohazards, hazardous chemicals, fuel, and exhaust fumes during aircraft inspections and refueling; Frequently works in and around law enforcement personnel, suspects, prisoners, and members of the public; May be required to work extended hours or remain on duty for prolonged periods during critical incidents or special operations. EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.