County of Alameda

Under general direction, to operate a fixed wing, helicopter or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to perform various airborne law enforcement functions and provide aerial related support to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The classification of Sheriff’s Office Pilot is a civilian, non-peace officer position located in the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division which encompasses fixed wing, helicopter and UAV operations. Incumbents report to the Chief Pilot and are responsible for operating aircraft and providing aerial support in the performance of law enforcement, search and rescue activities or surveillance in a multi-person crew environment. This classification is distinguished from the Sheriff’s Office Chief Pilot classification in that the latter is responsible for coordinating and supervising the use of aviation assets and personnel.

NOTE:    The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Performs the duties of pilot in command, co-pilot or safety pilot for fixed wing, helicopter, or UAV aerial missions in a multi-person crew environment.
2. Conducts ground training, flight training and evaluations for pilots, law enforcement observers, safety pilots and tactical flight personnel.
3. Performs routine inspections to ensure aviation assets remain mission ready including pre-flight inspections and cleaning.
4. Maintains written and computerized logs, aircraft and pilot records to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other federal or agency guidelines.  
5. Coordinates with Sheriff’s Office management and supervisors on the use of aviation assets and personnel.

Experience:

Completion of a minimum of 1000 hours total flight time, including 500 as pilot-in-command for assigned aircraft.

License:

• Possession of a valid Commercial Pilot certificate with an Instrument Rating and applicable associated endorsements for assigned aircraft.
• Must possess and maintain a current FAA Class II medical certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.  

Special Requirement:  

All candidates must successfully pass a complete background investigation.

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Example of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws pertaining to the use of aviation assets.
• Regulations of the Department of Transportation and the FAA.
• Airborne Law Enforcement Operations, including surveillance techniques, piloting skills, navigation, safety and training.
• Operating and maintaining moving map and imaging equipment.
• Search, rescue, and surveillance as it pertains to aviation assets.  

Ability to:

• Operate aviation assets safely.
• Conduct tactical and administrative law enforcement flight operations during the day or night, over all types of terrain, in all types of weather conditions, and in all types of airspace.
• Assimilate generally accepted law enforcement techniques, procedures and methodologies.
• Work effectively and efficiently in a multi-person crew environment, with other departmental personnel, law enforcement or government agencies.
• Exercise good judgment in emergency and stressful situations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

NewSpec

SK:sa 04/17/2020

CSC Date: 05/06/2020

EL:sa Revised 04/07/2021

CSC Date: 04/21/2021