Examples of Duties

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to 25 hours a week.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operate a single-pilot aircraft over all types of terrain and in varied weather conditions pursuant to applicable FAA regulations, Department of Transportation, and other regulations governing civil aircraft movements.
Perform a variety of assignments as directed by the Sheriff or his authorized representative, including but not limited to airborne law enforcement missions, search and rescue and assisting with firefighting activities.
Perform daily routine maintenance duties to ensure the aircraft remains mission ready, including pre-flight inspections and cleaning; recognize the need and makes arrangement for the performance of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance by monitoring maintenance personnel, tracking flight hours, and reviewing logs and records.
Perform administrative duties as assigned by the Unit Supervisor; maintain written and computerized flight logs, aircraft, and pilot records to comply with FAA regulations and other federal guidelines; maintain flight and training currency requirements as required by policy, regulation and/or law.
Operate County motor vehicles and work with other crewmembers to keep the hangar in an orderly fashion.
Participate in law enforcement and search and rescue training; assist in training flight crewmembers in tactical flight operations in the Sheriff's aircraft.
Attends training as assigned, keep up-to-date on aircraft pilot issues and maintain qualifications and proficiency in aircraft operations.
May oversee the work of contractors performing services related to the aircraft; may direct the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving the aircraft.
May be called to testify in court.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

License:

Possess a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment and maintain.

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 the ability to obtain certificate in Robinson R44 per SFAR No. 73 to Part 61, and /or Huey UH-1H.

Desirable:

Possession of an Instrument Rating.
Certified Flight Instructor rating with Instrument Instructor rating.
Prior law enforcement experience or training.

Essential Functions

Safely operate aircraft in accordance with federal, state, and local aviation regulations, policies and procedures.
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, with and without the use of night vision goggles, and learn local geography.
Maintain accurate records; review records and assess aircraft needs; learn and follow departmental practices and policies.
Work effectively and efficiently with departmental personnel and other external contacts; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; promote good public relations including making oral presentations.
Work and exercise good judgment in emergency, hazardous and stressful situations; apply first aid and CPR.
Meet requirements to maintain FAA license, currency, and perform the essential functions of the position.
Perform duties under stressful conditions.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standard and/or County regulations.
Effectively represent the County, Sheriff and Department with the community.
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 Department.
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.

Knowledge of:

Safe aircraft operating procedures, Department of Transportation, FAA, and other regulations governing civil aircraft movements.
Flight control systems and equipment; terrain, weather, and flying conditions in California.
The general geography and topography of Merced County.
Mountain aircraft flying.
Minor maintenance and repair of aircraft.
Basic math to compute weight and balance.
Basic recordkeeping practices.

Ability to:

Maintain possession of a Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot License with Rotorcraft/Helicopter rating.
Pilot and patrol urban, rural and mountain areas while maintaining safe flying conditions.
Interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze situations and adopt effective course of action during emergencies.
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.