Description
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting applications for the position of Pilot with the Division of Law Enforcement, Aviation Unit. Applicants will be considered who have pilot credentials consisting of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot certificate in airplane or helicopter category with an Instrument rating. It is preferred the applicant possess a Commercial Pilot certificate in both airplane and helicopter. A minimum of 500 hours of Pilot-In-Command time with a Commercial Pilot certificate in airplane or helicopter, with an instrument rating is required. Applicant must possess a valid FAA Class II physical.
[redacted] Law Enforcement Officer certification will be not be required to make application, but attendance at a law enforcement academy and receiving certification will be required as a condition of continued employment. Interviewed applicants selected to move forward in the employment process, will be required to successfully complete a physical abilities test (PAT). Applicants not currently Law Enforcement certified will be required to successfully complete 26 weeks of law enforcement training at the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center in Tallahassee. Previously certified Law Enforcement applicants will be required to complete 8 weeks of agency specific training at the training center related to FWC core missions. Successful completion of 16 weeks of Field Training will also be required after academy graduation.
DUTIES:
This is a highly specialized law enforcement position. The duties of this position require a constituted State Law Enforcement Officer, certified by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, empowered to enforce all the laws of the State with full powers of arrest and the regular bearing of firearms. Additionally, the duties of this position require a Commercial Pilot, certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and with ratings to operate helicopters, or single/multi engine fixed wing, or amphibious fixed wing aircraft, or all of the afore mentioned aircraft. Specialized vessels and land vehicles are also required to be operated as assigned. Responsibilities include the protection of life, limb and property of the people of Florida, enforcing state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to salt and fresh water fish, wildlife, boating safety and to perform other duties as assigned. The position requires the investigation of alleged violations of resource laws, boating/hunting accidents, seizure of evidence, making arrests, and testifying in court. This position assists other agencies upon request in controlling and securing areas during civil disturbances, natural disaster, fires, etc. The position may be cross-deputized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s, National Marine Fisheries Service. This position is subject to call out twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Performs daily law enforcement patrol of assigned areas. This patrol will be performed using aircraft as an aerial observation platform, to detect violations of law, protect the people, and preserve the resources of Florida. Emphasis will be placed on enforcement of state and federal laws related to fisheries, wildlife, and boating safety. Patrol will be conducted over land, lakes, and open water such as the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, to support enforcement efforts. Patrol will be conducted during daylight or darkness depending upon the activities prevalent. A response to incidents and emergency situations will be made, with the appropriate action taken. Violations of law will be enforced by witnessing the elements of the crime, directing law enforcement officers to the perpetrator, identify him, and provide factual information to effect his apprehension, arrest, and prosecution. Regulated activities, recreational and commercial, will be communicated to enforcement personnel in support of planning. A working knowledge of geographic landmarks, lakes, rivers, waterways, lagoons, bays, and oceans will be developed so position may be documented, others may be directed to locations, and a response may be made to directed locations.
Specialized equipment, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, will be utilized to navigate and to document position. Aviators Night Vision Imaging System (NVG) and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) will be utilized, when available and appropriate as an aid and for documentation. Search and rescue will be performed. Crimes, crime scenes, and accident scenes, will be investigated by aerial observation for the purpose of gathering facts and evidence to be used in solving crimes, prosecuting suspects, and otherwise disposing of incidents as dictated by enforcement efforts. Aerial security for state property, government officials, and dignitaries will be provided as directed. Aerial assistance will be provided in civil disturbance, natural disaster, and public assemblies as dictated. Aerial support for FWC supported programs will be provided as dictated by the agency. Training currency will be conducted as required by the FAA and proficiency as required by the Aviation Unit Flight Operations Manual. Aircraft and other assigned equipment will be operated safely and effectively at all times in accordance with current Federal Aviation Administration regulations, [redacted] Statues, Division of Law Enforcement policies, the Aviation Unit Flight Operations Manual and the aircraft manufacturer’s instructions as may be applicable for the type of equipment utilized.
Prior to daily flight, approved aviation weather brief will be received that is inclusive of the area which is planned to be patrolled.
There will be constant communication, written and oral, with law enforcement personnel for areas that need to be patrolled and the reporting of activities that have been observed or lack of activities so that the general law enforcement effort can be efficient. A pre-flight inspection and servicing of the aircraft will be done according to the aircraft manufacturer or official procedure for that aircraft prior to use. A post-flight inspection will be done and any discrepancies noted that have occurred during the flight and if those discrepancies need repair prior to further flight. Aircraft logbooks will be examined for required and correct entries made by maintenance mechanics, or approved repair stations as required by FAA and department regulations. A condition of readiness will be maintained for the aircraft at all times, unless the aircraft is in maintenance for inspection or repair.
When assigned aircraft are out of service due to maintenance, repair, or during times of inclement weather or there is a specific need, normal law enforcement functions will be performed. Patrols public and private lands and waters of the state using a variety of specialized equipment while enforcing laws, rules, and regulations to protect and preserve the fish and wildlife resources and the citizens of the state. Emphasis will be placed on the enforcement of state and federal laws related to fisheries, wildlife, and boating safety. Enforcement actions will include: Identification and apprehension of suspected violators, investigation of related crimes, crime scenes and accident scenes, for the purpose of gathering witness testimony and physical evidence to be used in prosecuting suspects and completing investigations.
Employ specific measures to gain voluntary compliance through public contact and education. Attend required training as mandated by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Division. Participation in routine patrol, both on the ground or on the water, with local officers is performed to build local knowledge, provide information sharing and a greater understanding of area needs.
Participates in and supports the legal process of arrest and prosecution of crimes through written reports, conferring with fellow officers, prosecuting attorneys, and testimony in court. Properly prepares and completes all applicable department forms and documents such as but not limited to; flight logs, investigative reports, arrest citations, affidavits, written warnings, incident/summary reports, property receipts, property releases, and other paperwork that may be required by the Commission, Division, State Attorney’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, or any other entity having jurisdiction of criminal or civil prosecution. Properly documents time worked, activities conducted, and administrative reports, forms and documents required by the Commission, Division, State and Federal procedures and regulations.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: MUST RESIDE WITHIN 25 MILES OF EITHER THE:
Monroe County – The Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH)
Collier County - Naples Municipal Airport (APF)
Lee County – Page Field Airport (FMY)
Dade County – Miami Executive Airport (TMB)
Charlotte County – Charlotte County Airport (PGD)
The [redacted] is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center ([redacted]). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The [redacted] supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.