Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The Chief Pilot leads the Aviation department and is accountable to the SVP, Finance and Controller for the safe conduct of assigned flights in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies. The Chief Pilot may perform the duties of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Second-in-Command (SIC) of a flight. If performing PIC duties on a flight the PIC shall have exclusive and final authority in accordance with CFR 91.3 as to whether or not the aircraft shall proceed to any destination or undertake any flight. The PIC shall not be overruled by any passenger or executive, nor disciplined for well-considered decisions having to do with weather, mechanical condition of the aircraft or other hazards. The PIC will utilize all available resources in making decisions related to flight and ground operations of the aircraft. This position also oversees the hangar facility at Salisbury, MD.

The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $284,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Chief Pilot will take all steps necessary to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign regulations. The Chief Pilot is directly and totally responsible for the safe operation of the company aircraft when performing the duties of the PIC or SIC of a flight.

Leading others using company defined Values, Leadership Behaviors, and Quality policies
Provides leadership and direction for highly motivated professional pilots
Maintains compliance with company policies and procedures
Creates documents to meet the FAA rules and regulations and maintains compliance with FAA rules and regulations and ICAO standards
Manages and develops aircraft operating procedures
Prepares budgets per corporate requirements
Ensures that Flight Operations are maintained in the most up-to-date status
Serves as PIC or SIC on company flights and maintains PIC or SIC duties and responsibilities
Supports and where needed is back up to Scheduler, Line Tech, and limited Maintenance duties
Actively supports established organizational structure, protocol and chain-of-command
Ensure Company aircraft are properly maintained and meet all Federal regulations to be deemed air worthy as well as overseeing the Company Hangar in Salisbury, MD

Minimum Education

REQUIRED:

Meet all regulatory requirements for currency in make and model of the company aircraft (Phenom 300E and King Air)
Holds and maintains an active piloting license
Have a minimum of 4,000 hour’s total PIC time, at least 2,000 hours of which has been in a multijet engine and at least 1,000 hours in a Turbojet such as a King Air 100/200/300 series
Have a minimum of 1,000 hours total time for Second in command; Experience operating multi-engine, turbojet airplanes in the executive air transportation field preferred
Successfully completed and passed the Manufacturer’s approved Gound and Flight school in the past 12 months, with a two-month grace period for scheduling
Have an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate for Captains

PREFERRED: Previous experience as Chief Pilot for a private corporation

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

Position is fairly active as it may require lifting of travel bags onto aircraft and movement of company aircraft with proper equipment.
May need to move equipment or supplies from one place to another within the Company hangar.
May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
Work activity is primarily in a hangar and on an aircraft.