Air Operations Section - Fixed Wing Pilot/Instructor

The HCSO Air Operations Section conducts law enforcement air support operations to support other divisions of the department, as well as law enforcement and emergency operations in the greater Harris County Region.

• The applicant will be required to fly at a minimum of 20 hours a week at the Houston Ship Channel, along with numerous other patrol-oriented duties in support of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Essential Physical Job Requirements:

• Prior experience as a law enforcement pilot. (If no previous law enforcement pilot experience, it will be at the discretion of the Chief Pilot to determine, on a case-by-case basis, if the candidate is capable of filling the position)
• Must have a valid FAA Commercial Pilot certificate for the category and type of aircraft to be flown. 
• FAA Commercial License for a minimum single-engine airplane
• Must have at least a current and valid FAA Class II medical certificate
• Fly and satisfactorily pass a proficiency flight check with the HCSO Chief Pilot in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office fixed-wing airplane (Cirrus Fixed Wing SR-22 or Cessna 182P).
• 1000 hours Total Time in Fixed Wing Aircraft.
• For CFI, at least 3 students passing their check-ride.  
• Must be able to train our TFOs to fly and be flexible with their schedule to meet the unit's training needs.

• Application process
• The FAA physical
• Background investigation
• Interview
• AOS Chief Pilot’s final review of performance

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing work conditions, and possess physical and mental stamina to work for extended periods.
• Be able to maintain a level of fitness conducive to safely fitting in the aircraft, avoid interfering with sensitive flight controls, and not negatively impact aircraft weight and balance requirements.
• Have proficient report writing skills and communicate effectively.
• Have a history of being a team player and self-motivator, and have a proven record of integrity, responsibility, good judgment, and remaining calm in situations involving severe physiological and psychological stress.

• Department and Aircraft Operations Division policies and procedures
• Aircraft safety

• Making quick, ethical decisions; having good oral and written communication skills; possessing interpersonal abilities; and being adept at planning and organizing tasks and required documents

• React calmly to display leadership in emergencies; to evaluate and make sound decisions regarding flight conditions; and to work effectively and efficiently with a co-pilot, other departmental personnel, other federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel, and the general public
• Work in cold & hot environments while wearing fire-retardant flight suits 
• Work varying shifts with adjustable hours and days off with possible overtime, including call-outs

• FAA Commercial Helicopter License with Instrument rating is preferred 
• Cirrus SR-22 Experience/Cessna 182P Currency
• Instrument Rated
• CFI/CFII- Fixed Wing and/ or Helicopter.
• Experience as a law enforcement Officer

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

This role is sedentary; however, the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is necessary to lift files and/or boxes of files, documents, etc.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

This is a full-time position.  Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.     Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.