Sheriff's Helicopter Pilot

Salary : $120,088.80 - $146,238.56 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-U6E-A
Department: Sheriff Services
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01

Description
Under direction, operates a helicopter and provides aerial support in the performance of law enforcement, search and rescue activities, and medical evacuations; and conducts routine maintenance inspections of the helicopter.
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Typical Tasks
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.

• Pilots a helicopter over all types of terrain and in varied weather conditions, pursuant to applicable FAA regulations, in support of general law enforcement for protection of life and property, prevention and suppression of crime, and the apprehension of law violators;

• Provides airborne support for missions, including patrol and aerial search and rescue, surveillance and intelligence gathering, and support of marijuana detection/eradication operations;

• Performs routine inspections to ensure helicopters remain mission ready, including pre-flight inspections and cleaning; tracks helicopter flight hours and use to determine schedule for preventative maintenance;

• Transports personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions;

• Maintains written and computerized flight logs and aircraft and pilot records to comply with FAA regulations and other federal guidelines;

• Checks and tests the operating efficiency of radio communications and other auxiliary equipment on the helicopter;

• Prepares performance and activity reports and initiates requisitions for supplies and repairs;

• Participates in public safety drills and training activities;

• Keeps abreast of and complies with FAA and FCC rules and regulations;

• May operate the helicopter in support of other government services and activities, such as civil defense operations, surveillance of storm damage and watershed areas, parking and street system studies, aerial photography, transporting public officials and other dignitaries, etc.;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a high school diploma or equivalent,
and
Completion of 2,000 hours of Rotorcraft/Helicopter Pilot in Command, 500 hours of which must be mountain flying and 500 hours of which must be in a turbine powered helicopter.
Airbus H120 experience and experience in night flying both with and without night vision goggles is desirable.
Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating or valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating;

• Possession of a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class I or Class II Medical Certificate issued by an authorized medical examiner (AME);

• Successfully pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history;

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization;

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Helicopter operating procedures;

• FAA and other regulations governing civil aircraft movements;

• Flight control systems and equipment;

• Mountain helicopter flying;

• Precision vertical reference long-line flying;

• Minor maintenance and repair of helicopters;

• Basic math to compute hauling weights;

• Basic recordkeeping practices;

• Safety hazards and precautions;

• Local geography, topography, and area weather conditions;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Maintain FAA license;

• Safely operate a helicopter, including during the hours of darkness and in severe weather conditions;

• Make tactical decisions and exercise good judgment in emergency situations;

• Maintain accurate records;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Follow written and oral instructions;

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

Physical Requirements

• Work in hazardous and stressful conditions;

• Work any shift, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; and work irregular hours;

• Be on standby during off-duty hours as assigned and report to duty within 60 minutes.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than High School or GED
• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03

New hires must successfully pass the pre-employment criminal background check. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

How many hours of Rotorcraft/Helicopter Pilot in Command have you completed?
Please attach proof including any flight logs you possess.
If none, type "N/A".
05

Describe your Rotorcraft/Helicopter Pilot in Command experience. Include your employer names, job titles, job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type, "N/A".
06

If you possess Rotorcraft/Helicopter Pilot in Command experience, how many hours of that was mountain flying?
Please attach proof including any flight logs you possess.
If none, type "N/A".
07

Describe your mountain flying experience. Include your employer names, job titles, job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type, "N/A".
08

If you possess Rotorcraft/Helicopter Pilot in Command experience, how many hours of that was in a turbine powered helicopter?
Please attach proof including any flight logs you possess.
If none, type "N/A".
09

Describe your turbine powered helicopter experience. Include your employer names, job titles, job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type, "N/A".
10

Do you possess Airbus H120 experience? If yes, please attach proof including any flight logs you possess.

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• More than five years

11

Describe your Airbus H120 flying experience. Include employer names, job titles, job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type, "N/A".
12

Do you possess night flying experience, both with and without night vision goggles? If yes, please attach proof including any flight logs you possess.

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

13

Please describe your night flying experience, both with and without night vision goggles. Include employer names, job titles, job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If none, type, "N/A".
14

Do you possess a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating or valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating? If yes, please attach proof to your application.

• Yes
• No

15

Do you possess a valid and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class I or Class II Medical Certificate issued by an authorized medical examiner (AME)? If yes, please attach your certificate to your application.

• Yes
• No

16

Do you possess experience performing minor maintenance and repair of helicopters?

• Yes
• No

17

Please describe your experience performing minor maintenance and repair of helicopters.
Responses must include the following required information: Your job title(s), employer name(s), start/end date(s), hours worked per week and a detailed description of tasks performed. If none, type "N/A".

18

How many years of experience do you possess keeping records?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

19

Please describe your experience keeping records.
Please include what you took record of and what tools you used to keep records.

Responses must include the following required information: Your job title(s), employer name(s), start/end date(s), hours worked per week and a detailed description of tasks performed. If none, type "N/A".

20

New hires must successfully pass the pre-employment criminal background check. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

21

How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• Handshake
• Student Career Center
• County Text Message
• County Career Newsletter
• Other (Specify in the next question)
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed

Required Question