Commission Surveillance Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $43.31 - $67.13 Hourly
Location : Countywide, AZ
Job Type: Full Time - Non Exempt
Job Number: 202600262
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
Role
Under minimal supervision, operates helicopters in emergency evacuations, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies, as required.
Major Duties, Responsibilities

• As pilot in command, operates rotary wing aircraft in support of public safety missions, including surveillance, patrol, pursuit, search and rescue, aerial photography, and transport of personnel. Performs specialized maneuvers, one-skid landing, external load/short-haul operations, night, and mountain flying.
• Evaluates requests for air support.
• Schedules flight plans in connection with flight missions.
• Inspects, tests, and maintains aircraft and all mission-related equipment.
• Cleans aircraft, unit quarters, and hangar.
• Performs pre- and post-flight inspections.
• Plans flights, loads passengers, baggage, and cargo, and analyzes weather conditions.
• Maintains logs and records, as required, and prepares written reports.
• Operates aircraft tug, tractor, and/or ground handling equipment.
• Coordinates pilot training programs and maintains training records.
• Trains pilots on various safety and aviation procedures and issues.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
High school diploma or GED.
Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of flying time as pilot in command in helicopters, of which 1,000 hours must be in turbine engine helicopters.
A minimum of 100 hours must have been within the 24-month period immediately prior to the application date.
Additional Requirements:
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
Must have possession of a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument Helicopter.By the starting date, must be a resident of the State of Arizona.
Must meet all applicable FAA requirements and be in good standing.
Must hold at least a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
Other Skills
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Weather systems regarding aircraft operations.
• Aircraft systems and operations, aerial navigation and maintenance regarding normal operating
• procedures, limitations, and emergency procedures.3. Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, Departmental General Orders, Aviation Bureau Standard Operating Procedures and Aviation Unit Special Procedures.
• Aircraft ground handling procedures.
• Geography, topography, and climate regarding the State of Arizona.
• Maintenance test flight procedures.
• Department radio procedures.
• Aerodynamics and the fundamentals of flight regarding aircraft.
• Federal Communications Commission Regulations.
• Aviation fuel quality assurance testing procedures.
• Rescue procedures.
• Aeromedical operations.
• Flight scheduling procedures.
• Crisis management techniques and procedures.
• Basic aircraft maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Coordinated search patterns.
• Principles and practices of supervision.

Skill in:

• Oral communication.
• Written communication to complete required reports and records.
• The operation of ground vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles, fuel trucks, fuel pumps, aircraft etc.).
• The use of aircraft flight logs.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret aviation and weather maps.
• Perform operations under highly stressful or emergency conditions.
• Work independently.
• Compute basic mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Read and interpret written material of moderate difficulty.
• Prioritize flight missions.
• Operate Heliwagon.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:
The work environment is indoors and outdoors in varying weather and inclement conditions. Requires the ability to maintain mental and physical readiness required by the FAA.
Must have the flexibility to work any hours, including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, callouts, and overtime.
Must be willing to work in varying climates, temperatures, and weather conditions.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Additional Job Information:
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 19
Classification: At-Will
Safety Sensitive: No
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Yavapai County Government offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to
Full-Time employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes but is not limited to:
• 10 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Annual Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Plans
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
ELECTIVE COVERAGE
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Dependent Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
PLEASE NOTE
• Part-Time, Temporary and Seasonal employees accrue Sick Leave based on hours worked.
• Part-Time employees have limited benefits available.
• Temporary and Seasonal employees are not eligible to accrue Annual Leave.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a minimum of 2,000 hours of flying time as pilot in command in helicopters, of which 1,000 hours must be in turbine engine helicopters. A minimum of 100 hours must have been within the 24-month period immediately prior to the application date.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have possession of a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument Helicopter?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you or will you be a resident of the State of Arizona?

• Yes
• I will be a resident of the State of Arizona by the starting date.
• No

05
You must meet all applicable FAA requirements and be in good standing.

• I acknowledge my understanding of this requirement.

06
Do you hold at least a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate?

• Yes
• No

07
I agree to accept text messages for the purposes of employment such as appointments, document requests, and employment related reminders. Answer "YES" to accept or "NO" to decline.

• Yes
• No

08
Are you willing to work shift work to include, day or night shift, rotating shifts, various days off, holidays, and weekends?

• Yes
• No

Required Question