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Drug Enforcement Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug ... The incumbent pilots an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter in support of law enforcement duties, including ...

NY · On-site

Monitor and enforce compliance with safety protocols and aviation regulations. * Serve as the ... Able to pass a FAA/Military Pilot Background Check and mandatory drug and alcohol screen. * A ...

Monitor and enforce compliance with safety protocols and aviation regulations. * Serve as the ... Able to pass a FAA/Military Pilot Background Check and mandatory drug and alcohol screen. * A ...

Clean FAA record with no prior accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions. * Must be fluent in ... Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background ...

Clean FAA record with no prior accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions. * Must be fluent in ... Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background ...

Clean FAA record with no prior accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions. * Must be fluent in ... Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background ...

... Enforce company standards and promote safe operating practices. * Provide clear, effective ... Must participate in CAE's DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program * Must be authorized to live/work in ...

New

NY · On-site

Enforce company standards and promote safe operating practices. * Provide clear, effective ... Must participate in CAE's DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program * Must be authorized to live/work in ...

New

Enforce company standards and promote safe operating practices. * Provide clear, effective ... Must participate in CAE's DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program * Must be authorized to live/work in ...

New

Executing temporary manufacturing deviations and pilot products * Completion of all necessary ... Must pass a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) background check. Preferred Knowledge/Skills, Education ...

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Drug Enforcement Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do drug enforcement pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug enforcement pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug enforcement pilot?

Drug Enforcement Pilots are specialized pilots who work for agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assist in combating drug trafficking. Their primary duties include flying surveillance, reconnaissance, and transport missions to support law enforcement operations. They use their aviation skills to monitor suspects, gather intelligence, and sometimes transport agents or evidence. These pilots play a crucial role in disrupting illegal drug activities by providing aerial support and real-time information to ground teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug enforcement pilot?

To excel as a Drug Enforcement Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot's license, and experience in law enforcement or military aviation. Familiarity with surveillance technology, night vision systems, and secure communication equipment is typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring mission safety, effective surveillance, and successful interdiction operations in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges drug enforcement pilots face during joint operations with law enforcement agencies?

Drug Enforcement Pilots often work closely with multiple law enforcement teams, including ground agents and other aviation units. A key challenge is maintaining clear and constant communication to coordinate aerial surveillance with ground activities, ensuring both safety and mission success. Pilots must also adapt quickly to changing mission parameters and challenging weather or terrain conditions. Flexibility, situational awareness, and strong teamwork skills are essential to successfully navigate these complex, fast-paced operations.

What is the difference between Drug Enforcement Pilot vs Drug Enforcement Officer?

AspectDrug Enforcement PilotDrug Enforcement Officer
Required CredentialsCommercial pilot license, drug enforcement trainingLaw enforcement certification, drug investigation training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airports, remote locationsField, police stations, community areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, aviation authoritiesLaw enforcement agencies, federal or local police

The Drug Enforcement Pilot primarily operates aircraft to support drug interdiction efforts, requiring aviation credentials and specialized training. In contrast, the Drug Enforcement Officer conducts ground investigations, arrests, and surveillance, requiring law enforcement certifications. Both roles serve in drug enforcement but differ significantly in work environment and specific skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Enforcement Pilot jobs?

For Drug Enforcement Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drug Enforcement Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC • On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits
This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Special Operations Division, Homeland Security Bureau (HSB). The purpose of this position is to operate a helicopter in the performance and support of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring and reporting as well as the timely dissemination of information to involved law enforcement units.
The incumbent pilots an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter in support of law enforcement duties, including the protection of life and property, prevention and apprehension of law violators.
This Helicopter Pilot position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following:
  • The incumbent in command of the aircraft is the final authority to the safe operation of the aircraft, interpreting weather reports from the National Weather Service and other weather reporting services to determine altitude, deviation from the planned route and determining a flight route to ensure safety.
  • Assists ground units and provides airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and rescue missions, surveillance and information gathering.
  • Operates as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for high-risk and dynamic aviation missions, providing critical air support for real-time tactical surveillance, fleeing suspect tracking, executive protection, major event overwatch (such as inaugurations and marches), search and rescue operations in both urban and wooded environments, and aerial assistance for perimeter security and crowd control during large-scale public events.
  • Executes flights in complex Class B, Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) airspace with enhanced security protocols, FAA coordination, and interagency communication.
  • Conducts flight missions during day and night-time conditions to search for subjects; identifies police locations; and searches for suspects and critical missing persons. Utilizes Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems to conduct operations in total darkness and/or limited visibility environments.
  • Transports personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions, including Emergency Response Team (ERT), K-9, Dive Team, Crime Scene Search, or other departmental personnel as needed.
  • Provides live video downlink to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) or other command centers as well as small size mobile receivers.
  • Maintains written and computerized flight logs and pilot records in compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), unit standard operating procedures, and other agencies as necessary.
  • Reads and keeps abreast of publications and airworthiness directives from the FAA. Makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operations based on information and directives. Provides direct support to vehicle pursuits from the aircraft, which allows supervisors to manage the pursuit under departmental guidelines. Conducts aerial searches of the Washington, DC area to locate suspects that have gone in hiding in a particular area.
  • Periodically conducts river and traffic observations of major thoroughfares to include, snow emergencies, highway accidents, utility road work, waterways, etc. Observes and reports roadway conditions that are severely impeding traffic. When app ropriate contacts the Department of Public Works and other local agencies or jurisdictions to advise of traffic impediments.
  • Works with law enforcement officials from other District and Federal government agencies, state and local jurisdictions. Serves as a liaison with air traffic control facilities and the Transportation Security Administration as necessary.
  • Subject to testify in a court of law.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Licensures, Certifications and other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Rotor Craft Pilot license with an Instrument Rating. (Must provide proof of license).
Must possess and maintain a current FAA 2nd Class or higher Medical Certification. (Must provide proof of certification).
Must undergo all required FAA and aircraft manufacture training as required at department expense.
Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Work Experience
Must possess 1000 hours in Rotor Wing Aircraft as Pilot in Command (PIC), of which 120 hours in the last 12 months, 200 hours as PIC during night conditions. Must provide the Pilot logbook as proof of hourly PIC.
Must possess and maintain a current FAA Flight Review in Rotor Wing Aircraft.
Experience Operating in Class B or restricted airspace.
Previous public safety/military or law enforcement aviation experience (Preferred)
Work Environment
The operation of the helicopter is subject to hazards and requires the incumbent to monitor aircraft systems during flights constantly. Situational awareness must be observed during flight operations. Special attention should be constantly given to environmental factors, such as terrain, wires, cranes, towers, changing weather conditions and other similar issues of concern.
Other Significant Factors
Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential.
This position operates within the confines of a 24/7 operation. This position is considered "Essential". Incumbent of this position is required to provide after-hours on call technical support including weekends and holidays. Incumbent may also be subjected to rotating shifts, weekend work and changes in days off.
This position is deemed as "Safety Sensitive" pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
  1. Criminal background check;
  2. Traffic record check (as applicable);
  3. Consumer credit check (as applicable);
  4. Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
  5. Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

A background investigation is required for positions with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's permit.
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
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