Full Time Helicopter Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $124,369.00 - $175,000.00 Annually
Location : Aviation Unit, Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport 5253 NW 20th Terrace, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 26118A
Department: Law Enforcement
Division: Aviation Unit
Opening Date: 02/16/2026
Closing Date: 12/18/2026 4:30 PM Eastern
Minimum Requirements

1. High school diploma or equivalent. An evaluation of foreign high school diploma may be required.
2. Must possess and maintain throughout employment, a valid Florida driver license without any restrictions affecting job performance. Driver license must show current address. All candidates must submit with the application, a Certified Department of Motor Vehicles "entire" driving history.
   • Florida driving histories can be obtained at any courthouse in Broward County. Three year, 7 year, and online Florida driving history records will not be accepted.
   • If you have possessed a driver's license in any other state in the past 10 years you will need to submit an "entire" driving history from that state. For non-Florida driving histories, please contact that state's division of motor vehicles.
   • The search date for all driving histories must be within one month of the date the application for employment is received by the Bureau of Human Resources.
   • Driving history records must be attached to the online application.
3. Successful completion of a factory school for the current model and type of aircraft/helicopter operated by the agency preferred.
4. Flight experience in current model and type of aircraft/helicopter operated by the agency preferred.
5. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. Such experience must be clearly documented for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a Commercial Pilots License for rotary wing aircraft/helicopter and instrument rated license.
• FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Five hundred (500) flight hours as a pilot-in-command rotorcraft-helicopter.
• One hundred (100) flight hours turbine-engine rotorcraft-helicopter preferred.
• One hundred (100) hours rotorcraft-helicopter night flight time.
• One hundred fifty (150) hours rotorcraft-helicopter flight time within the previous twelve (12) months preferred.
• CFI and CFII Rotorcraft-Helicopter rated preferred; prior law enforcement helicopter experience preferred.
• Trained and qualified in the use of Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System preferred.

Additional licensure, certification, or training will apply to meet and maintain compliance with established regulatory standards from the Federal Aviation Administration
Salary:
The salary range for the position is $124,369 - $175,000.
Additionally, applicants who are Florida Certified will receive an additional supplement of four percent (4%) and would be FRS Special Risk.
Maximum salary including four percent (4%) supplement is $182,000.
Nature of Work
Under administrative direction, this position performs flight operations within the Aviation Division of the Department of Law Enforcement of the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Employees in this classification command and operate helicopters during specialized and selective law enforcement activities. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent discretion in addressing emergency situations. Work assignments and instructions are received from an administrative superior who reviews work methods and results through observation, reports and conferences. Incumbents perform essential class functions as outlined herein according to functional area of assignment. Performs related work as directed.
Essential Functions/Physical Requirements
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
Operates rotary wing aircraft in support of criminal searches and apprehensions, search and rescues, surveillance, aerial photography, and daily agency operations.
Operates sophisticated avionics, including moving map systems and HD camera.
Assists law enforcement personnel in specialized and selective law enforcement operations and maintain confidentiality concerning all police and agency related matters.
Complies with Federal Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Control procedures.
Performs all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight checks in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Maintains all pre-flight and post flight data, i.e., operations logs, aircraft logs, and weather briefings.
Conducts detailed flight plans with little notice; ensures proper fueling and operations readiness of aircraft at all times.
Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on aircraft and rotor blades.
Conduct training flights to enhance air operations, safety, and coordination with other units; performs flight instructor training and safety duties.
Maintains current knowledge of local geography and roadway networks.
Employees in this classification are assigned to work shifts which will include weekends, holidays, and extended emergency activation events (i.e. hurricanes). Employees must have the ability to work any shift and engage in flexible work assignments that can include voluntary and/or mandatory overtime to meet agency needs.
Performs related duties as directed.
Tasks involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent discretion in addressing emergency situations.
Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the dragging, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects, such as in the event of chasing and subduing a suspect resisting arrest.
Tasks may involve standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Some tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements including, but not limited to, heat, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, animals. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property.
Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Recruitment Information
Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.
If you encounter issues with your application and need technical assistance, please contact Applicant Support (GovernmentJobs.com) from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday - Friday. You can reach them by phone at 855-524-5627 or email Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Applicant Support for any inquiries.
BENEFITS:
The Broward Sheriff's Office values the contributions of its sworn/certified and civilian employees. The agency's outstanding Benefits Package is one of the ways BSO retains its employees and attracts new personnel to the BSO team.
Here's a sampling of typical employee benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Various plans including Open Access options with pre-tax premium conversion available. New employees are eligible on the first of the month following the date of hire. Prescription plans are also offered
• Domestic Partner coverage: Medical, dental and vision coverage is offered
• Life Insurance: One times salary for basic life and AD&D at no cost to the employee. Additional voluntary term life and dependent life are also available
• Dental Insurance: Three plans (DMO, PPO and Indemnity) are available on a pre-tax basis
• Line of Duty benefits
• Vision Care Insurance: 100% of the premium for single and family coverage paid for by the Broward Sheriff's Office (in combination with medical insurance election).
• Voluntary Long and Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement plan under the Florida Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Programs available (Employee contribution)
• Sick leave, annual leave, holiday leave, bereavement leave, military leave, personal day, bonus days
• Sick leave pool and donated leave program
• 24-hour fitness center
• Employee Assistance Program, on-site and through medical insurance
• Wellness programs including health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
• Florida Prepaid College Program payroll deduction program
• On-site insurance representatives for medical, dental and vision programs
• Voluntary Legal aid discount program
• Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines at no charge

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM:
The Broward Sheriff's Office is recognized as a Drug-Free Workplace pursuant to Chapter 440, Florida Statues. BSO is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees to preserve a happier, healthier workforce. All BSO employees share the responsibility of maintaining a safe, productive and drug-free work environment. BSO is dedicated to programs that enhance the well-being and health of its employees and the public's safety.
For information on the Drug-Free Awareness Program:
SPM3.19 Drug-Free Awareness Program.pdf
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do have an active Commercial Pilots License for rotary wing aircraft/helicopter and instrument rated license?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have one hundred (100) hours rotorcraft-helicopter night flight time?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have five hundred (500) flight hours as a pilot-in-command rotorcraft-helicopter?

• Yes
• No

Required Question