Law Enforcement Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880189 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: LAW ENFORCEMENT AIRPLANE PILOT II - 77070234

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 77070234 

Salary:  $2,788.46 Bi-Weekly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

LAW ENFORCEMENT AIRPLANE PILOT II

POLK COUNTY (POSITION NUMBER 77070234)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting applications for the position of Pilot with the Division of Law Enforcement, Aviation Unit. Applicants will be considered who have pilot credentials consisting of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot certificate or Airline Transport Pilot certificate in airplane category with an instrument rating. It is preferred the applicant possess at least a Commercial Pilot certificate in both single and multi-engine airplanes.  Applicants are required to have a minimum of 1000 hours of Pilot-In-Command, 250 hours multi-engine airplane PIC, and 50 hours logged in the last 12 months. Applicant must possess a valid FAA Class I or Class 2 medical certificate.

A mandatory flight evaluation will take place during the hiring process.

State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer certification will not be required to make application, but attendance at a law enforcement academy and receiving certification will be required as a condition of continued employment. Applicants will be required to successfully complete a physical ability test (PAT). After successfully completion of the PAT, the applicant will move forward in the employment process by completing a formal interview. Applicants not currently Law Enforcement certified will be required to successfully complete 26 weeks of law enforcement training at the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center in Tallahassee. Previously certified Law Enforcement applicants will be required to complete 8 weeks of agency specific training at the training center related to FWC core missions. Successful completion of 16 weeks of Field Training will also be required after academy graduation. Applicants should submit a detailed resume of flight experience along with the State of Florida Employment Application.

JOB DUTIES:

This is a highly specialized law enforcement position. The duties of this position require a constituted State Law Enforcement Officer, certified by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, empowered to enforce all the laws of the State with full powers of arrest and the regular bearing of firearms. Additionally, the duties of this position require a Commercial Pilot, certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and with ratings to operate helicopters, or single/multi engine fixed wing, or amphibious fixed wing aircraft, or all the afore mentioned aircraft. Specialized vessels and land vehicles are also required to be operated as assigned. Responsibilities include the protection of life, limb and property of the people of Florida, enforcing state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to salt and freshwater fish, wildlife, boating safety and to perform other duties as assigned. The position requires the investigation of alleged violations of resource laws, boating/hunting accidents, seizure of evidence, making arrests, and testifying in court. This position assists other agencies upon request in controlling and securing areas during civil disturbances, natural disaster, fires, etc. The position may be cross-deputized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's, National Marine Fisheries Service. This position is subject to call out twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Performs daily law enforcement patrol of assigned areas. This patrol will be performed using aircraft as an aerial observation platform, to detect violations of law, protect the people, and preserve the resources of Florida. Emphasis will be placed on enforcement of state and federal laws related to fisheries, wildlife, and boating safety. Patrol will be conducted over land, lakes, and open water such as the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, to support enforcement efforts. Patrol will be conducted during daylight or darkness depending upon the activities prevalent. A response to incidents and emergency situations will be made, with the appropriate action taken. Violations of law will be enforced by witnessing the elements of the crime, directing law enforcement officers to the perpetrator, identify him, and provide factual information to affect his apprehension, arrest, and prosecution. Regulated activities, recreational and commercial, will be communicated to enforcement personnel in support of planning. A working knowledge of geographic landmarks, lakes, rivers, waterways, lagoons, bays, and oceans will be developed so position may be documented, others may be directed to locations, and a response may be made to directed locations. Specialized equipment, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, will be utilized to navigate and to document position. Aviators Night Vision Imaging System (NVG) and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) will be utilized, when available and appropriate as an aid and for documentation. Search and rescue will be performed. Crimes, crime scenes, and accident scenes, will be investigated by aerial observation for the purpose of gathering facts and evidence to be used in solving crimes, prosecuting suspects, and otherwise disposing of incidents as dictated by enforcement efforts. Aerial security for state property, government officials, and dignitaries will be provided as directed. Aerial assistance will be provided in civil disturbance, natural disaster, and public assemblies as dictated. Aerial support for FWC supported programs will be provided as dictated by the agency. Training currency will be conducted as required by the FAA and proficiency as required by the Aviation Unit Flight Operations Manual. Aircraft and other assigned equipment will always be operated safely and effectively in accordance with current Federal Aviation Administration regulations, State of Florida Statues, Division of Law Enforcement policies, the Aviation Unit Flight Operations Manual and the aircraft manufacturer's instructions as may be applicable for the type of equipment utilized.

10% Prior to daily flight, approved aviation weather brief will be received that is inclusive of the area which is planned to be patrolled. There will be constant communication, written and oral, with law enforcement personnel for areas that need to be patrolled and the reporting of activities that have been observed or lack of activities so that the general law enforcement effort can be efficient. A pre-flight inspection and servicing of the aircraft will be done according to the aircraft manufacturer or official procedure for that aircraft prior to use. A post-flight inspection will be done, and any discrepancies noted that have occurred during the flight and if those discrepancies need repair prior to further flight. Aircraft logbooks will be examined for required and correct entries made by maintenance mechanics, or approved repair stations as required by FAA and department regulations. A condition of readiness will always be maintained for the aircraft, unless the aircraft is in maintenance for inspection or repair.

15% When assigned aircraft are out of service due to maintenance, repair, or during times of inclement weather or there is a specific need, normal law enforcement functions will be performed. Patrols public and private lands and waters of the state using a variety of specialized equipment while enforcing laws, rules, and regulations to protect and preserve the fish and wildlife resources and the citizens of the state. Emphasis will be placed on the enforcement of state and federal laws related to fisheries, wildlife, and boating safety. Enforcement actions will include: Identification and apprehension of suspected violators, investigation of related crimes, crime scenes and accident scenes, for the purpose of gathering witness testimony and physical evidence to be used in prosecuting suspects and completing investigations. Employ specific measures to gain voluntary compliance through public contact and education. Attend required training as mandated by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Division. Participation in routine patrol, both on the ground or on the water, with local officers is performed to build local knowledge, provide information sharing and a greater understanding of area needs.

Participates in and supports the legal process of arrest and prosecution of crimes through written reports, conferring with fellow officers, prosecuting attorneys, and testimony in court. Properly prepares and completes all applicable department forms and documents such as but not limited to; flight logs, investigative reports, arrest citations, affidavits, written warnings, incident/summary reports, property receipts, property releases, and other paperwork that may be required by the Commission, Division, State Attorney's Office, US Attorney's Office, or any other entity having jurisdiction of criminal or civil prosecution. Properly documents time worked, activities conducted, and administrative reports, forms and documents required by the Commission, Division, State and Federal procedures and regulations.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

WITHIN 35 MILES OF THE LAKELAND LINDLER REGIONAL AIRPORT KLAL

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years of age to apply and 19 years of age by date of hire
• Be a US Citizen
• Prior Law Enforcement experience is required
• Have a High School diploma or GED
• Have a valid Florida driver's license with no more than four moving traffic violations within the past three years
• Have not been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from any of the Armed Forces of the US
• Have good moral character
• Successful completion of a full background check if selected.

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION

Applicants who meet the above criteria and pass the physical fitness assessment will be eligible to advance to the next stages of the selection process that includes an oral interview, full background investigation, medical physical and eye exam, and a psychological evaluation.

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

All applicants are required to complete a job-related and nondiscriminatory physical abilities test within 8 minutes and 36 seconds. Failure to complete the job-related physical abilities test within the time requirement will result in disqualification.

All applicants must swim 150 continuous yards within 5 minutes, followed immediately by 1 minute of treading water. Failure to complete the 150-yard swim within the 5-minute time limit or to keep the head above water for the full minute of treading, will result in disqualification.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must pass a thorough medical examination, including drug screening, by a licensed physician at applicant's expense.

Unaided vision shall not be less than 20/100 in each eye and shall be corrected to 20/20; field of vision must be 130 degrees; must have the ability to distinguish primary colors, must not be red/green deficient and have binocular vision; must not have double vision, lack of depth perception or other chronic eye disorders that affects normal vision.

FWC APPLICANT DISQUALIFIER LIST

Criminal History

   Any felony conviction

   A misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence

   A misdemeanor conviction involving perjury or a false statement

Military History

   A dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States

Controlled Substance Abuse

   Marijuana use, in past two years

   Controlled substance use, other than prescribed, within the last 5 years.

Driving History

   Driving Under the Influence or Boating Under the Influence conviction within past five years

   Any traffic or boating violation involving the refusal to submit to a breath/blood/urine test within five years

   No more than four moving violations within the past three years

Prior Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers

   Any sustained internal investigation for perjury or false statements

Vision Standard

   Unaided vision shall not be less than 20/100 in each eye and shall be corrected to 20/20

   Field of vision must be 130 degrees

   Must have the ability to distinguish primary colors (must not be red/green deficient) and have   binocular vision

   Must not have double vision, lack of depth perception or other chronic eye disorders that affect normal vision

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All do...