Deputy Sheriff Helicopter Pilot

Aviation Officer

This job listing closes on December 19, 2025, at 4 : 30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer : Broward County Sheriff's Office

Salary : $103,644.88 - $117,765.88 Annually

Location : Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Job Type : Permanent Full Time

Job Number : 25293A

Department : Law Enforcement

Opening Date : January 6, 2025

Closing Date : December 19, 2025, at 4 : 30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Minimum Requirements

The base salary range for this position is $87,158.54 - $100,736.42. The salary listed above includes a 4% first responder supplement and a $500 bi-weekly aviation supplement. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION. This position requires you to be a Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer. If you are not a Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer, and you are successful with the selection process, you must be willing to be hired as a Law Enforcement Cadet at a reduced salary ($2187.04 biweekly) and attend a 5 month police academy at Broward College. Upon successful completion of police academy and Florida state exam you will be deemed a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the state of Florida. Salary will increase to step 1 of the Deputy Sheriff range ($61,969 annually). Upon completion of Field Training, employee will be transferred to the Aviation Unit and receive an increase in salary ($87,159 annually

• ). Two year commitment to Aviation Unit required upon employment or completion of police academy. We offer : take home unmarked unit, full health, vision, and dental benefits; life insurance; long term disability insurance; retirement with Florida Retirement System; tuition reimbursement & educational incentives; paid vacations; sick leave; 24-hour fitness center and wellness programs.
• High school diploma or equivalent. An evaluation of foreign high school diploma may be required.
• Minimum nineteen (19) years of age at time of appointment.
• Certification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
• Possession of a Commercial Pilots License for rotary wing aircraft / helicopter.
• Possession of an instrument rated pilot license.
• Depending on functional area of assignment, additional licensure, certification, or training will apply to meet and maintain compliance with established regulatory standards, e.g., (including but not limited to) marine patrol, aviation, mounted unit, SCUBA.
• FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate.
• One hundred (100) hours rotorcraft-helicopter night flight time.
• Five hundred (500) flight hours as a pilot-in-command rotorcraft-helicopter.
• Must successfully pass the Swimming and Physical Agility tests prior to submitting an application. To view additional information on the required Swimming and Physical Agility tests, please visit the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Testing Center website.
• 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.
• Candidates must not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement as an adult. All other arrests and convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All candidates must have good moral character as determined by a background investigation (F.S.S. 943.13).
• If ever arrested, candidates must submit an official court disposition, police report, and written explanation of the arrest with the application. Official court dispositions can be obtained from the Clerk of the Court in the county in which the incident occurred.
• If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must provide a DD214 Member 4 form at time of application.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE :

If you are a Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer, all required certifications, test results, and other documents must be submitted with your online application. Out of state applicants may submit FDLE Equivalency of Training and Swimming and Physical Agility test results at a later date provided remaining qualifications are met. Equipment : Airbus H125 / AS 350B3e.

Nature of Work

This is law enforcement and public safety work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Under administrative direction, this position performs flight operations within the Aviation Division of the Department of Law Enforcement. Employees in this classification are sworn law enforcement officers. 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. Performs law enforcement patrol activities including, but not necessarily limited to, teletype checks of property or person; records checks on firearms, stolen equipment or wanted / stolen vehicles; assessments of driver's operational capacities; transportation of mental patients, prisoners or suspects; felony stops; Be On the Look Out (BOLO) reviews; searches for missing, lost or wanted persons; separation of persons involved in domestic disputes; dwelling, building or grounds inspections; vehicle pursuits; detainment of suspect vehicle drivers; alarm responses; arrest approach and methods planning; arrests; searches of persons, places and property; riot control; subdues resisting offenders using force where appropriate up to and including deadly force. Performs law enforcement investigations including, but not necessarily limited to, recording identifying marks on vehicles, firearms and other objects; preparing and distributing BOLO reports of wanted notices; coordinating activities at accident, crime or investigation scenes; searching buildings or grounds for suspects; establishing identity of suspects; selecting approach and methods for conducting searches; collecting and transporting of crime scene evidence or property; protecting or securing accident, crime or investigation scenes; identifying persons through records, pictures, or identification media; showing mug shots to witnesses or victims; conducting photo lineups; researching agency records; checking establishments for wanted or missing persons; gathering intelligence on known or suspected offenders; conducting interviews; interrogating suspects; recording sworn statements, formal confessions or depositions; preparing reports or affidavits; presenting testimony and evidence in both civil and criminal court.