DPS - AOD - Special Project Pilot - 1576

Pilot Job Posting

Responsible to the appropriate Captain for piloting a departmental aircraft for the purpose of providing aerial assistance in law enforcement activities; to search for and to rescue lost, stranded and / or injured persons; to transport medical patients on an emergency basis; to transport emergency supplies to disaster areas; and to provide transportation for law enforcement officers, departmental personnel, the Governor and other state officials, and other persons requiring the use of departmental aircraft. Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

Essential Duties :

1. Operate DPS aircraft in a safe and professional manner.

2. Evaluate general safety of aircraft based on mechanical performance and ensure that maintenance and repairs are performed when needed.

3. Prior to each flight, obtain latest weather information and make a decision on the feasibility of proceeding with the flight. If required, prepare and file a flight plan. Inspect the aircraft, test controls, inspect fuel and fluid levels, and perform related safety checks prior to loading passengers and baggage. Be responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is stored, refueled, and maintained properly upon arrival at destination and after return to home station.

4. Pilot aircraft to search ground for evidence, persons, automobiles, or any item relevant to a criminal search or investigation.

5. Participate in surveillance activities by following in aircraft, usually remaining as inconspicuous as possible.

6. As a member of an undercover investigation team, transport and assume responsibility for the welfare of protected witnesses and / or informants, large sums of money, or other items pertinent to the investigation.

7. Transport prisoners, suspects, witnesses, informants, law enforcement officers, and others involved in criminal investigations and / or legal proceedings.

8. Provide transportation for photographers and other persons requiring an aerial view of a particular site related to public safety matters or other official state business.

9. Provide security for and transport the Governor and other state officials on selected occasions when the Department's aircraft are used.

10. Transport critically ill or injured persons from one medical facility to another.

11. Provide aerial reconnaissance and surveillance of disasters, riots, and other emergencies and / or special sites.

12. Inspect motorcade route while piloting aircraft to discover potential problem areas and to inform appropriate security personnel.

13. Transport Traffic Law Enforcement personnel in order to monitor traffic flow from the air.

14. Participate in search and rescue efforts by flying designated search areas looking for signs of lost persons.

15. May assist in traffic and criminal investigations and apprehensions by performing activities such as : securing crime scene, photographing evidence, questioning witnesses, and / or restraining suspects.

16. Be familiar with and prepared to implement the Aircraft Operations Divisions Mishap Plan.

17. Participate in hiring procedures as a member of interview boards.

18. Maintain and submit records as pertaining to applicable reports as per General Manual Chapter 8.

19. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications : General Qualifications and Requirements :

Education - Graduation from a standard senior high school, vocational school, or the equivalent and ninety (90) semester hours from an accredited college or university OR an Associate Degree. Academic requirements may be substituted by prior satisfactory employment as a Law Enforcement Officer or Honorable Military Service.

Experience Must have eight (8) years of experience piloting multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft with gross weight rating above 12,500 pounds and 2000 hours of turbine time. Prior experience with a law enforcement agency is preferred.

Licensure and / or Certification Must possess a valid Texas Driver License. Must possess one of the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications :

a. Certified Flight Instructor (In Multi-Engine (CFI / MEI) Certificates

b. Commercial Pilot Certificate

c. Instrument Pilot Certificate

Physical Must possess a current FAA medical certificate and must maintain a current second-class FAA medical certificate. Must meet semi-annual Physical Readiness Testing standards.

Regulatory Knowledge and Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Knowledge of state and federal statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to traffic and criminal law enforcement. Knowledge of Department and Aircraft Operations Division policies and procedures. Thorough knowledge of FAA rules, regulations.