Sheriff's Helicopter Pilot

About the Team

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Air Unit is dedicated to public safety through advanced aerial operations. As a non-sworn Fire/Sheriff's Pilot, you will serve as the Pilot in Command (PIC) for a fleet of turbine-powered helicopters, holding final authority over all safety-of-flight aspects. Your role is critical in supporting law enforcement, wildland fire suppression, medical rescue, and disaster mitigation across diverse terrains.

About the Role

This position offers a rewarding career where you will operate light, medium, and heavy helicopters over all types of terrain. You will be responsible for the safe overall operation of the aircraft, performing missions ranging from transporting medical personnel and firefighter crews to executing water and foam drops for fire suppression. Beyond flight operations, you will maintain flight logs, perform minor repairs and inspections, and assist in training ground crews on safety and radio operations.

The role demands resilience and adaptability. You will often work under adverse conditions, responding to unexpected and life-threatening events. The schedule includes rotating shifts, stand-by status, and on-call duties, requiring you to be willing and able to respond to emergencies after normal working hours and arrive at the hangar within thirty minutes of notification.

Hiring Process

This is a continuous recruitment that may close at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. To apply, please visit the Ventura County jobs website or contact Human Resources for paper application materials.

Application Requirements:

• Complete all sections of the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly.
• Submit a valid copy (front and back) of your FAA Pilot Certificate, FAA Medical Certificate, or military equivalent with your application.
• Resumes may be attached to supplement information but cannot replace the required application forms.

Selection Steps:

1. Application Review: All applications are screened to ensure stated requirements are met.
2. Training & Experience Evaluation (T&E): A structured evaluation of your background and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This ranks candidates based on how closely their experience matches the department's business needs.
3. Oral Examination: Depending on the size and quality of the candidate pool, qualified applicants may be invited to a job-related oral examination to evaluate knowledge, skills, and abilities. A score of 70% or higher is required to qualify for placement on the eligible list. If there are three or fewer qualified applicants, an oral exam may be waived, and a score of 70% assigned.

Equal Opportunity

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This position is represented by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association (VCDSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation.