Conservation LE Pilot

Job Code: 32000459
Salary Grade: SW07

Class Concept

Employees in this classification pilot single engine fixed wing and/or rotary wing aircraft in support of statewide law enforcement operations. On lands owned or leased by the agency, Law Enforcement Officers have extended law enforcement and investigatory responsibilities. During a state of emergency, Law Enforcement Officers and equipment are directed toward unified emergency operations. The scope and depth of law enforcement operations varies with each separate department. Work may include such activities as criminal patrol, aerial surveillance, violation detection (day and night), search and rescue, and drug enforcement, passenger missions, observation of boater operation, chases, search and rescue, coordinating ground units, fugitive searches and apprehension, marijuana eradication, emergency/disaster flights; surveillance of suspects to providing aerial support for to enforcement activities. Law Enforcement pilots use specialized equipment such as night vision and infrared tracking. Aircraft flights are scheduled year round for both day and night enforcement and non-enforcement operations. Law Enforcement Officer Pilots are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the aircraft in accordance with FAA requirements. All flight and ground operations are conducted in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). Pilots maintain proper communications and records with the FAA. All employees in this class conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft and note all discrepancies in a maintenance log, and maintain all other necessary logs and reports related to their flights. Work includes planning flights considering weather, navigational aids, routing, altitudes, alternative routes and destinations, loading and weight distribution, fuel requirements, and the filing of IFR flight plans as necessary. Serve as pilot in command, conduct take offs and landings at both high and low density airports, assist in the maintenance and annual inspections of aircraft. Flights often involve flying over rugged terrain, over mountains, over large bodies of water, in tight turns, in stressful maneuvers, at very low altitudes, in turbulent air conditions and at night. Flights can range in difficulty from clear VFR to hard IFR conditions. Pilots plan flights considering a variety of flight restricted areas and maintain cognizance of those restricted areas while in flight. Provide aerial support for other divisions of the agency and for other agencies. When not flying, Law Enforcement Pilots patrol as a Law Enforcement Officers and may use a variety of law enforcement techniques and equipment. Pilots work with and assist other state and federal agencies who conduct investigations, patrols, and emergency operations. Employees gather evidence for presentation in court and may testify in court. Pilots may be responsible for a large geographic area, and are on duty during a variety of shifts depending on the seasons and demand for their services.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations, and the State Statutes governing the operation and maintenance of aircraft.
• Thorough knowledge of air navigation and of single engine aircraft capabilities and performances.
• Thorough knowledge of all appropriate laws and regulations related to enforcement duties.
• Considerable knowledge of flight planning, meteorology and aircraft maintenance requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of NC General Statutes in which federal laws are referenced, NC Administrative Code, and local laws.
• Considerable knowledge of investigative techniques and case preparation requirements.
• Ability to pilot single engine aircraft in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain pleasant working relationships.
• Ability to pilot aircraft in all weather conditions.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of experience in law enforcement work related to the area of assignment and 250 hours of flight time in a closely related type of aircraft and/or type of mission; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission. Requires the following or the ability to achieve the following within 18 months: Certification as a FAA commercial pilot in airplanes and possession of an FAA Class II Medical Certificate. FCC restricted radio telephone operator permit. Also required are ratings in instrument flying and others as designated. Possession of a valid NC Driver's License.