DPS - AOD - Special Project Pilot

** This position is for a Helicopter Pilot only which will be based at Austin Bergstrom Airport. Must find residence with fifty (50) miles from airport within six (6) months of hire date

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 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. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Crosswalk/.pdf

• 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. With or without specialized lighting or visual aid equipment, scan ground while piloting aircraft in order to locate a known object of a search and/or to discover evidence of value to criminal investigations. Relay status of air search to ground teams.
  
  When object of search is located, maintain in sight and relay location to ground search team. If necessary, land aircraft and make appropriate arrests.
• 5. Participate in surveillance activities by following in aircraft, usually remaining as inconspicuous as possible. If needed, use a following device or other specialized equipment while piloting aircraft. May assist other law enforcement officers by maintaining ground surveillance with a motor vehicle.
• 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. If pretending to be engaged in illegal activities, ensure that the aircraft is prepared and that evidence of DPS and/or state ownership is removed.
• 7. Transport prisoners, suspects, witnesses, informants, law enforcement officers, and others involved in criminal investigations and/or legal proceedings. As requested, transport the Director, administrative personnel, other Department employees, and other state agencies' personnel throughout the state.
• 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, such as a crime scene, accident site, disaster area, etc.
• 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. Prepare…