Sheriff's Helicopter Pilot

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Transports medical personnel to medical emergencies and injured patients to hospitals;
• Performs general law enforcement assignments for the protection of life and property prevention and suppression of criminal law violators;
• Operates light medium and heavy size turbine powered helicopters over all types of terrain to assist in the suppression of wildland and other types of fires; may be involved in making water/foam drops in assigned fire suppression target areas effecting rescues and transporting firefighter crews and logistical materials to the fire line;
• Assists in training crews to operate safely in and around helicopters; use maps; operates fire and aviation radios; checks cleans and maintains helicopters; and performs general housekeeping duties in the aviation unit;
• Maintains self and helicopter in a constant state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency alarms or to assigned locations for ready response standby;
• May supervise and direct the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving a helicopter;
• Operates special helicopter accessory equipment which may include: fixed water tank hydraulic/electric snorkel sling loads rescue hoist helitorch video downlinking mapping and forward looking infrared systems;
• Reviews and maintains written and computerized flight logs and records;
• Performs minor maintenance of helicopters;
• Researches develops and writes procedures for the Aviation Unit; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION TRAINING and EXPERIENCE:

• 3000 hours of helicopter flight time as pilot-in-command of which 1000 hours shall include mountainous terrain utilizing unimproved landing areas at altitudes exceeding 4000 feet MS. (Note: pilot in command is defined as actual time flying on controls) Hours completed as a flight instructor co-pilot or second-in-command does not apply to 3000 hours of helicopter flight time.

• Possession of a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airmans Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter instrument rating or FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
• Possession of a valid Class I or II Airmans Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner or military equivalent.
  • MUST SUBMIT A VALID COPY (front & back) OF FAA Pilot Certificate FAA Medical Certificate or Military Equivalent WITH APPLICATION.You can either submit a scanned copy as an attachment for an on-line application or send an email to Melissa Kurtz at
• Possession of a valid California Drivers LicenseORability to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.
• Incumbents of this classification must be able to successfully complete all other sections of the Deputy Sheriff selection process to be eligible. This includes selected portions of Sheriffs and/or Fire Academy training (e.g. Defensive Driver Training Wildland Fire Behavior etc.)
• Have flown 50 hours of flight time as PIC of a rotorcraft-helicopter in the preceding 12 months.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts stand-by callbacks and emergencies.

• Possession of a FAA Flight Instructor Certificate for helicopters or military equivalent.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System local topography and area weather conditions.
• Possession of a USDA/USDI Interagency or Cal Fire carded in aerial ignition.
• Employed for one (1) year as a helicopter pilot by a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 135 Operator.
• Possession of a valid USDA/USDI Interagency or Cal Fire Pilot Qualifications Card for Type I Type II and Type III helicopters with Reconnaissance and Survey Mountainous Terrain External Loads Fire Suppression and Water Dropping OR ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• 500 hours in a Type I or Type II turbine powered helicopter.
• 250 hours performing low level missions in fire control and suppression search and rescue over mountain or forested areas EMS missions; or comparable military experience.
• 100 hours of night flying in a Type I Type II and/or Type III turbine helicopter.
• 20 hours performing ANVIS/NVG low level missions in fire control and suppression search and rescue over mountain or forested areas EMS missions; or comparable military experience.
• Multi engine helicopter experience.
• Long Line/Vertical reference experience with USDA or equivalent fire card.
• Rappel or Short Haul experience.
• Initial Attack Fire experience.
• Exclusive use contract experience.

Thorough ability to: review and maintain written and/or computerized flight logs and records; read understand interpret and apply VCSO air unit policies rules laws and ordinances; prepare clear and concise oral presentations; analyze fire and other emergency situations accurately and take effective action; read speak and understand the English language; communicate effectively in writing; establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with superiors subordinates and other employees in emergency and nonemergency situations.

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by Sheriffs Human Resources in Ventura California no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 16 2026. (Previously: Thisis a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Yourapplication must be received byCounty of VenturaHuman Resourcesin Ventura California no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date).

To apply on-line please refer to our web site at If you prefer to fill out a paper application form please call for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources 800 South Victoria Avenue L-1970 Ventura CA 93009.

Note to Applicants:It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however they may not be submitted in lieu of the application and supplemental questionnaire.