Law Enforcement Pilot I

Role Overview

This full-time, onsite pilot position is based in Richland County, South Carolina, and is part of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Division of Counter Terrorism. The annual salary is $75,000. The job carries a 43-hour workweek with varying schedules depending on non-routine operational demands.

About the Agency

SLED is a statewide law enforcement organization focused on protecting South Carolina residents through investigative, intelligence, forensic, and homeland security support. The agency emphasizes professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct, teamwork, and public service, and its work spans criminal investigations, forensic science, criminal justice information systems, and other mission-critical public safety functions.

Primary Function

Reporting to the Aviation Lieutenant or another acting supervisor, the selected pilot will serve as pilot in command of aircraft owned and operated by the division. Flying duties will cover both daytime and nighttime operations under visual meteorological conditions, with a primary purpose of supporting South Carolina law enforcement activities.

Duties and Operational Work

• Operate aircraft as pilot in command and keep FAA credentials current while completing required flight training, evaluations, and recurrency checks.
• Support aviation missions such as search and rescue, water drops, aerial firefighting, surveillance, photo flights, fugitive searches, marijuana eradication, SWAT support, and other aerial platform operations.
• Apply strong knowledge of law enforcement procedures while assisting local, state, and federal partners in field operations.
• Function effectively under physical and mental pressure during missions and non-routine incidents.
• Prepare clear spoken and written communications and handle aviation-related documentation, including reports, SCEIS entries, P-card activity, and timesheets.
• Carry out administrative work connected to training, communications, special assignments, maintenance, and other aviation program needs.
• Provide broader mission support for program areas such as Vice, Counter-Terrorism, and Investigative Services, while helping maintain equipment and workspaces.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or an accepted equivalent based on pilot credentials and ratings.
• A current FAA Private Pilot certificate with a rotorcraft/helicopter rating.
• Either current Class I Law Enforcement certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, or the ability to obtain it.
• Current Class II medical certification, or the ability to secure it.
• Ability to comply with FAA rules and procedures.
• Strong judgment and decision-making ability in high-stress flight environments.
• A professional attitude and the ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
• Availability for routine non-standard hours and changing operational schedules.
• Capacity to handle unpredictable situations in a calm, logical, and professional way.
• Residence within 30 miles of SLED Headquarters at 4400 Broad River Road, or willingness to relocate there.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the official online state application with complete work history and education details. A resume alone will not be accepted as a substitute for the full application and will not be used to judge whether minimum qualifications are met.

Equal Opportunity and Hiring Notes

The agency is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. South Carolina also gives priority consideration to veterans for state employment. Final selection may depend on education, training, experience, interviews, and successful completion of a background investigation. Any inaccurate information supplied by an applicant may result in disqualification.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• 15 days of annual leave each year.
• 15 days of sick leave each year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Participation in the state retirement plan and deferred compensation programs.

Employment Terms

This is an FTE full-time role. The position number is 60005454, job number 26-071, class code JC58, and pay grade LAW06. The agency’s opening date is 05/18/2026 and the closing deadline is 6/1/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern. The location is Columbia/Richland County, SC. The workweek is 43 hours with varied scheduling. Residency is required. The hiring range is fixed at $75,000 annually.

Additional Information

The employer is the State of South Carolina, through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), located at 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210. Contact phone: 803-896-7199. This posting states that it does not create an employment contract, contractual rights, or entitlements, and the agency may revise its contents at any time.