Job Description
Job ID: 34612
Agency: Public Safety
Location: Pierre, SDSalary: $43.27 - $45.67 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 02/05/2026
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is searching for a reliable, trustworthy
Aircraft Pilot to support its aviation program and operate the agency's heavily equipped single-engine Cessna Stationair 206. This position plays a key role in advancing the program by strengthening operational readiness, supporting mission growth, and assisting with the evaluation of emerging aircraft options and aviation technologies as mission needs evolve. The South Dakota Highway Patrol remains a prepared and proactive statewide law enforcement agency committed to its employees and the citizens they serve. The pilot's responsibilities include search and rescue missions, disaster response, fire surveillance, civilian disturbance monitoring, and other surveillance missions. Duties also involve transporting passengers, determining the safest routes, analyzing flight plans and weather conditions, calculating fuel, and inspecting operation systems and navigation equipment.
To be successful as the South Dakota Highway Patrol Pilot, you should be detail-oriented and be able to focus under pressure. Outstanding candidates are lifelong learners with great self-confidence and situational awareness.
The location of this position is negotiable. This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://dps.sd.gov/ .
Licenses and Certifications:- FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) with instrument rating
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:- 750 hours total time
- 250 hours fixed-wing PIC
- 100 hours night
- 100 hours cross country
- 50 hours instrument
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Ability to manage a group of Unmanned Aircraft devices and users to ensure proper operational and licensing requirements are met.
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and available to fly unplanned missions as emergencies arise.
- Work as a team with Tactical Flight Operator staff.
- Knowledge and use of Forward Looking InfraRed Infrared (FLIR) and associated equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment.
- Maintenance of police and aircraft equipment to mission-ready condition.
- Ability to file all required flight plans and reports in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration standards.
- Ability to demonstrate flight abilities prior to appointment.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3E7
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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