Salary : $64,104.00 - $101,124.00 Annually
Location : 100 Edison Park Dr Gaithersburg MD 20878 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number:Department: Department of Police
Division: POL 47 SOB OID Strategic Initiatives - Aerial Support
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position Please note: The salary range above represents this position's earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $64,104 to $94,007.00, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. What You'll Be DoingMontgomery County UAS pilots operate UAS (Drones) to support law enforcement activities including supporting patrol calls for service (especially via our DFR Program), search and rescue, and traffic accident investigation. Using FAA-certified skills and law enforcement training, these pilots deploy drones to provide real-time aerial imagery that enhances situational awareness and officer safety. They assist with responding to emergency calls for service, mapping crime scenes, documenting evidence, and helping tactical teams assess risks from a remote vantage point. The pilot's responsibilities include maintaining proficiency in flight operations, adhering to department policy, and using drone technology to improve both response times and investigative accuracy. You will also be assisting our Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) personnel, by providing real time intelligence to Department employees.
- Ensure the safe delivery, operation, and light maintenance of the Montgomery County Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Serve as either a remote pilot in charge on a rooftop, or as a pilot/communicator in the DFR flight deck.
- Provide flight management and clear communication via police radio
- Provide real time intelligence to Department personnel using a variety of law enforcement technology to support patrol operations.
Minimum QualificationsExperience: One (1) year of professional experience in UAS pilot (drones) with a minimum of 20 logged flight hours and a logbook with 15 or more Part 107 flight hours.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver's license from the applicant's start of residence when required for job-related duties and has current FAA 107 Drone Pilots License.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences - Proficiency in operating drones for rapid deployment and real-time information gathering.
- Familiarity with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and FAA waivers.
- Law enforcement experience communicating via police radio system.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave BenefitsOur generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement BenefitsAll permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan ForgivenessMontgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit BenefitCounty employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care CostsWorking for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee WellbeingWe deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team.
Montgomery County Benefits 
