Drone Team Volunteer

The Drone/Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) pilot position is assigned to support the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and local police and fire departments, as well as assisting other county and city governments as needed for the purpose of increasing the safety and security of citizens within Crow Wing County.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Drone Team is a multi-agency program aimed at improving public safety. The oversight of the team falls under the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Division.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Drone Team was established to assist in a variety of missions that include search and rescue, crash and crime scene reconstructions, warrant services, and indoor building searches.

• Drone pilots must perform a variety of tasks including but not limited to, conducting safety tests, overseeing vehicle/enterprise performance, and assessing drone systems’ capabilities.
• Pilots are also required to operate cameras or other equipment the drone carries to successfully carry out the mission/operation they’ve been assigned to.
• Pilots are required to fly both day and night.

• Volunteer applicants must have a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification prior to acceptance to the Drone Team.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Currently employed as a licensed Peace Officer, EMT, Firefighter (volunteer), or city/county employee within Crow Wing County.
• Successful completion of a Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office volunteer background screening.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and on-call to respond to incidents/events when they occur.
• There is no requirement to live in Crow Wing County, however, members must be able to respond to a callout in Crow Wing County within one hour.

• Proficiency in Drone/UAS operations.
• One year or more experience as a licensed Peace Officer, EMT or Firefighter.