Skydive Jump Pilot

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits/Perks

Career advancement opportunities in aviation Meaningful flight time in real-world Cessna jump operations Competitive per-load compensation with scheduled-day minimums Hands-on aircraft operations experience Coastal airport environment at Watsonville Airport Team-focused, safety-first skydiving operation Opportunity to grow into a trusted lead pilot role Job Summary

Skydive Surf City, dba

Skydive Santa Cruz

, is looking for a dependable, safety-minded

Lead Jump Pilot / Aircraft Operations Lead

to join our Cessna skydiving operation at

Watsonville Airport

. This role involves flying our

Cessna 182 Supercharged

and

Cessna U206

in support of skydiving and parachuting operations. We are looking for someone who wants to build meaningful flight time, sharpen real-world decision-making, and become a key part of a respected coastal aviation team. Our pilot is one of the most visible and important people in the day’s flow. Crew, customers, students, participants, spectators, airport personnel, and other tenants all look to the pilot as a leader. We are proud of our reputation at Watsonville Airport and are looking for someone who represents the aircraft, the dropzone, and the skydiving community with professionalism and care. Schedule

Primary commitment is

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

. Our airport schedule allows us to fly from

8:00 AM until sunset

, though the actual rhythm varies by day, weather, and season. Typically we begin around

11:00 AM

and conclude flight ops within 4-6 hours. Fridays and Mondays often begin closer to midday. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be fuller flying days as the season builds. Compensation

Compensation is structured as: $35/per completed jump flight/load. Additional approved aircraft operations, aircraft care, or maintenance-support duties may be paid hourly when arranged in advance The scheduled-day is intended for active operational support. If flying is delayed due to weather, volume, or operational needs, the pilot may be assigned aircraft operations duties such as aircraft washing, hangar organization, fuel checks, log updates, squawk tracking, or maintenance-readiness tasks. Responsibilities Fly Cessna jump operations safely, smoothly, and efficiently Support safe, timely, and professional jump operations Complete aircraft preflight and postflight inspections Fuel aircraft and help manage fuel readiness Keep aircraft clean, organized, and professionally presented Log tach time and daily flight records accurately and 100-hour inspection tracking Provide excellent customer service and professional acknowledgment to crew, customers, jumpers, spectators, and airport personnel Build positive working relationships with Watsonville Airport staff, tenants, and aviation neighbors Qualifications Mimimum 300hrs PIC FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate required Instrument rating preferred High-performance endorsement and experience required or ability to obtain before operating applicable aircraft Current appropriate FAA Medical Certificate required Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience Jump pilot experience preferred but not required for the right candidate Strong communication skills required Safety-first mindset required Reliable Friday through Monday availability strongly preferred Willingness to support aircraft care, fuel systems, hangar organization, and daily operational readiness About Us Skydive Surf City, dba

Skydive Santa Cruz

, has proudly operated at

Watsonville Airport

since 2015. We are a coastal skydiving operation focused on safety, professionalism, customer experience, and strong relationships within the airport community. We are looking for a pilot who wants to be more than just a seat filler. This is a hands-on aviation role with real responsibility, meaningful flight time, and the opportunity to become trusted in a unique and exciting corner of aviation. If you are safe, coachable, reliable, proud of the aircraft, good with people, and excited to help keep a skydiving operation moving, we would love to hear from you.