Air Support Pilot- Public Safety

County of Santa Barbara; Buellton (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Barbara is seeking two full-time Air Support Pilots for the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit. Pilots will operate helicopters in law enforcement, fire suppression, and search and rescue missions, with pre-flight inspections and rigorous safety practices.

Ideal candidates have FAA rotorcraft certificates and substantial PIC hours, with willingness to train on multiple platforms. The unit supports 24/7 operations and rotates shifts, based at Santa Ynez Airport.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid FAA Commercial Airman's Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating; OR a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating.
• Minimum of 2,500 hours of helicopter flight time as pilot-in-command, including at least 1,000 hours of mountain PIC and 1,500 hours of PIC turbine time.

Responsibilities

• Pilot a helicopter in support of general law enforcement and fire prevention work; transport personnel and equipment for specialized missions (SAR/SET/SWAT, K-9, Dive Team).
• Perform routine inspections and logkeeping; ensure mission readiness and compliance with FAA regulations.
• Provide airborne support for patrol, aerial search and rescue, photography/downlinking, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
• Possess ability to learn firefighting methods, emergency medical procedures, and rescue operations; operate aircraft under Night Vision Goggles; make tactical decisions in emergencies.

Skills

Helicopter flight experience

Night operations

Fixed-wing experience

Education

FAA Commercial Rotorcraft/Helicopter or ATP Rotorcraft- Helicopter certificate

Job description

NOTICE OF CHANGE – OPEN UNTIL FILLED

FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 6/24/26 AT 11:59 PM PST

We are currently accepting applications to fill two (2) full‑time Air Support Pilot vacancies for the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU). These vacancies are in the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

NOTE: The employment list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future full‑time, part‑time, extra‑help, and CSR (Civil Service Rule) 1414* vacancies for both the County of Santa Barbara Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU) is a collaborative unit shared between Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. This cohesive partnership allows responses to all hazard incidents. Examples of mission responses include, but are not limited to, wildland firefighting missions (water dropping, crew insertion, and long line), law enforcement flight operations, ocean and swift water rescue, search, medivac, hoisting, mountain and cliff rescue.

The ASU currently has helicopters ready to respond to any emergency, day or night, rain or shine. Aircraft assigned to the ASU includes Sikorsky HH‑60L, Bell UH‑1H, UH 1N, OH‑58 and Cessna 206.

This Air Support Unit is based at Santa Ynez Airport in the County of Santa Barbara. The unit is staffed seven days a week with professional pilots chosen for their specialty experience. Pilots are responsible for safe operations of aircraft and teamed up with an experienced Crew Chief or Tactical Flight Officer. The Crew Chief /Tactical Flight Officer is responsible for the strategic and tactical planning of the fire, law enforcement, rescue, and medivac mission.

POSITION

Under direction, operates a helicopter in the performance of law enforcement, fire suppression, and search and rescue activities, conducts routine pre‑flight inspections, and performs related duties as required.

Training completed in our aircraft is not required to qualify, however the willingness to train and be proficient on multiple platforms is highly desirable.

WORK SCHEDULE

Current staffing consists of four (4) 10‑hour shifts. The unit is open to alternative work schedules that could benefit all in providing consistent coverage while also employing highly qualified pilots.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The operation of the helicopter is subject to hazards and requires the incumbent to monitor aircraft systems during flights constantly. Situational awareness must be observed during flight operations. Special attention should be constantly given to environmental factors, such as terrain, wires, towers, changing weather conditions and other similar issues of concern.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

This position may be considered as an emergency position as part of a 24/7 operation and is subject to non‑traditional work hours including rotating shifts and working weekends and holidays.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
• Integrity/good moral character
• Initiative/self‑starter
• Credibility/honesty
• A strong teamapproach
• Dependability
• Good judgment under pressure
• Effective communication skills
• Fixed‑wing aircraft experience is highly desirable

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA Employee Benefits and Compensation

Benefits and Wellness Plans

Medical/Dental/Vision:

Compensation Summary

Retirement Plan

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity or time and service credit towards advanced accrual rate.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE ASU DEPARTMENTS, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT:

FIRE DEPARTMENT

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

1. Pilots a helicopter in support of general law enforcement and fire prevention work for protection of life and property, prevention, suppression of crime, fires, and apprehension of law violators.
2. Pilots a helicopter over all types of terrain; executes missions involving aerial firefighting, transporting firefighters and equipment to and from fires, hauling cargo (both internal and external), and dropping water and retardant on fires from buckets or tanks; flies routine and emergency missions such as patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuations, disaster mitigation, and administrative flights.
3. Performs routine daily inspections to ensure helicopters remain mission capable, including pre‑flight inspection; tracks helicopter flight hours and use to determine schedule for preventive maintenance.
4. Provides airborne support for missions including patrol and aerial search and rescue missions, photography and "downlinking" missions, surveillance and intelligence gathering, support of marijuana detection/eradication operations.
5. Transports personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions involving units such as SAR/SET/SWAT, K‑9, Dive Team, or other personnel as deemed necessary.
6. Maintains written and computerized flight logs and aircraft and pilot records to comply with FAA regulations and other federal guidelines.
7. Reads periodic publications and Airworthiness Directives from the FAA; makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operation based on information and directives.
8. May supervise and direct the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving the helicopter.

1. Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman's Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating; OR, a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating; AND
2. Must have a minimum of 2,500 hours of helicopter flight time as pilot-in-command, including at least 1,000 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time, and at least 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command turbine engine flight time.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid and current FAA Class II or higher medical certificate at the time of application.
• 30 hours of night flying, at the time of application.
• Available to respond within one hour during standby.
• Must be US Forest Service or CalFire Carded or must be qualified to pass a US Forest Service or CalFire Carding Check Ride. As a condition of continued employment, must obtain card within 1 year of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.

Appointees to this classification will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once on the job, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post‑accident, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up basis.

Knowledge of helicopter flight control systems and equipment; Interagency Helicopter Operations Guidelines; Federal Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual; basic math to compute weight and balance and load calculations; basic recordkeeping practices.

Ability to attend classes in order to learn firefighting methods, emergency medical procedures as related to flight considerations, and rescue operations; learn to understand and apply technical information regarding hazardous chemicals and gases, and fire prevention rules and regulations; learn to analyze fire and emergency situations quickly and accurately and take appropriate action; learn local geography, roads, and water supply systems; learn and follow departmental rules, regulations, and policies; understand and follow oral and written directions, especially during emergencies; speak clearly and audibly to communicate during operation of helicopter; apply basic mechanical principles such as leverage, force, acceleration, and friction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and co‑workers; skillfully and safely operate helicopter; read and understand equipment maintenance manuals and schematics to make minor repairs; write legibly to record work needed on equipment and assignments; work independently and without close supervision; use a computer; learn software programs.

Supplemental Requirements

A willingness and ability to: work in hazardous, and stressful conditions; continue to learn new materials, concepts, and techniques; work irregular hours; wear protective clothing and equipment; complete training programs successfully; work effectively in confined areas; and tolerate offensive sights and smells. Position requires the ability to see clearly at distances of 21 to 50 feet with or without corrective lenses and to recognize and distinguish between primary colors. Emergency operations require working extended shifts under difficult conditions such as fire, hostage, or SAR/SET/SWAT operations and/or other natural disasters.

Desirable Qualifications

• A valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter or Airplane class rating
• Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII)
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Instructor
• A valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial License with Airplane Single Engine Land and Instrument rating

Knowledge of

Operation of fixed‑wing aircraft; basic firefighting principles including fire behavior, weather conditions, safety hazards and precautions; principles of fire behavior, burning and firing methods, and basic air operations; basic fire suppression methods in open and mountainous terrain; local geography and water supply systems; Incident Command System; local topography and area weather conditions; basic first aid; wildland fire behavior and fire weather.

Law enforcement experience, the tactical considerations associated with operational situations, pursuits, containment perimeters, radio communication and coordination with ground units.

Ability to

Make tactical decisions in emergency situations regarding the most effective use of available Air Support Unit equipment and/or resources; ability to operate aircraft under Night Vision Goggles.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate appointment is contingent upon successful completion of passing a background investigation.

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one‑year probationary period.

Appointee must successfully PASS all of the following

1. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information disclosed on Personal History Statement and background investigation process.
2. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
3. LIVE SCAN a Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.
4. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A medical examination shall commence upon acceptance of a conditional offer for employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physical requirements of the job.

BACKGROUND DISQUALIFIERS

• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Poor credit history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information

Disaster Service Worker

Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit‑based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long‑standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE

OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

If you have any recruitment questions, please email Ms. Ryan at [e-mail].