Aircraft Mechanic Lead

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Ynez (CA); Presencial; USD 104.000 - 126.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Relocation reimbursement

Sign-on incentives

Time off accruals

Overtime / incident pay

Descripción de la vacante

County of Santa Barbara is seeking a full-time Aircraft Mechanic Lead for the Santa Ynez Valley, supporting the Air Support Unit of the Fire Department. You will supervise maintenance, perform inspections, and ensure airworthiness for multiple aircraft types used in incident response and rescue missions.

Ideal candidates bring leadership experience and FAA‑certified airframe and powerplant credentials, with strong knowledge of FAA regulations and safety standards.

Formación

• FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
• Three years of post‑certificate experience on turbine helicopters preferred.
• Ability to lead a team of aircraft mechanics and coordinate maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, manufacturer specifications and safety standards.

Responsabilidades

• Plans, schedules, and performs maintenance on ASU helicopters and fixed‑wing aircraft.
• Leads and guides aircraft mechanics; ensures work complies with FAA rules and standards.
• Coordinates with pilots and managers regarding aircraft status and needs.
• Performs return‑to‑service inspections and approves aircraft for flight.
• Assists with aircraft maintenance budget and prioritizes projects for availability.
• Maintains comprehensive maintenance records per FAA and manufacturer mandates.
• Provides technical direction and reviews work for quality and compliance.
• Identifies tools and equipment needed to improve efficiency.
• Ensures hangar and work areas meet safety and cleanliness standards.
• Supports certification/licensing requirements and participates in training.
• May operate departmental vehicles and participate in test flights.
• May drive fuel trucks and maintain fuel usage records.

Conocimientos

Helicopter maintenance

Technical leadership

FAA regulations

Educación

FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant

Herramientas

Aircraft maintenance tools

Descripción del empleo

SALARY DETAILS• Hourly Rate: $50.02 – $60.80• Annual Salary Range: $104,041 – $126,464

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION POTENTIAL• Overtime pay may be available for this position.• Assigned Incident Pay: This role may be eligible for 24/7 incident assignment compensation.

New Hire Incentives: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, may provide sign-on incentives and/or time off advance accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.

a full-time Aircraft Mechanic Lead vacancy in Santa Ynez Valley for Santa Barbara County’s Air Support Unit with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit is a joint unit between our Fire Department and 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 employment list for this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help (Temporary), and CSR (Civil Service Rule) 1414*vacancies.

POSITION: Under the direction of the Fire Battalion Chief, serves as the lead worker in aircraft maintenance operations by coordinating and performing aircraft maintenance and repair activities to ensure airworthiness and safe flight operations; conducts and documents aircraft inspections; provides technical guidance and oversight to aircraft mechanics; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This classification is distinguished from the Aircraft Mechanic classification by its responsibility for leading and coordinating the work of aircraft mechanics, providing technical direction to aircraft mechanics, and performing return-to-service inspections.

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA - Employee Benefits and Compensation

• Benefits and Wellness Plans - Medical/Dental/Vision: CLICK HERE
• Compensation Summary: CLICK HERE
• Retirement Plan: CLICK HERE

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES:

• A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
• Integrity/good moral character
• Initiative/self-starter
• A strong teamapproach
• Good judgment under pressure
• Effective communication skills
• Experience in repairing and maintaining Bell and Sikorsky helicopters

The Air Support Unit (ASU) is based in the center of Santa Barbara County at the Santa Ynez Airport and is staffed seven days a week. The ASU currently has helicopters ready to respond to any emergency, day or night, rain or shine. Aircraft assigned to this unit consists of: Sikorsky HH-60L, Bell UH-1H, UH 1N, OH-58 and Cessna 206. Training in all aircraft is not required for applying, but the willingness to train and learn to be proficient on multiple platforms is highly desirable.

Department Information

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Click here to visit the website to learn more about the department.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Click here to visit the website to learn more about the department.

1. Plans, schedules, and performs maintenance on Air Support Unit (ASU) helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including work on airframes, engines, electrical systems, and rotor systems.
2. Leads and provides guidance to aircraft mechanics performing preventive maintenance, inspections, modifications, and repairs; ensures work complies with federal aviation regulations, manufacturer specifications, technical manuals, and industry standards.
3. Coordinates with pilots, including the ASU Chief Pilot, crew chiefs, and managers regarding aircraft status, availability, and maintenance needs.
4. Performs detailed return-to-service inspections to ensure airworthiness, compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, and adherence to safety standards; approves the return of aircraft to service after maintenance or repair conducted by other mechanics; and exercises authority to ground aircraft as needed.
5. Assists with the development of the aircraft maintenance budget; prioritizes maintenance projects based on timelines and unit priorities ensuring maximum safe aircraft availability.
6. Establishes and maintains a comprehensive record system documenting all maintenance, inspections, and repairs performed on each aircraft in accordance with FAA and manufacturer mandates.
7. Serves as a technical resource to other mechanics by advising on complex maintenance procedures, troubleshooting issues, and reviewing work to ensure quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
8. Identifies the need for tools, equipment, and consumable items that may increase the efficiency of the aviation unit.
9. Ensures the aviation unit hangar, work areas, and aircraft are maintained in a clean and safe condition and promotes adherence to safety protocols among team members.
10. Supports mechanic certification and licensing compliance by staying current with regulatory requirements and participating in relevant training.
11. May drive departmental vehicles to pick up and/or deliver parts or components; and may be required to participate in test flights.
12. May be assigned to drive fuel trucks, dispense fuel, and maintain records of fuel usage.

Possession of a valid Federal Aviation Administration Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings issued in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 65 subpart D, AND:

1. Three (3) years of post-certificate/ratings experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service; OR,
2. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, certificate, and ratings.

NOTE: Three years of pre-certificate/ratings (military experience) repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service can be substituted for the required post-certificate/ratings experience. Must obtain FAA Inspection Authorization certificate within one year of appointment.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
• Incumbents may have to obtain a California Class B Driver's License. If California Class B Driver's License is required, incumbent will also need to obtain hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements within one year of appointment.
• Incumbents must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed and to travel to locations outside Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities.

Knowledge of: helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection techniques, including but not limited to airframe, engine, electrical, and rotor systems; tools equipment, and diagnostic instruments used in the maintenance and repair of aircraft; FAA regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards applicable to aircraft maintenance; recordkeeping practices related to aircraft maintenance, inspections, and repairs; and safety practices and procedures related to aircraft maintenance and hangar operations. Ability to: provide technical guidance and lead the work of aircraft mechanics without formal supervisory authority; support to identification of staff training needs and assist with on-the-job instruction and mentoring; effectively coordinate and assign maintenance tasks in consideration of individual skill levels and operational needs; plan, schedule, and carry out maintenance projects to ensure work is done to satisfactory standard; diagnose mechanical malfunctions and identify maintenance and repair needs; work effectively with other staff members, pilots, and Sheriff management staff; work under the direction of the hangar supervisor; keep detailed records; make independent decisions related to airworthiness; work without close supervision; and organize and prioritize work.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience performing maintenance and repairs on helicopter models and series currently operated by Santa Barbara County ASU: Bell OH58/206, Bell UH1H/UH1N/205/212, and Sikorsky Blackhawk Helicopters S70/UH60.
• Experience performing maintenance and repairs on Cessna single engine fixed-wing aircraft.
• Completion of helicopter factory maintenance education or other certified technical training programs, including military aviation maintenance training.
• Possession of FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Certificate.
• Experience working in Part 145 Repair Station Operations.
• One year of experience providing technical direction to a team of aircraft mechanics in a maintenance setting, including task coordination, troubleshooting support, and return-to-service inspection responsibilities.

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire examination 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 written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Upon accepting a conditional offer of employment, the appointee must successfully PASS all of the following:

1. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline will result in disqualification from the selection process. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will be invited to the next step in the selection process.
2. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information disclosed on Personal History Statement and background investigation process.
3. 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.
4. LIVE SCAN a Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.
5. 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.

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

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, number, 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

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 accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

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 that may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

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: Friday, October 30, 2026, 4:59pm PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Agency

County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty