| Location | CA |
| Salary | $50.02–$60.80 Per Hour |
Aircraft Mechanic Lead
Salary
$104,041.60 - $126,464.00 Annually
Location
Santa Ynez Valley, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-0416-02 (O)
Department
Fire
Opening Date
10/12/2026
Closing Date
10/30/2026 4:59 PM Pacific
Description
SALARY DETAILS
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION POTENTIAL
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.
We are accepting applications to fill 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
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:
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.
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
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:
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:
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:
Supplemental Information
Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B License 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.
SELECTION PROCESS:
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:
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.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information disclosed on Personal History Statement and background investigation process.
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.
LIVE SCAN a Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.
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.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
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.
If you have any recruitment questions, please email Fire HR at FireDGHR@sbcfire.com.
Agency County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
Retirement Plans
Health Benefits
Paid Time Off
Miscellaneous Benefits
Compensation Summary
01
The Air Support Unit is a joint unit that works together with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Sheriffs Office, to meet the needs of the Santa Barbara County community. The vacancy for this unit is with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
02
Per the Employment Standards, incumbents must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
03
This candidate selected to fill this position must be willing to travel to locations outside Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities.
04
A Class C California Drivers License is required at time of appointment.
05
All applicants must meet one of the Employment Standards (Minimum Qualifications) listed below at the time you apply. It is the applicants responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application and not on your resume. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: 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 (3) 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. Please be aware that if you do not meet one of the listed requirements above or do not provide enough information on how you meet the employment standard you selected, your application will not be accepted.
06
This position requires that incumbents undergo a polygraph exam.
07
This position requires having a valid Federal Aviation Administration Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings issued in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 65 subpart D. Please select how you will provide a valid copy of your certificate.
08
Please select which Employment Standard that you meet for this position:
09
If you selected Option 1 in question 8 above: Please describe your post-certificate experience of three (3) years or more of repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service. Include the makes/models of rotorcraft and aircrafts maintained. Please do not type "See Resume" or "See Application." If you did not select this answer, type "N/A."
10
If you selected Option 2 in question 11 above: Please describe your combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to three (3) years or more of repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service. Include the makes/models of rotorcraft and aircrafts maintained. Please do not type "See Resume" or "See Application." If you did not select this answer, type "N/A".
11
Please describe your pre-certificate/ratings (military experience) of three years or more repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service. Include the makes/models of rotorcraft and aircrafts maintained. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."
12
I understand that the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. My responses to the questions below will be evaluated, weighted, and scored to determine my placement on the employment list for this classification. For information on protest procedures for the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613, https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
13
How many years of experience do you have of post-certificate/ratings experience in repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service?
14
How many years of overall experience do you have in repairing and maintaining turbine-powered helicopters?
15
Do you have any work experience in repairing, maintaining, and/or approving with the following aircraft: (check all that apply) If you have this experience, please be sure to describe in detail the specific make(s)/model(s) of the aircraft; employer name(s); title and dates of employment(s); and overall responsibilities pertaining to this experience on your application under Work History.
16
Do you have a current valid Federal Aviation Administration Inspection Authorization certificate? (If you have this certificate, please list the certificate number on your application under Certificates and Licenses.)
17
Which of the following applies to your Bell Training Academy aircraft maintenance school training?
18
Which of the following applies to your Sikorsky S70/ H60 aircraft maintenance school training?
19
How much experience do you have working on Sikorsky Blackhawks S70/ H60?
20
How much experience do you have working on Bell medium helicopters?
21
How much experience do you have working on Bell light helicopters?
22
How much experience do you have in providing technical direction, which included task coordination, troubleshooting support, and return-to-service inspection responsibilities, to a team of aircraft mechanics in a maintenance setting?
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101