Air Support Pilot- Public Safety

About the role

The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU) is a collaborative unit shared between the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. The ASU responds to all hazard incidents including wildland firefighting missions, law enforcement flight operations, ocean and swift water rescue, search, medivac, hoisting, mountain and cliff rescue.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Fly routine and emergency missions such as patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuations, disaster mitigation, and administrative flights.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintains written and computerized flight logs and aircraft and pilot records to comply with FAA regulations and other federal guidelines.
• Reads periodic publications and Airworthiness Directives from the FAA; makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operation based on information and directives.
• Maintains and supervises the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving the helicopter.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Must have a valid and current FAA Class II or higher medical certificate at the time of application.
• Must have 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.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Fixed-wing aircraft experience is highly desirable.

Benefits

County of Santa Barbara Employee Benefits and Compensation plans are provided. Details can be found on the provided links.

Pay

Compensation summary is provided on the provided link.

Schedule

The 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.