Aircraft Mechanic Lead
About the role
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.
The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit is a joint unit between the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office, based at Santa Ynez Airport and staffed seven days a week. The unit operates Sikorsky HH‑60L, Bell UH‑1H, UH 1N, OH‑58 and Cessna 206 helicopters and fixed‑wing aircraft to support wildland firefighting, law enforcement flight operations, ocean and swift water rescue, search, medivac, hoisting, mountain and cliff rescue missions.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Coordinates with pilots, including the ASU Chief Pilot, crew chiefs, and managers regarding aircraft status, availability, and maintenance needs.
- Performs detailed return‑to‑service inspections to ensure airworthiness, compliance with 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.
- Assists with the development of the aircraft maintenance budget; prioritizes maintenance projects based on timelines