Air Support Pilot- Public Safety

Air Support Pilot- Public Safety

Salary

$54.51 - $65.99 Hourly

Location

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-4025-01 (O)

Department

Sheriffs Office and Fire Department

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

6/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 Sheriffs 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 Sheriffs 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 Sheriffs 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 team approach
• 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: CLICK HERE

Compensation Summary: CLICK HERE

Retirement Plan: CLICK HERE

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

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

FIRE DEPARTMENT: CLICK HERE

SHERIFF'S OFFICE: CLICK HERE

Examples of Duties

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• May supervise and direct the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving the helicopter.

Employment Standards

• Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airmans Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating; OR, a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating;

AND

• 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 Drivers 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.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• 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:

• 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.

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

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: CLOSES 6/24/26 at 5:00 PM PST. 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 cbr4686@sbsheriff.org.

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3865/Deputy-sheriff-Association-DSA
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

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 Sheriffs Office. In collaboration, these departments work together to meet the needs of the Santa Barbara County community. Air Support Pilots are employed by either the Fire Department or the Sheriffs Office.

• I have read and understand that I will be working in a joint unit and agree to support both the Fire Department and Sheriffs Office missions.

02

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below at the time of application. It is the applicants responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

1. Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airmans 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.
• I have read and understand that I must meet the above minimum qualifications as required to qualify.
• I have read and understand the minimum qualifications to qualify. At this time, I do not meet the minimum qualifications and understand I will not be consideration.

03

Check the following required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate(s) you possess? A COPY OF YOUR FAA CERTIFICATE(S) MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION.

• I possess a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airmans Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
• I possess a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
• I do not possess the required certificate as stated above and do not meet the minimum qualifications to qualify.

04

Please check all that applies to how you meet the experienced Pilot-In-Command hours: (Document verification is required during the background investigation)

• I possess the minimum of 2,500 hours of helicopter pilot-in-command flight time as required to qualify.
• I possess the minimum of 1,000 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time as required to qualify.
• I possess the minimum of 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command turbine engine flight time as required to qualify.
• I do not possess the minimum hours of flight time as pilot-in-command and do not meet the minimum qualifications.

05

Check the box that best describes how you meet the minimum of 30 hours of night flying time:

• Yes, I possess a minimum of 30 hours of night flying time as required to qualify.
• I do not meet the minimum 30 hours of night flying time and do not meet the minimum qualifications.

06

Which requirement best describes your qualifications for certification at the time of application:

• I am U.S. Forest Service and/or CalFire Carded and attached a copy of my card with my application.
• I am qualified to pass a U.S. Forest Service and/or CalFire Carding Check Ride, within 1 year of my appointment. I understand this will be a condition of continued employment with Santa Barbara County.
• I do not meet this requirement and understand I will not qualify.

07

As required, do you possess a valid and current FAA Class II or higher medical certificate? (a copy of your certification will be requested as part of the background investigation)

• Yes, I possess a valid and current FAA Class II or higher medical certificate as required.
• No, I do not meet this requirement to qualify.

08

Please list your type of medical certificate and expiration date (FAA Class II or higher). If you do not possess the required medical certificate, please write N/A.

09

Are you willing to work a flexible schedule which includes four (4) 10-hour shifts, multiple consecutive workdays OR a mutually agreed upon alternative work schedule? This schedule will include holidays, weekends and overtime.

• Yes, I understand and agree to the terms.
• No, I understand and do not agree to the terms.

10

Are you willing to travel for work outside of Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities?

• Yes
• No

11

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: I understand as part of the hiring background process, I will undergo and be required to pass a Personal History Statement, Polygraph Examination, thorough Background Investigation, LiveScan, and Medical Examination, upon accepting a conditional job offer. I will be honest and truthful during the background investigation. Any falsification of information will result in my disqualification.

• Yes, I understand and agree with the above statement.
• No, I understand and do not agree with the above statement.

12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Appointee to this classification will be subject to mandatory drug testing as part of the background medical. Upon hire, this classification 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.

• Yes, I understand and agree with the above statement.
• No, I do not agree with the above statement.

13

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

14

How many hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) experience do you possess in flying vertical reference flight operations, (e.g. long-line, hoist rescue, etc.)? This work experience should be included in your application.

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not have this experience

15

How many hours of Pilot-In-Command (PIC) experience do you possess in flying water dropping aerial firefighting flight operation missions? This work experience should be included in your application.

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess this experience

16

The following three questions are to determine your experience in different rotor wing platforms based on weight classifications. How many PIC hours do you possess in the following: Type 1 helicopter greater than 12,500 gross weight.

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess this experience

17

How many PIC hours do you possess in the following: Type 2 helicopter 6000lb - 12500lb gross weight

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess this experience

18

How many PIC hours do you possess in the following: Type 3 helicopter less than 6000lb gross weight

• 200 hours or more of experience
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess this experience

19

Please select which of the following certifications you currently hold:

• A valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial license with Airplane Single Engine Land and Instrument rating.
• A Certified Flight Instructor (CFII).
• A valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter or Airplane class rating.
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Instructor.
• I do not possess any of these certificates or licenses.

20

How many PIC hours have you logged conducting mountain flying on map survey work, power line patrol/construction work, fire control work, search and rescue operations work, emergency medical services work, or similar assignments requiring takeoffs and landings with maximum loads on unimproved landing areas under adverse weather conditions? (Mountain flying is defined as flying in mountainous terrain at pressure altitudes of over four thousand feet (4,000 MSL). This work experience should be included in your application.

• Extensive Mountain flying PIC logged (more than 2000 hours).
• Moderate Mountain flying PIC logged (1000 - 1999 hours).
• Limited Mountain flying PIC logged (less than the required 1000 hours).

21

Do you have an FAA Airplane rating? If yes, application should include the number of hours, type of aircraft, and activity performed to achieve this rating.

• Yes
• No

22

Check all that apply to your work experience in piloting Public Safety, Military, and/or Commercial helicopters. This work experience should be included in your application.

• Yes, I possess experience piloting Public Safety helicopters.
• Yes, I possess experience piloting Military helicopters.
• Yes, I possess experience piloting Commercial helicopters.
• I do not possess any of this experience.

23

How many hours of PIC do you possess piloting Sikorsky Blackhawks H60 S/70?

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess any of this experience.

24

How many hours of PIC do you possess piloting Bell medium helicopters?

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not possess this experience.

25

How many hours of PIC do you possess piloting Bell light helicopters?

• 200 hours or more of PIC
• 150 hours up to 199 PIC
• 100 hours up to 149 PIC
• 50 hours up to 99 PIC
• 10 hours up to 49 PIC
• 1 hour up to 9 PIC
• I do not have this experience.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

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