Air Pilot- Public Safety

Position Overview

We are currently accepting applications to fill two (2) full‑time Air Support Pilot vacancies for the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU), a collaborative unit shared between the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The ASU is based at Santa Ynez Airport and operates helicopters (Sikorsky HH‑60L, Bell UH‑1H, UH‑1N, OH‑58, and Cessna 206) to respond to emergencies day or night.

• Operate the helicopter in law enforcement, fire suppression, and search and rescue activities.
• Conduct routine pre‑flight inspections and performance of related duties as required.
• Execute missions including aerial firefighting, transport of personnel and equipment, hauling cargo, dropping water or retardant, patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, disaster mitigation, and administrative flights.
• Perform routine daily inspections to ensure mission‑capable condition and track flight hours for preventive maintenance scheduling.
• Provide airborne support for missions such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and support of marijuana detection/eradication operations.
• Transport personnel and equipment to specialized missions for SAR/SET/SWAT, K‑9, Dive Team, or other units.
• Maintain written and computerized flight logs and aircraft and pilot records in compliance with FAA regulations.
• Read FAA publications and Airworthiness Directives and adjust operations accordingly.
• Supervise and direct ground personnel assisting in helicopter operations, as applicable.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman’s Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating or an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft‑helicopter rating.

• 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 Cal Fire carded, or must be qualified to pass a US Forest Service or Cal Fire Carding Check Ride; card required within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment.

• Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
• Integrity, good moral character, initiative and self‑starter.
• Credibility, dependability, and good judgment under pressure.
• Effective communication skills and strong team approach.
• Fixed‑wing aircraft experience is highly desirable.

• Valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with rotorcraft or airplane class rating.
• Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII).
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Instructor.
• Valid FAA Commercial License with airplane single engine land and instrument rating.

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 to learn firefighting methods, emergency medical procedures related to flight, and rescue operations; learn to understand and apply technical information regarding hazardous chemicals and gases; understand fire prevention rules and regulations; analyze fire and emergency situations quickly and accurately; learn local geography, roads, water supply systems; follow departmental rules and policies; speak clearly for communication during helicopter operation;

apply basic mechanical principles to make minor repairs; write legibly; work independently;
use a computer; learn software programs.

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; tolerate offensive sights and smells; see clearly at distances of 21 to 50…