Aircraft Mechanic (Helicopter Mechanic)

Print


Aircraft Mechanic (Helicopter Mechanic)

Salary

$77,108.65 - $92,597.17 Annually

Location

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

24-0415-01 (O)

Department

Fire

Opening Date

04/26/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

NOTICE OF CHANGE:  This recruitment will remain open until filled; 
                                applications will be reviewed regularly.  



The County of Santa Barbara is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Helicopter Mechanic [job classification title: Aircraft Mechanic] vacancy in Santa Ynez Valley for the Air Support Unit.

The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU) is a joint unit between the 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 job classification will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help (Temporary), and CSR (Civil Service Rule) 1414* vacancies.

*CSR 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.


This Unit is based in the center of the County at the Santa Ynez Airport and is staffed seven days a week with professional pilots chosen for their experience in the fire and rescue disciplines. Although ASU is a joint unit, vacancies are attached to either the Santa Barbara County Fire Department or the Sheriff’s Office.

ASU currently has helicopters ready to respond to any emergency, day or night, rain or shine. Aircraft assigned to the ASU 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.

POSITION: Under direction, maintains and repairs aircraft to ensure airworthiness and safe flight operation, and performs other related duties as required.
 
 IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES:
  • A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
  • Integrity/good moral character
  • Initiative/self-starter
  • A strong team approach
  • Good judgment under pressure
  • Effective communication skills

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. 



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 ; applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity.

*Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. 


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

Examples of Duties

  1. Performs preventive maintenance, modifications, inspections, and repairs in both shop and field environments to helicopters using specialized equipment, in accordance with appropriate federal aviation regulations, manufacturer's recommendations, technical manuals, and industry standards; may be required to perform preventive maintenance, modifications, inspections, and repairs to fixed-wing aircraft; and maintains standard inventory of spare parts necessary to conduct uninterrupted maintenance, modifications, and repairs.
  2. Maintains a comprehensive record system of all maintenance work performed on each aircraft to comply with the component mandates of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the manufacturer.
  3. Makes recommendations to the unit supervisor regarding the need for tools, equipment, and consumable items that may increase the efficiency of the aviation unit.
  4. Assists in cleaning the aircraft and maintaining the aviation unit hangar and work area to ensure their clean and safe condition.
  5. Attends training to maintain licensing requirements.
  6. May drive departmental vehicles to pick up and/or deliver parts or components; and may be required to participate in test flights.
  7. Incumbents in this classification may be assigned to drive fuel trucks, dispense fuel, and maintain records of fuel usage. 

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. Two (2) 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 years of pre-certificate/ratings military experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky turbine-powered helicopters to service can be substituted for the required two years of post-certificate/ratings experience.

Additional Qualifications: 
  1. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
  2. Incumbents may have to obtain a California Class B Driver's License. If California Class B Driver's License is required, incumbent will also need to obtain hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements within one year of appointment.
  3. Incumbents must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed and to travel to locations outside Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities.

Knowledge of:  Turbine-powered helicopters maintenance, repair, and inspection techniques; tools and equipment used for the maintenance and repair of turbine-powered helicopters; record maintenance practices; and tools and shop safety practices.

Ability to:  diagnose mechanical malfunctions and identify maintenance and repair needs; repair and inspection techniques; work effectively with other staff members, pilots, and management staff; work under the direction of the hangar supervisor and/or a director of maintenance; keep detailed records; make independent decisions related to airworthiness; work without close supervision; and organize and prioritize work.

Desirable Qualifications: 
  1. Maintenance and repair experience on helicopter models and series currently operated by Santa Barbara County including Bell medium helicopters, Bell light helicopters, and Sikorsky helicopters.  
  2. One year of maintenance and repair experience on Cessna fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter models and series currently operated by Santa Barbara County. 
  3. Attendance at Bell and/or Sikorsky maintenance schools.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration Inspection Authorization Certificate.

Supplemental Information

Appointees to 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:

  1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards. 
  2. 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.
  3. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. 

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.


Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Polygraph Examination; Live Scan and Background Investigation, which includes a conviction history check; and satisfactory Reference Checks.

Appointee must successfully complete the following:
  1. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information disclosed on PHQ and background investigation process.
  2. 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.
  3. LIVE SCAN:  A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. 
Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period.


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.

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 as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.


APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

If you have any recruitment questions, please email Alexandria White, Fire HR Recruiter, at amwhite@countyofsb.org .
Agency          County of Santa Barbara
Address         1226 Anacapa Street
                       Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Website          https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty

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

 
*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
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
  • I understand.
02
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through email. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check the selection process on this job bulletin for the dates of when notices will be sent out and the information that is required to be completed.
  • I understand.
03
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
  • I understand.
04
The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored examination. This will determine your ranking on the employment list for this job. Formal protests of supplemental questionnaire content must be filed in writing with the Human Resources Department within three (3) working days after the recruitment closing date, and are limited to the following: that the knowledge, skills, or abilities tested are not required for the job; and/or there are substantial errors in the questions. Formal protests of supplemental questionnaire exam procedures must be filed in writing with the Human Resources Department during the first five (5) working days immediately following the date notices of exam results were sent to candidates. Procedural protests are limited to the following: that irregularity (noncompliance with Civil Services Rules, applicable laws, etc.), bias, or fraud occurred in some aspect of the examination procedure.
  • I understand.
05
Per the Employment Standards, incumbents must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed AND to travel to locations outside Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities. Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you willing to travel outside of Santa Barbara County for periods of up to 14 days in support of incident activities?
  • Yes
  • No
07
A Class C California Driver's License is required at time of appointment.
  • I understand.
08
Are you willing to undergo a polygraph examination?
  • Yes
  • No
09
The Air Support Unit is a joint unit that works together to meet the needs of the Santa Barbara County community. The vacancies for this unit are attached to either the Santa Barbara County Fire Department or the Sheriff's Office. Please check which department(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection. NOTE: the current vacancy is attached to the Fire Department.
  • Fire Department
  • Sheriff's Office
10
All applicants must meet one of the Employment Standards (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time you apply. It is the applicant's 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. Two 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 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 two years of post-certificate/ratings experience. 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.
  • I understand that I must meet the Employment Standards at the time I apply.
11
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.
  • I've attached a copy of my Federal Aviation Administration Mechanic Certificate.
  • I will email a copy to the Fire Department (firedghr@sbcfire.com) within 7 business days from my application date.
  • I do not have a valid Federal Aviation Administration Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings issued in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 65 subpart D.
12
The second part of the Employment Standards, is to have one of the following: Option 1. Two years of post-certificate/ratings experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky turbine-powered helicopters to service; OR Option 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 years of pre-certificate/ratings military experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky turbine-powered helicopters to service can be substituted for the required two years of post-certificate/ratings experience. Please select below, which one you qualify under.
  • Option 1: Two years of post-certificate/ratings experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell turbine-powered helicopters to service
  • Option 2: Two years of 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
  • I have less than the required years of experience
  • None of the above
13
If you selected Option 1 in question 12 above: Please describe your post-certificate experience of two years or more of repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky 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."
14
If you selected Option 2 in question 12 above: Please describe your combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent two years or more of repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky 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."
15
Please describe your pre-certificate/ratings military experience of three years or more repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of Bell/Sikorsky 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.
16
I understand the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking and my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. Do not type "See Resume" or "See Application" as raters will not have access to any information expect what is provided in the response boxes for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613, https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
  • I understand.
17
How many years of experience do you have in the repair and maintenance of turbine-powered helicopters?
  • 5 years or more of experience
  • 4 years up to 5 years of experience
  • 3 years up to 4 years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • I do not have this experience.
18
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.)
  • Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters
  • Bell medium helicopters
  • Bell light helicopters
  • I do not have this experience.
19
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.)
  • Yes
  • In the process of obtaining
  • No
20
Which of the following applies to your Bell Training Academy aircraft maintenance school training?
  • Completed academy training and received certification
  • Currently attending a Bell aircraft maintenance academy
  • I have not attended a Bell aircraft maintenance academy
21
Which of the following applies to your Sikorsky S70/ H60 aircraft maintenance school training?
  • Completed academy training and received certification
  • Currently attending Sikorsky Training
  • I have not attended Sikorsky Training
22
How much experience do you have working on Sikorsky Blackhawks S70/ H60?
  • 3 years or more of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I do not have this experience.
23
How much experience do you have working on Bell medium helicopters?
  • 3 years or more of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I do not have this experience.
24
How much experience do you have working on Bell light helicopters?
  • 3 years or more of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I do not have this experience.

Required Question

Agency
County of Santa Barbara
Address
1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
Job Opportunities
Account
Terms Of Use
Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2024