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County of Santa Barbara · 5 hours ago

Aircraft Mechanic Lead

Santa Ynez, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$48.80/hr - $59.32/hr

3+ years exp

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an Aircraft Mechanic Lead for their Air Support Unit in Santa Ynez Valley. The role involves leading aircraft maintenance operations, ensuring airworthiness, and providing technical guidance to mechanics while coordinating maintenance activities for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

ConsultingGovernmentNon Profit

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 Federal Aviation Administration (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 and unit priorities ensuring maximum safe aircraft availability

Establishes and maintains a comprehensive record system documenting all maintenance, inspections, and repairs performed on each aircraft in accordance with FAA and manufacturer mandates

Serves as a technical resource to other mechanics by advising on complex maintenance procedures, troubleshooting issues, and reviewing work to ensure quality and compliance with regulatory standards

Identifies the need for tools, equipment, and consumable items that may increase the efficiency of the aviation unit

Ensures the aviation unit hangar, work areas, and aircraft are maintained in a clean and safe condition and promotes adherence to safety protocols among team members

Supports mechanic certification and licensing compliance by staying current with regulatory requirements and participating in relevant training

May drive departmental vehicles to pick up and/or deliver parts or components; and may be required to participate in test flights

May be assigned to drive fuel trucks, dispense fuel, and maintain records of fuel usage

Qualification

FAA Mechanic CertificateHelicopter maintenance experienceTechnical guidanceReturn-to-service inspectionsFAA Inspection AuthorizationRecordkeeping practicesJudgmentTeam leadershipEffective communicationInitiative/self-starter

Required

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

Three (3) years of post-certificate/ratings experience repairing, maintaining, and approving the return of turbine-powered helicopters to service

Must obtain FAA Inspection Authorization certificate within one year of appointment

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment

Incumbents may have to obtain a California Class B Driver's License

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 helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection techniques, including but not limited to airframe, engine, electrical, and rotor systems

Ability to provide technical guidance and lead the work of aircraft mechanics without formal supervisory authority

Ability to support to identification of staff training needs and assist with on-the-job instruction and mentoring

Ability to effectively coordinate and assign maintenance tasks in consideration of individual skill levels and operational needs

Ability to plan, schedule, and carry out maintenance projects to ensure work is done to satisfactory standard

Ability to diagnose mechanical malfunctions and identify maintenance and repair needs

Ability to work effectively with other staff members, pilots, and Sheriff management staff

Ability to work under the direction of the hangar supervisor

Ability to keep detailed records

Ability to make independent decisions related to airworthiness

Ability to work without close supervision

Ability to organize and prioritize work

Preferred

Experience in repairing and maintaining Bell and Sikorsky helicopters

Experience performing maintenance and repairs on helicopter models and series currently operated by Santa Barbara County ASU: Bell OH58/206, Bell UH1H/UH1N/205/212, and Sikorsky Blackhawk Helicopters S70/UH60

Experience performing maintenance and repairs on Cessna single engine fixed-wing aircraft

Completion of helicopter factory maintenance education or other certified technical training programs, including military aviation maintenance training

Possession of FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Certificate

Experience working in Part 145 Repair Station Operations

One year of experience providing technical direction to a team of aircraft mechanics in a maintenance setting, including task coordination, troubleshooting support, and return-to-service inspection responsibilities