Job Description

Salary: $53.18 - $64.38 Hourly

Location : Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 24-4025-01 (O)

Department: Fire

Opening Date: 05/10/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will remain open until filled;

applications will be reviewed regularly.

NOTICE OF CHANGE: Supplemental Question #5 has been updated to clarify that the Additional Requirement of 30 hours of night flying does not need to be aided.

The County of Santa Barbara's Air Support Unit (ASU) is accepting applications to fill an Air Support Pilot vacancy in Santa Ynez Valley .

The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit is a joint unit between the Fire Department and the 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 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.

The Air Support Unit is a joint unit and the established employment list will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help (Temporary), and CSR (Civil Service Rule) 1414* vacancies for both the Santa Barbara County Fire Department or the Sheriff's Office .

*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 andis staffed seven days a week with professional pilots chosen for their experience in the fire and rescue disciplines. These pilots are responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and are 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 in all aircraft is not required to apply, but the willingness to train and learn to be proficient on multiple platforms, is highly desirable. Current staffing consists of (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.

IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES :

• 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

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. The position is part of a 24/7 operation and is subject to non-traditional work hours including rotating shifts, and working weekends and holidays.

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

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

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

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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Maintains written and computerized flight logs and aircraft and pilot records to comply with FAA regulations and other federal guidelines.
7. Reads periodic publications and Airworthiness Directives from the FAA; makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operation based on information and directives.
8. May supervise and direct the work of personnel on the ground who are assisting in operations involving the helicopter.

Employment Standards

1. Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman's 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.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License 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.

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); and 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 :
Position Requires:

• 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.

Supplemental Information


SELECTION PROCESS :

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants 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 Ranking Assessment 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.

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 favorable work history, conviction history; 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.

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.

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.

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

If you have any recruitment questions, please email Alexandria White, Fire HR Recruiter, at
Agency County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Website

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: and

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:

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:

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:

*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


I understand as part of the application process; a completed supplemental questionnaire form must be submitted along with the standard application. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand.

03


The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through email. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand.

04


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. Please note pilots employed by either agency work in the same location and fly the same missions and equipment.

• Fire Department
• Sheriff's Office

05


All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below at the time of application. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application and not on your resume.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
1. Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman's 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 requirements.

06


Per the Employment Standards (Minimum Qualifications) for this position, which of the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificates do you possess? ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR PILOT CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. If you are not able to submit, send copy to FireDGHR@sbcfire.com.

• I have a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Airman's Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
• I have a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
• I do not have one of the above certificates.

07


This additional Employment Standard (Minimum Qualification) for this position is 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. (Document verification is required during the background investigation)Please select all that apply to your qualifications.

• Less than 2,500 hours of helicopter flight time as pilot-in-command
• A minimum of 2,500 hours of helicopter flight time as pilot-in-command
• Less than 1,000 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time
• At least 1,000 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time
• Less than 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command turbine engine flight time
• At least 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command turbine engine flight time
• I do not possess the required experience as pilot-in-command

08


An additional requirement at the time you apply is to 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. Which best describes your qualifications?

• I am U.S. Forest Service and/or CalFire Carded.
• I am qualified to pass a U.S. Forest Service and/or CalFire Carding Check Ride, as a condition of continued employment and must obtain a card within 1 year of appointment.
• I do not meet this requirement.

09


Do you possess a valid and current FAA Class II or higher medical certificate? (Document verification is required during the background investigation)

• Yes
• No

10


Please list the type of medical certificate and expiration date. (must be a FAA Class II or higher medical certificate). If you don't have a medical certificate, please write N/A.

11


You are required to have flown a minimum of 30 hours of night flying. Please select which one best describes you.

• Yes, I have flown a minimum of 30 hours of night flying
• I have flown less than 30 hours of night flying
• I do not meet the minimum 30 hours of night flying.

12


Appointee will be subject to mandatory testing of drugs prior to beginning employment. Upon hire, appointee 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.

• I understand.

13


Are you willing to work a flexible schedule which will include: 12-hour shifts, multiple days in a row OR a mutually agreed upon alternative work schedule? This includes holidays, weekends and overtime.

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

14


ACKNOWLEDGMENT: I understand as part of the hiring process for both the Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department, I will undergo and must pass a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), Polygraph Examination and thorough Background Investigation. I will be honest and truthful during the background investigation. Any falsification of information will result in my disqualification.

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

15


Are you willing to undergo a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

16


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

• Yes
• No

17


I understand the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking and my responses to the following supplemental questions numbered 19 - 31 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,

• I understand.

18


I acknowledge, my responses to Questions #19 - 31 will be used as a weighted and scored selection device. The supplemental questionnaire is a scored examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list for this position. 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: 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.

19


How many hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) experience do you have in flying vertical reference flight operations, e.g. long-line, hoist rescue, etc.? Please be sure to list and briefly describe this experience on

Job Tags

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