Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic – Helicopter Trainee

Posting Closes: June 30, 2026

Starting Pay: $24.93 hourly

General Description:

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) Aviation Unit operates three (3) Bell 407 helicopters. Under immediate supervision of the Aircraft Maintenance Director, the Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic – Helicopter Trainee will be trained and mentored in the performance of highly skilled and technical work in the maintenance, inspection, and repair of rotary wing aircraft in accordance with the manufacturers’ technical publications and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) current regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet and maintain the eligibility requirements of FAR 65.71.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Must possess and maintain current FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings certificate.
• Must be able to pass the FAA Inspection Authorization test within six (6) months of becoming eligible in accordance with FAR 65.91.
• The ideal candidate is a recent graduate from an accredited A&P Technical School.

Background Screening: This position will require an extensive background investigation and drug screening.

Essential Functions:

• Support the twenty-four (24) hour operation of the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit.
• Successfully complete all components of the structured training program, including meeting established benchmarks, performance standards, and evaluation criteria within designated timeframes.
• Assist in performing preventative maintenance and inspections on rotary wing aircraft in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and FAA regulations.
• Comply with department chain-of-command directives.
• Accompany department pilots on maintenance check flights, as required.
• Perform daily aircraft washes and interior cleaning.
• Maintain hangar and shop work areas daily, ensuring a clean, neat, and orderly condition.
• Maintain tools and equipment to support operations.
• Attend work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and local ordinances.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Status: Civilian

Blood and Viral Pathogen Risk: Minimal Risk

Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed in a hangar and aircraft environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to tolerate inclement weather including heat, rain, humidity, and cold.
• May have exposure to chemicals, confined spaces, welder flash, grinding dust, fumes, odors, noise, vibrations, hot engines, and sandblasting.
• May be required to travel with aircraft, as needed.
• Varied schedules which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotation.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Must be able to remain available to work when a public emergency or disaster occurs.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to learn how to read and comprehend technical manuals, drawings, and electrical wiring prints.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written technical instructions.
• Ability to learn how to use and operate technical tools and test equipment.
• Ability to develop skills required for troubleshooting aircraft systems and make appropriate repairs.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgement decisions regarding aircraft repairs and maintenance, communicating findings effectively.
• Ability to interact with vendors to order and correct parts and components.

Required Knowledge:

• VSO General Orders and procedures.
• Principles, methods, procedures, techniques, and FAA regulatory requirements and controls related to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of rotor wing aircraft.
• Potential occupational hazards and safety precautions related to working with aircraft and ground support operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Heavy work
• Ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to see, hear, walk, stand, crouch, bend, stoop, kneel, smell, climb, reach, and handle
• Manual dexterity
• Visual acuity (peripheral vision, depth perception, and color acuity) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle, read schematics, and ensure close tolerances and specifications are met while working with aircraft components.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V