ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ocean Rescue Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsOcean Rescue JobsOcean Rescue Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Ocean Rescue information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$57.3K

$101.6K

$147.4K

How much do ocean rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean rescue in Santa Barbara, CA is $101,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,900.00 and $115,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ocean rescue?

An Ocean Rescue job involves lifeguarding and emergency response duties to ensure the safety of swimmers, surfers, and boaters in coastal and open water environments. Responsibilities include monitoring water conditions, performing rescues, administering first aid or CPR, and educating the public on water safety. Ocean rescue professionals must be strong swimmers, physically fit, and trained in lifesaving techniques. Many work for public safety agencies, beach patrols, or local governments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ocean rescue?

To thrive in Ocean Rescue, you need strong swimming skills, first aid and CPR certification, and knowledge of water safety protocols. Familiarity with rescue equipment like jet skis, rescue boards, and communication radios is typically required, along with certifications such as lifeguard or open water rescue credentials. Excellent teamwork, quick decision-making, and calm communication during emergencies are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure swift, coordinated responses to emergencies and help save lives in high-pressure marine environments.

What are the typical work environments and schedules like for ocean rescue professionals?

Ocean Rescue professionals often work at beaches, coastal areas, or waterfronts, providing vigilant surveillance and rapid response to water-related emergencies. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality and beach hours, and can include early mornings, weekends, and holidays to ensure coverage during peak times. Teamwork is essential, as rescue personnel coordinate closely with each other and local emergency services. The work environment is dynamic and physically demanding, requiring constant alertness and adaptability to weather conditions and changing surf. This career can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy being outdoors and making a direct impact on public safety.

Is it hard to become an ocean rescue?

Becoming an ocean rescue professional typically requires physical fitness, swimming skills, and certification in lifeguarding and water rescue techniques. Additional training in first aid and CPR is often necessary, and candidates must pass physical and written tests to qualify for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Rescue jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Ocean Rescue jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ocean Rescue jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Ocean Rescue jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Ocean Rescue jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Ocean Rescue job openings:

Ocean Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Rescue job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,587 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Helicopter/Fixed Wing A&P Lead Mechanic - California

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Heli Preflight
See more jobs at Heli Preflightexternal

$101K - $123K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company: County of Santa Barbara Fire DepartmentLocation: Santa Ynez, California, USAType: PermanentSalary Range: $101,504.00 – $123,379.36

Description

The County of Santa Barbara’s Air Support Unit is accepting applications to fill a full-time Aircraft Mechanic Lead vacancy in the Santa Ynez Valley, California.

SALARY DETAILS:

  • $48.80 – $59.32 Hourly
  • $101,504.00 – $123,379.36 Annually

Plus Possible Additional Pay:

  • Overtime Pay is possible for this position.
  • Assigned Incident Pay: This position may be eligible for assigned 24/7 incident pay.

The Air Support Unit (ASU) is a joint unit between our 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. Although this is a joint unit, vacancies are attached to either the Santa Barbara County Fire Department or the Sheriff’s Office.

This vacant position is attached to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The ASU currently has helicopters ready to respond to any emergency, day or night, rain or shine. Aircraft assigned to this unit 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 the direction of the Fire Battalion Chief, serves as the lead worker in aircraft maintenance operations by coordinating and performing aircraft maintenance and repair activities to ensure airworthiness and safe flight operations; conducts and documents aircraft inspections; provides technical guidance and oversight to aircraft mechanics; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from the Aircraft Mechanic classification by its responsibility for leading and coordinating the work of aircraft mechanics, providing technical direction to aircraft mechanics, and performing return-to-service inspections.

Job Requirements:

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:

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

Must obtain FAA Inspection Authorization certificate within one year of appointment.

Additional Qualifications:

  • 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. 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.
  • 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.

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.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 17, 2025 AT 5:00 PM PST

Answering the Call Since 1926The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is a progressive, multi-mission public safety agency with a rich tradition and history. We stand ready to serve the people of this world-renown area with professionalism, dedication…

Supported Manufacturers:

Bell, Sikorsky, BlackHawk

Supported Models:

HH-60L, UH-1H, UH 1N, OH-58 and Cesna 206

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply