Air Operations Supervisor I

Job Code: 32000747
Salary Grade: NC20

Class Concept

This is supervisory and administrative work in managing and coordinating the flight operations and maintenance of an aviation operation using fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft. Positions are engaged in a variety of mission flights including but not limited to: point to point passenger flights, forest fire suppression, forest health assessment, photogrammetry, and search and rescue. Positions may also function as assistant to the head of flight and air operations. Positions supervise, plan, direct, review and evaluate the work of subordinates; interview and recommend applicants for vacant positions; provide and evaluate onthe-job and outside training; counsel and administer limited discipline to subordinates; and develop and make adjustments to methods, procedures, schedules, assignments and priorities. Work involves development of flight schedules and reviewing and approving all necessary changes to the schedule; preparing budgetary recommendations for aircraft operations, repairs, fuel, and leasing of substitute aircraft; developing and establishing policies and procedures regarding flight operations and aircraft maintenance; evaluating and making recommendations concerning the acquisition or disposal of aircraft and equipment; and supervising and coordinating all aircraft maintenance and inspections. Positions conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft and note all discrepancies in a maintenance log, and maintain all other necessary logs and reports related to their flights. Work includes planning flights considering weather, navigational aids, routing, altitudes, alternative routes and destinations, loading and weight distribution, fuel requirements, and the filing of IFR flight plans as necessary. Point to point passenger flights are normally at standard altitudes with minimum stress and loading on the aircraft due to maneuvers, while other missions such as forest fire suppression, search and rescue, and photogrammetry require low altitudes, tight turns and stressful maneuvers. Vertical, oblique and continuous strip photogrammetry flights require the aircraft to maintain a critical course, speed and altitude with very little deviation. Work includes overseeing an ongoing training program and conducting check flights for subordinate pilots, monitoring flight hours of subordinate/assigned pilots, and representing the agency concerning aviation matters.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, and State Statutes governing the operation and maintenance of aircraft.
• Thorough knowledge of air navigation and of single and multi-engine fixed and/or rotary-wing aircraft capabilities and performances.
• Thorough knowledge of flight planning, meteorology, forest fire behavior and firefighting techniques, and aircraft maintenance requirements.
• Ability to pilot single and multi-engine fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft in all weather conditions.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of pilots and aircraft mechanics, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and a minimum of 1500 hours of flight time in a closely related type of aircraft and/or type of mission, along with a minimum of five years related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and directly related experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Certification as a FAA commercial or airline transport pilot in airplanes and/or rotorcraft and possession of a FAA Class II Medical Certificate. May also require ratings in multi-engine (land), instrument flying, and others as designated.