Under the direction of the Assistant Deputy Director of Aviation and Mobile Equipment, the position is responsible for the specialized planning, organizing, and directing of the Department Aviation Program. The Senior Aviation Officer directly supervises these classifications: Aviation Officer III, Aviation Officer II, Staff Services Manager II, and Business Services Assistant. Primary duties of the position include the following:
Direct and supervise the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) use of aircraft and aircraft operation. Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Aviation Program, including 52 aircraft of various types used in wildland fire control and vegetation management. Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft through the development of a comprehensive flight standardization and training program for all pilots. Responsible for the development, implementation, and operation of the maintenance and parts programs. Ensure strict adherence to all Federal, State, and Departmental policies and procedures affecting the Aviation Program.
Make recommendations relating to the control and administering of the $57,000,000 Aviation Program budget. Review flight operations and aircraft maintenance and make recommendations related to operating within established budget allocations. Participate in the development, review, and administration of contracts for aircraft and other related equipment and services to meet the Department’s aviation needs. Provide continuous assessment and oversight of CAL FIRE’s primary aircraft services contract and recommend appropriate aircraft that will meet the Department’s needs. Provide technical perspective of aircraft flight and maintenance operations in the development of the aviation component of the CAL FIRE Fleet Master Plan
Represent the Department with other state, local, and federal agencies on all matters pertaining to CAL FIRE’s air operations as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on departmental and various cooperating agency committees. Prepare briefings and other presentations as required. *Prepare other written and analytical projects assigned in support of the Fire Protection Executive staff such as reports to the Governor’s Office, Department of Finance, Legislative Analyst’s Office and other commissions and organizations as required.
Provide statewide program direction, coordination, research, development and implementation of program policies and procedures within the Aviation Management Unit (AMU). *Advise the Fire Protection Program on matters concerning the Department’s Aviation Program.
Perform AMU Duty Officer rotational coverage with subordinate Aviation Officers. Perform other job-related duties as required to effectively manage the Department’s Aviation Program. *Is subject to and available for assignment to emergency incident activities, which may include fire, flood, earthquake or other emergencies.
Incumbents at this level supervise, plan, organize, and direct CAL FIRE's Aviation Management Program and are responsible for the overall administration and oversight of the Aviation Management Program contractual agreements to assure adherence to terms and conditions, as well as performance; provide primary leadership for the Aviation Management Program; ensure that missions are conducted in a safe manner and in compliance with Federal, State, and Department regulations, and in compliance with manufacturer directives. Incumbents approve minimum standards and contractual specifications; coordinate with CAL FIRES's Management Services on bid solicitation and the negotiation of contracts with aircraft operators; evaluate operational requirements of aerial firefighting aircraft; conduct boards of review on incidents and accidents involving aircraft and participate in joint-agency boards of review; represents the department in meetings, conferences, and public appearances related to the Aviation Management Program; maintain liaison with other governmental agencies, contractors, and other organizations; plan and administer the statewide budget for the entire Aviation Management Program; administer the Aviation Safety Program statewide; advise, consult, and make recommendations to department executive management concerning aviation policies and procedures; provide guidance and supervision to Aviation Officers; and do other related work. Incumbents may pilot aircraft as necessary.
Possession of the following certificates:
A valid and current second-class Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized examiner. and 1. A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings. or
2. A valid FAA ATP Certificate with multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. or
3. A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. or
4. A valid ATP Certificate with helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. and 2,000 hours in-command of aircraft (fixed or rotary-wing). and Either I 1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). or
2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). or
3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight of the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.
Or II
Possession of a valid A&P rating and a valid FAA IA. and Either 1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). or
2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). or
3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight for the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.
Knowledge of: FAA and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance; practical application of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures; types of aircraft and their performance capabilities, characteristics, and capacity for specialized modification and adaptability for use; personnel, information technology, contracting, procurement, warehousing, and inventory management policies and procedures; fire protection techniques, tactics, strategies, and policy management principles; principles and practices of employee training; principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision; and principles and practices of supervision and management, including a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Skill in: Performing basic analysis in reviewing and assessing technical and administrative data; operating aircraft to commercial standards; and operating a computer.
Ability to: Research and apply technical data; plan, organize, and direct the operations and maintenance of a statewide aviation program and the administrative staff; maintain cooperative working relationships with other governmental agencies, contractors, and fellow employees; provide technical guidance to maintenance and operational personnel and other cooperative agencies; oversee, manage, and prioritize aircraft maintenance inspection schedules and appraisals of aircraft and aircraft accessories; plan and direct the work of subordinate staff, while effectively promoting equal opportunity in employment and maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; and communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.