Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations

Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across domains. Metrea Management consists of three core capability groups (Air & Space, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic) and five support capability groups (Operations, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions), that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea’s files (product, projects, programs etc) leverage to achieve their targets.

Capability Unit

Metrea Aerial Effects LLC (MAFF) brings the best technologies and tactics from wildland firefighting to high-fit, innovative, integrated aviation and training solutions that are tailored to the special needs and circumstances of each customer.

Position Summary

Within the Metrea Management Structure, the Head of Flight Operations (H/FO) role is equivalent to a FAA Director of Flight Operations (DFO), an EASA nominated person for flight operations or a CASA head of flying operations.

The H/FO is responsible to the AM for the delivery of safe, compliant and effective flight operations to

meet the requirements of the assigned Files in the Forum.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated H/FO (Aerial Firefighting Chief Pilot) to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aerial firefighting, specifically in multi-engine long-term retardant application. DHC-8 tactical and low-level experience is highly desirable. They will be responsible for developing and implementing AFF SOPs and TTPs tailored to multi-mission capabilities, ensuring alignment with future platform advancements. They will also have overall responsibility for the pilot training and development program, supported by the Head of Training and Assistant Chief Pilot. The H/FO additionally serves as the FAA Chief Pilot and is assisted in a Chief Pilot's training responsibilities by the H/CT (Assistant Chief Pilot).

In addition to leading development of SOPs and TTPs, the H/FO (Aerial Firefighting Chief Pilot) has overall responsibility for ensuring that all rostered and scheduled pilots are qualified and current, for maintaining their personal qualifications, and for overseeing the internal Line Audit program.

Role and Responsibilities

Lead and manage the flight operations department in accordance with the Metrea MS and Metrea core values.
Recruit, retain, develop and manage sufficient qualified and competent personnel within the flight operations department to deliver a deployable flight operations capability at a scale defined by the ASG to meet the demands of the Files.
Oversee the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) ensuring that the implementation of any change is appropriately managed, understood, and acknowledged by all affected flight operations crew.
Maintain compliant Operations Manuals and procedures, including MEL, ensuring document control and supervision and approval of temporary revisions and staff notices.
Ensure the Flight Operations department is correctly resourced, and schedules are managed to adequately and efficiently supervise flight operations and ensure robust operational control, while meeting outputs consistent with those agreed with the Files supported.
Provide guidance and direction with respect to the selection and allocation of suitable flight crew to meet Metrea File requirements.
Promote and actively implement the SMS.
Apply safety and risk management best practices to assess and manage operational risks in accordance with the ASG SMS manual.
Liaise with the Competent Authority on all operational and regulatory matters and ensure compliance with current legislation and the terms of the AOC or other letter of authority; ensure that a constructive regulatory relationship is always maintained.
Co-ordinate with the Ground Operations Manager, ensuring adequate Operational Control and planning processes are efficient and effective.
Co-ordinate with the Head of Crew Training, contribute to flight crew training programs, and ensure operational and training standards and developmental pathways are maintained and improved.
Co-ordinate with the Continuing Airworthiness Manager, contributing to efficient practices in the maintenance of airworthiness standards.
Co-ordinate with Quality & Compliance Manager and Safety Manager, ensuring robust compliance and safe practices are adhered to both internally and with our contracted organizations and any deficiencies that affect the compliance or safety of operations are acted upon. This includes promoting an effective safety reporting culture and that a just culture is always adhered to.
Attend Safety Review Board (SRB) meetings to monitor the safety performance of the Company and to implement improvement actions as required.
Attend or chair Safety Action Groups (SAG) and event review groups, assessing hazards, identifying and implementing risk mitigation as required and support decision making regarding acceptable levels of risk and actions in accordance with just culture.
Maintain operational metrics and routinely report to the AM on performance and metrics from Flight Operations.
Oversee the training and monitoring of AFF crews, ensuring compliance with established procedures and safety standards. Crews include non-flying personnel that are essential to delivering the multimission capabilities of Metrea’s AFF solution, and the H/FLOPS will collaborate with the Lead Mission Operator to ensure Crew Resource Management training is adequate and appropriate.
Expand and enhance the DHC-8 AFF program, including assessing and integrating new technologies and capabilities.
Collaborate with regulatory bodies to maintain compliance and ensure adherence to FAA / EASA standards.
Provide mentorship and guidance to deputy pilots and experienced AFF crews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Demonstrate exceptional communication skills and collaborate effectively within a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Skills and Experience

Practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices;
1. comprehensive knowledge of:
2. the applicable safety regulations and any associated requirements and procedures;
3. the CU's operations specifications;
4. the need for, and content of, the relevant parts of the CU’s operations manual;
Familiarity with MSs preferably in the area of aviation;
Appropriate management experience, preferably in a comparable organization;
5 years of relevant work experience of which at least 2 years should be from the aeronautical industry in an appropriate position.
Extensive flying experience with multi-engine aircraft in an aerial firefighting capacity (>300 hours). At least 200 hours of this must be in water or retardant application missions.
FAA or EASA license, complemented by DHC-8-400 AFF experience preferred.
Alternately, experience in AFF on another aircraft type (e.g. CL415, C-130, Bae-146/RJ, etc.) combined with DHC-8 300 experience will be considered.
Previous experience in a Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot position of an organization with at least ten pilots is highly desirable.
Must be capable of receiving a Canadian Foreign License Validation Certificate.
Exceptional proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in ambiguous situations.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with limited supervision.