[Company], Inc., based in Sheridan, Wyoming, operates a mission-focused fleet of aircraft supporting smoke jumping/wildfire operations, remote logistics, and overseas deployments under 14 CFR Parts 135 and 91. The Aviation Dispatcher/Operations Coordinator provides coordination support to ensure each flight is positioned for safe, compliant execution—by verifying crew currency, confirming maintenance releases/airworthiness status, preparing trip support documentation, and coordinating logistics across internal teams and external vendors.
This is a year-round position that becomes especially fast-paced during fire season, when missions can shift quickly and operational readiness must be verified accurately and efficiently.
Role scope: This role emphasizes coordination, verification, and readiness (crew + aircraft + documentation). It is not intended to function as an airline-style dispatcher with independent operational control authority unless assigned per Bighorn procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1) Crew Readiness & Currency Verification (Primary Accountability)
Verify pilot qualifications, currency, and training requirements prior to assignment using Bighorn procedures.
Confirm required elements are current and documented, such as:
Certificates/medical status (as tracked/maintained in company records)
Recurrent training, check events, and mission-specific qualifications
Any contract/mission-required training relevant to smoke jumping and special missions
Duty/rest feasibility per applicable regulation and Bighorn policy
Identify discrepancies early and coordinate resolution with the Chief Pilot/DO (e.g., training gaps, currency expirations, schedule conflicts).
Maintain clear audit-ready notes/records of verification steps when required by procedure.
2) Aircraft Readiness & Maintenance Release Verification (Primary Accountability)
Confirm aircraft readiness prior to mission launch by coordinating with the DOM/Maintenance Control, including:
Maintenance release and airworthiness sign-offs
Inspection status and compliance items relevant to the planned operation
Deferred items/MEL-CDL considerations (if applicable to Bighorn’s maintenance program) and operational limitations
Special mission equipment readiness (as applicable to smoke jumping/mission configuration)
Ensure required maintenance documentation is accessible and properly filed/attached per Bighorn workflow.
Coordinate maintenance-related questions during normal business hours and follow established escalation processes after hours.
5) Communication & Workflow Coordination
Serve as a central coordination point across Flight Ops, Scheduling, Maintenance, and field personnel.
Communicate changes clearly and professionally—especially during surge periods and rapid retasking.
Support a consistent “no surprises” culture by proactively surfacing readiness concerns.
6) Documentation, Records & Operational Closeout
Maintain accurate, organized operational records in line with Bighorn procedures, such as:
Currency verification confirmations (Complete Flight outputs/checks as applicable)
Maintenance release verification confirmations and readiness notes
Trip support documentation and coordination notes
Irregular operations tracking (delays/cancellations/retasks) for internal review and customer/contract reporting when applicable
Assist with preparation for audits/inspections by ensuring documentation is complete and easily retrievable.
7) Safety (SMS) & Continuous Improvement
Support Bighorn’s Safety Management System by reporting hazards, contributing to debriefs, and suggesting process improvements.
Participate in safety discussions and operational learnings—particularly after high-tempo fire activity or complex deployment periods.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent (Associate/Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Experience in aviation operations support (dispatch coordination, scheduling, crew tracking, maintenance coordination, or similar), preferably in Part 135/91.
Working knowledge of:
Crew currency concepts (training events, recurrent cycles, readiness verification)
Maintenance release/airworthiness documentation flow in a Part 135/91 environment
Weather products, NOTAMs, and TFR impacts on flight feasibility
Comfort using operational software systems; ability to learn and use Complete Flight
Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple moving priorities without losing accuracy.
Clear, professional communication skills—especially in time-sensitive scenarios.
Ability to work flexible schedules during surge operations, including early/late coverage, weekends/holidays as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting aviation
Prior exposure to wildfire aviation, smoke jumping support, special missions, or remote/austere operations.
Overseas/international trip coordination experience (documentation packets, vendor/handler coordination, time zone planning).
Familiarity with MEL/CDL concepts (if applicable to Bighorn operations) and operational limitations management.
SMS familiarity (hazard reporting, basic risk assessment participation).
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
Primarily office-based work in an operations setting with frequent computer/phone communications.
Must be able to sit for extended periods, work across multiple screens/systems, and maintain accuracy amid interruptions.
High-tempo periods during fire season and deployments; ability to remain calm and effective under changing priorities.
After-hours maintenance is supported through DOM on-call; this role may coordinate communications and escalation per established process.
Key Competencies
Accuracy & follow-through: Verifies readiness thoroughly and tracks items to resolution.
Compliance mindset: Consistently aligns actions with Bighorn procedures, OpSpecs, and applicable regulations.
Operational judgment: Knows when to escalate concerns and how to communicate risk clearly.
Calm under pressure: Maintains composure and clarity during surge operations and rapid mission changes.
Strong coordination: Connects people and information efficiently across departments and vendors.
Mission awareness: Understands remote operations realities, smokejumping tempo, and overseas complexity.
Professional communicator: Clear, concise, respectful communication with pilots, maintenance, and stakeholders.