Deputy Chief Aviation Officer - Operations

Job Description

This position will provide leadership to the agency's aviation program in operations. This position will ensure safety, accountability and excellence in all fire suppression, all-risk and training missions. The Deputy Chief will recruit, retain and develop employees as well as keep the Chief Aviation Officer informed on all things impacting air operations.

This position will also maintain oversight and accountability of budget.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to assigned staff and resources. Ensure aircraft are properly maintained and ready for all missions. Work closely with Chief Aviation Officer and Division leadership on resource availability and positioning.
• Maintain oversight of all assigned operational budgets. Work closely with Chief Aviation Officer, Division and Agency leadership on budgetary needs, both current and future.
• Ensure appropriate training, exercising and development programs are implemented and followed by staff.
• Maintain appropriate equipment and staffing levels on aircraft.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required Education: Bachelors degree in Aviation, Fire Science, Emergency Management or related field of study or the equivalent combination of education or experience.

Preferred Education: Masters degree in Aviation, Fire Science, Emergency Management or related field of study.

Required Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years experience in fire and emergency response with a recognized response entity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge: Knowledge of fire suppression aircraft, operations, maintenance, policies and procedures. Knowledge of fire suppression strategies and tactics.

Required Abilities: Ability to lead others. Provide program oversight and manage budget. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

Required: Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days employment. NWCG Helibase Manager (HEBM), Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) or Air Tanker Base Manager (ATBM).

Preferred: NWCG Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS), NWCG Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Emergency Medical Technician – Basic or higher.

Benefits

Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

***This is an emergency response position. Long hours may be required to work long hours outside of the normal work week. Travel will be required. Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard which includes successfully completing a 2-mile walk carrying a 25 pound pack in 30 minutes or less.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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