Become an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

The classifications in this series describe work involved with the development and management of CAL FIRE's Aviation Management Program. Classifications in this series provide advice and counsel to the department regarding aviation matters; prepare contractual specifications; develop minimum standards for aircraft and pilot qualifications; provide guidance to and oversight of pilots and mechanics; solicit bids and negotiate air services contracts; inspect aircraft; evaluate pilot skills; design and develop specialized aircraft equipment; provide technical expertise related to the development of air base facility specifications; serve as a liaison with Federal, State, and local government aviation agencies, other forestry agencies, and aircraft operators; either conduct, participate in, and/or provide technical support in aviation accident investigations; perform aviation safety reviews; implement statewide aviation operation and safety training programs; oversee the maintenance of aircraft parts and components for aircraft operated and maintained by CAL FIRE; may serve as a crewmember on firefighting aircraft; may serve as an expert witness; and do other related work.

Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

Incumbents at this level develop and implement standard flight operational procedures; train and evaluate pilots, and ensure that pilots perform their duties in accordance with Federal, State, and departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and directives. Incumbents are also involved in assigned study projects; prepare recommendations on the use of specialized aircraft, modifications of aircraft, and development of methods and procedures for air operations; perform qualification and flight standardization checks for pilots; develop and monitor aviation training programs; evaluate effectiveness of air operations; as needed, act as relief and primary pilot of State-owned and contracted aircraft in the performance of fire suppression and vegetation management projects; ensure that the department's Aviation Management Program is conducted in a safe manner and in compliance with applicable mandates; monitor and assure contractor compliance with provisions of various agreements with the department; will participate in or provide technical support for aviation accident investigations; and do other related work.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$8,234 - $10,671 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

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 Airline Transport Pilot (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.

1,000 hours in command of aircraft (fixed-or rotary-wing). and Either I One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)
 
Or II
One year of experience in government service performing watershed and fire protection duties which have included a full-time assignment as a base manager or an air attack coordinator during the declared fire season.
 
Or III
Five hundred additional hours in command of either fixed-or rotary-wing aircraft performing low-level missions (e.g., wildland fire control, external loads, medi-vac operations, search and rescue, aerial surveys, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
 
Knowledge:
Practical application of aircraft operations practices and procedures; and FAA and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance.
 
Skill in:
Operating aircraft to commercial standards; and operating a computer.
 
Ability to:
Research and apply technical data; plan, organize, and direct the work of others; schedule pilots for flight operations, and provide technical guidance to pilots and other cooperative agencies to ensure safe operation of aircraft; and communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.
 
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

No examinations at this time.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!