Become an Aviation Officer III (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 III (Flight Operations)

Incumbents at this level plan and direct departmental staff and contractors in the use of aircraft; perform contract development, implementation, and administration; provide advice and counsel to the Senior Aviation Officer regarding aircraft operations; recommend and assist in developing policies and guidelines in all phases of flight operations for State-owned and contracted aircraft; develop, implement, and oversee flight standards and training programs; ensure that all pilots who fly department aircraft comply with minimum training and proficiency requirements; as needed, act as relief and primary pilot of State-owned and contracted aircraft in the performance of fire suppression and vegetation management projects; provide technical assistance to aircraft accident investigative teams and may recommend policy changes as a result; assist in the acquisition of aircraft; monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations for improving aircraft equipment, safety equipment, and the air program relative to flight operations; plan and administer the budget for the flight operations program; and do other related work. This classification will provide guidance and function as a lead person to Aviation Officers II (Flight Operations) in carrying out their duties.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$9,050 - $11, 739 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.

1,500 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 II (Flight Operations) or Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or Aviation Officer II (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
Two years 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.); (and) one year of experience in developing and directing training programs for pilot proficiency in the use of aircraft in specialized air operations; or managerial experience in military, government, or commercial air services.

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; provide technical guidance to pilots and other cooperative agencies to ensure the 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!