Aviation Operations Specialist

Entergy; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Entergy in New Orleans seeks an Aviation Specialist to coordinate UAS, helicopter, and fixed-wing flights across the enterprise. You will act as the main liaison between pilots, aviation managers, and Lines of Business to ensure safe, efficient operations and timely flight releases.

Responsibilities include daily flight release, weather assessment, flight planning, deconfliction, and regulatory compliance. Must have 3+ years in aviation operations or dispatch; FAA regulations familiarity; FAA

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aviation operations, flight scheduling or dispatch across multiple aircraft types.
• Familiar with FAA Regulations Part 91/Part 107; experience with flight planning and dispatching.
• FAA Dispatcher license preferred; UAS license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily release and deconfliction of aviation assets for safe/efficient patrols.
• Communicate flight details with pilots including weather, paths, and objectives.
• Assist in safety and operational control of flights under guidance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company SOPs.
• Support OCC with scheduling, metrics, and meetings.
• Assist Dispatcher Lead and provide admin support as needed.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

FAA regs

Education

FAA Dispatcher License

UAS License Preferred

Tools

MyAir

ForeFlight

TracPlus

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Aviation Specialist will be the primary point of communication and coordination for UAS, Helicopter, and Fixed-wing aircraft pilots and managers regarding utility patrol flights released into the national airspace system. It is the responsibility of this role to coordinate all schedule changes, updates, and travel needs effectively and efficiently between the managers, Lines of Business (LOB), and the aviation team. This role serves as the primary coordination center for all aviation operations across the enterprise. In addition to the duties above, the dispatcher will ensure coordination of safe operations among all aircraft operating by or on behalf of the Company.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the daily release and deconflictions of aviation assets, including helicopters, UAS, and Fixed-wing aircraft, to provide a safe and efficient operation for routine and non-routine patrols of utility transmission lines.
• Communicate directly with pilots to confirm flight details, including weather conditions, flight paths, and mission objectives to provide flight release for scheduled time block.
• Has joint responsibility with the PIC (Pilot in Command) for the safety and operational control of flights under their guidance.
• Oversees, manages, and directs flight operations in compliance with government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.
• Delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions threaten the safety of their aircraft or passengers.
• Analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of fight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.
• Prepares flight plans and determines fuel requirements by considering aircraft type, flight dispatch, maintenance limits, weather, and operational conditions to ensure safe and compliant operations, while monitoring aircraft position reports for airspace deconfliction needs to evaluate flight progress.
• Abide by all company standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Line-Of-Business teams to align flight schedules with operational priorities and mission objectives.
• Aids all Aviation personnel with coordination of monthly metrics, budget reports, inputs, meetings, and deadlines.
• Provides support to Dispatcher Lead as needed and performs in interim, duties and responsibilities of Aviation Dispatcher Lead in their absence.
• Supports Aviation Operations Control Center and Aviation Personnel with administrative and scheduling duties as needed.
• Communicates with pilots, executive assistants, and various support personnel to ensure complete and accurate comprehension of the complex and detail filled aspects of the Aviation Operations Control Center.
• Manages dynamic aircraft operations environment and cross functional reporting requirements including the scheduling and re‑routing of corporate business jets, chartered aircraft, fixed and helicopter patrols and UAS solutions in response to the ever‑changing and dynamic utility landscape.
• Committed to upholding Entergy’s Code of Integrity and aligned with Entergy’s Employee Practices.
• Other duties, as assigned or required.
• Safety Focus Ensure ongoing, consistent, and reliable tracking of personnel assets assigned to the OCC both on the ground, and in the air via any and all means available, to include but not limited to MyAir, TracPlus, Google Earth, Satellite Phone, handheld radios/transceivers, etc.
• Identify areas of operational inefficiency and propose/implement strategies and solutions to improve the overall scope and effectiveness of the OCC in support of existing and proposed/future projects.
• Provide centralized, coordinated handling of, and dispatch response to emergencies as reported from the field.
• Actively contribute to daily, weekly, and other scheduled communications briefing and tailboards according to project needs and in support of ongoing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Call upon stop work authority when necessary and practice just culture at all times.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum education and experience required of the position: 3+ years’ experience within Aviation operations, flight scheduling or dispatch with multiple aircraft types (Fixed wing, rotorcraft, etc.) Experience working in roles requiring coordination with pilots, maintenance, or operational teams is preferred Basic Understanding of FAA regulations and aviation operations, including flight planning and dispatching processes
• Familiar with FAA Regulations to include: Part 91 Fixed Base Operators UAS Part 107 Helicopter/ fixed wing utility operations Familiar with: Bell 429 Concepts of Entergy’s Flight Operation Manual Aviation software programs to include but not limited to: MyAir Flight Scheduling Software, ForeFlight, Drone Logbooks, TracPlus, Concur Travel System, Amex GBT, Microsoft office suite, Power BI Aviation utility patrol operations
• Any certificates, licenses, etc. required for the position: Licensed Dispatcher certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration preferred UAS license preferred