Operational Control Specialist

Jobtailor; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a non-flying EMS aviation operations coordinator in the United States (Arizona) to support safe air medical missions. You will monitor pilots, communicate risks, coordinate with management, and resolve operational issues to maintain mission readiness.

The role requires strong EMS knowledge, weather forecasting, and proficiency with aviation procedures and Microsoft Office. You will mentor pilots and ensure compliance with FAA regulations while maintaining safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of EMS piloting experience with 200 hours of night EMS and 100 actual instrument time.
• Alternative experience: 24 months in aircraft ops as air traffic controller or flight service, military aviation roles, or air carrier operations.
• Commercial pilot license and helicopter instrument rating; ATP preferred for EMS pilots.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong knowledge of EMS environment, local flying areas, FAA regulations and weather forecasting.
• Experience with Aviation Decision Making and Crew Resource Management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assist air medical pilots and coordinate with Operations Center staff.
• Communicate weather and risks to pilots when accepting or attempting flights.
• Coordinate staffing with Aviation Managers and Base Pilots to manage operational risk.
• Resolve operational control issues and restore Green status when needed.
• Verify weather conditions via AWOS/ASOS and provide updates.
• Track aircraft using satellite tracking systems and access aviation publications.

Skills

EMS Pilot Experience

Aviation Decision Making

Crew Resource Management

Weather Forecasting

Risk Assessment

Excellent Communication

Mentoring

Counseling

Education

Commercial Pilot License

Helicopter Instrument Rating

ATP Preferred

Tools

AWOS

ASOS

Web Manuals

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Monitor and assist air medical helicopter and fixed-wing pilots
• Communicate with pilots about known and perceived risks when accepting or attempting air medical flights
• Coordinate with Communications Center personnel, Aviation Managers, and Base Pilots regarding staffing and operational risk
• Coordinate resolution of operational control issues and return to Green status
• Confirm weather conditions reported by AWOS/ASOS systems and provide weather updates
• Monitor and track aircraft using satellite aircraft tracking systems when applicable
• Access current aviation publications and reference materials through Web Manuals and the internet
• Notify the Director of Operations Air Medical or On Call Manager when OCC functions degrade or systems fail
• Place work orders for malfunctioning equipment and software interfaces
• Support company Safety Management System activities and comply with HS&E policies and procedures
• Advise, mentor, and counsel pilots on flight decisions under 14 CFR Parts 135.617 and 135.619
• Anticipate en-route weather and operational situations to help protect pilots, crews, patients, the public, and the organization

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience flying as an EMS pilot, including 200 hours of night EMS and 100 actual instrument time
• Alternatively, 24 months of experience in aircraft operations as an air traffic controller or flight service specialist; military aircraft operations as a pilot, flight navigator, or meteorologist; or air carrier operations as a pilot, flight engineer, certified aircraft dispatcher, or meteorologist
• Commercial pilot license and helicopter instrument rating for experienced EMS helicopter pilots; ATP preferred
• High school diploma or GED required
• Strong working knowledge of the EMS environment, local flying areas, PHI General Operations Manual, FAA regulations, and weather forecasting
• Experience with Aviation Decision Making and Air Resource Management or Crew Resource Management
• Excellent communication and strong computer skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, and custom software programs
• Knowledge of human factors and risk assessment highly desirable
• Pilot license need not be active or current; medical certificate not required
• Position is non-flying

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in aviation operations, including risk assessment, weather forecasting, and compliance with FAA regulations. Proficient in coordinating with pilots and operational personnel to ensure safety and efficiency in air medical operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• EMS Pilot Experience
• Commercial Pilot License
• Aviation Decision Making
• Crew Resource Management
• Microsoft Office Proficiency

Hard Skills

• Air Medical Operations
• Weather Forecasting
• Risk Assessment
• Aircraft Operations
• Operational Control Resolution
• Satellite Aircraft Tracking
• Aviation Publications Access
• Flight Decision Advising
• HS&E Compliance
• Custom Software Programs

Soft Skills

• Excellent Communication
• Mentoring
• Counseling

Certifications & Qualifications

• Commercial Pilot License
• Helicopter Instrument Rating
• ATP Preferred

Industry Keywords

• EMS Environment
• FAA Regulations
• PHI General Operations Manual
• Human Factors
• Risk Assessment

Tools & Technologies

• AWOS
• ASOS
• Web Manuals
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel