Operations Control Specialist II - STAT MedEvac

UPMC; West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine seeks an Operations Control Specialist II for the STAT MedEvac Aviation Department. The role monitors flights, issues releases, and coordinates with pilots to ensure safety and on-time completion of missions.

Responsibilities include weather assessment, regulatory compliance, log maintenance, and maintaining airworthy conditions. Candidates should have aviation-related education and strong communication skills to support urgent medical transport operations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Ability to interpret METARs & TAFs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain positive flight following and ensure airworthiness before release.
• Verify weather, flight time restrictions, and regulatory compliance prior to flight release.
• Document flight releases and payroll/expense/training records accurately.
• Coordinate with Pilot in Command and communications center for operational solutions.
• Support safety culture and report safety concerns through proper channels.
• Assist in post flight analyses and ensure proper handoff at end of duty period.

Skills

Excellent communication

Basic computer skills

Regulatory knowledge

METARs/TAFs interpretation

Education

AA/AS degree having aviation applications

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

GOM

OpSpecs

Training Manual

Job description

The UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine is looking to hire a Full-Time Operations Control Specialist II to support the STAT MedEvac Aviation Department.

Schedule

• 7 days on and 7 days off

Purpose

The STAT MedEvac Aviation Department Operations Control Specialist will actively monitor all aspects of assigned flights. This includes but is not limited to the determination of aircraft status, issuing flight releases including acknowledgement or preflight risk analysis, flight tracking, termination of flights not meeting company standards, and coordination with the Pilot in Command to ensure the safe completion of a flight.

Responsibilities

• Maintain positive flight following of all CEM aircraft to include current information on the progress of every flight, assuring appropriate flight planning has been completed and weight and balance computations are within manufacturer's limits. Confirm aircraft to be released is in an airworthy condition with attention to upcoming maintenance and inspections, deferred maintenance according to the MEL, proper fuel and oxygen loading.
• Confirm pilots are in compliance with legal rest, duty and flight time restrictions and meet all Federal Regulations and CEM standards prior to flight release. Verify through appropriate weather reports and forecasts that the weather at destinations and required alternate destinations will be at or above authorized minima prior to issuance of a flight release. Coordinate with the communications center for solutions to problems caused by operational issues. Participate in the preflight risk analysis required under 135.617 to include the following: (i) Ensure the pilot has completed all required items on the preflight risk analysis worksheet; (ii) Confirm and verify all entries on the preflight risk analysis worksheet; (iii) Assist the pilot in mitigating any identified risk prior to takeoff; and (iv) Acknowledge in writing, specifying the date and time, that the preflight risk analysis worksheet has been accurately completed and that, according to their professional judgment, the flight can be conducted safely.
• Inform Pilot in Command of all traffic, flight, destination conditions and temporary flight restrictions that may affect safety or completion of a flight. Activate the Post Accident Incident Plan if contact is lost with an aircraft for more than thirty minutes. Notify the Chief Pilot of any damage to aircraft, persons, or property. Complete flight release log to include assigned activities and completes all official documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including payroll, expense reports, training forms etc. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all pertinent FARs and CEM procedures including the GOM, OpSpecs, Training Manual and other applicable guidance.
• Ensures adequate coverage by remaining on duty until each released flight has been terminated or until properly relieved by another flight follower with whom a thorough pass down brief has been completed. Actively participates in development of the CEM safety culture; ensures the safety of all patients and personnel functioning in and around the aircraft. Utilizes appropriate safety channels to report safety concerns, and utilizes available tools to enhance a safe work environment.
• Protects the privacy of all patient information in accordance with the STAT MedEvac privacy policies, procedures, and practices, as required by federal and state laws. Provides adequate notice of requested PTO, trade days, etc. to ensure schedule coverage; maintains ultimate responsibility for coverage of assigned shifts. Maintains fitness for duty by adhering to all employee health requirements, including maximum weight, hearing conservation program, and required medical certifications. Reports injuries and completes the appropriate documentation, no matter how seemingly minor the injury, to a supervisor in a timely manner. Adheres to uniform policy and personal appearance standards. Reports for work well rested and fit for duty.
• Adheres to the drug and alcohol policy at all times, to include FAA requirements regarding the use of over the counter and prescription medications. Act as Operations Control Assistant in support of oncoming Operations Control Specialist at end of scheduled OCS duty period.
• High School graduate or equivalent experience.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Completion of departmental contribution.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Ability to interpret & understand METARs & TAFs.
• Current Operations Control Specialist I with 2 years experience; or FAA Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating plus Control Tower Operator license with 3 years experience; or FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot License with Instrument Rating; or A total of at least 2 years of experience during the last 5 years in any one or in any combination of the following areas: In military aircraft operations as a pilot, flight navigator, or meteorologist; In air carrier operations as a pilot, flight engineer, certified aircraft dispatcher, or meteorologist; In aircraft operations as an air traffic controller or a flight service specialist.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

Preferred AA/AS degree having aviation applications. Preferred one year supervisory experience in an aviation or transport/dispatch related field.

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran