See NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.Air Operations Chief positions plan, coordinate and supervise personnel and the overall operation of the aerial firefighting, rescue, and EMS program; direct and coordinate the proper movement, use, and servicing of helicopters; coordinate logistics of aerial firefighting and rescue techniques; research and evaluate equipment; prepare and manage helicopter maintenance contracts; provide training to flight and ground support personnel; develop program and policy guidelines; coordinate helicopter missions with other jurisdictions; make recommendations regarding helicopter capabilities; initiate action for aircraft incident reports and investigations; interpret and enforce applicable City and departmental regulations; develop, implement and evaluate Aviation Management plans; represent the division at technical symposiums; prepare reports, operational budgets and analyze expenditures; and perform other duties as assigned.
NOTES:
- The following general wage increase is scheduled to take effect for Air Operations Chief: 1% effective 1/1/26
- Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
- Air Operations Chief employees will be uniformed positions within the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.
EXPERIENCE: Two years of professional experience in fire and aviation management operations such as participation in or supervision/coordination of a multi-faceted aviation program, mobilization and dispatch, equipment development and deployment, training, logistics, fire communications systems, and fire suppression and preparedness.
CERTIFICATION: A valid County of San Diego Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (EMT-B) will be required within one year from date of hire.
LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE:
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification in a position such as Air Operations Branch Manager, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Air Support Group Supervisor, Helicopter Coordinator, Helibase Manager and Helicopter Manager (CWN acceptable).
- Possession of a valid commercial pilot helicopter license.
- Knowledge of and experience in fire/rescue/emergency medical service (EMS) aviation matters including: Managing interagency fire helicopter operations; contract aircraft operation & maintenance; rescue hoist operations; night-flying (NVG) operations/management; and military interagency fire aviation operations.
- Experience in developing and delivering aviation-related classroom and manipulative training curriculum.
- Maintains a residence in the San Diego County area.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next one year. For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview.PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, which may include a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All of these processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, or illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may be cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change in their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.
