Aviation Dispatcher/ Operations Coordinator

Bighorn Airways Inc•Sheridan, WY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Bighorn Airways, Inc., based in Sheridan, Wyoming, operates a mission-focused fleet of aircraft supporting smoke jumping/wildfire operations, remote logistics, and overseas deployments under 14 CFR Parts 135 and 91. The Aviation Dispatcher/Operations Coordinator provides coordination support to ensure each flight is positioned for safe, compliant execution—by verifying crew currency, confirming maintenance releases/airworthiness status, preparing trip support documentation, and coordinating logistics across internal teams and external vendors. This is a year-round position that becomes especially fast-paced during fire season, when missions can shift quickly and operational readiness must be verified accurately and efficiently. Role scope: This role emphasizes coordination, verification, and readiness (crew + aircraft + documentation). It is not intended to function as an airline-style dispatcher with independent operational control authority unless assigned per Bighorn procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (Associate/Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Experience in aviation operations support (dispatch coordination, scheduling, crew tracking, maintenance coordination, or similar), preferably in Part 135/91.
Working knowledge of: Crew currency concepts (training events, recurrent cycles, readiness verification), Maintenance release/airworthiness documentation flow in a Part 135/91 environment, Weather products, NOTAMs, and TFR impacts on flight feasibility
Comfort using operational software systems; ability to learn and use Complete Flight
Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple moving priorities without losing accuracy.
Clear, professional communication skills—especially in time-sensitive scenarios.
Ability to work flexible schedules during surge operations, including early/late coverage, weekends/holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting aviation
Prior exposure to wildfire aviation, smoke jumping support, special missions, or remote/austere operations.
Overseas/international trip coordination experience (documentation packets, vendor/handler coordination, time zone planning).
Familiarity with MEL/CDL concepts (if applicable to Bighorn operations) and operational limitations management.
SMS familiarity (hazard reporting, basic risk assessment participation).

Responsibilities

Crew Readiness & Currency Verification (Primary Accountability)
Verify pilot qualifications, currency, and training requirements prior to assignment using Bighorn procedures.
Confirm required elements are current and documented, such as: Certificates/medical status (as tracked/maintained in company records), Recurrent training, check events, and mission-specific qualifications, Any contract/mission-required training relevant to smoke jumping and special missions, Duty/rest feasibility per applicable regulation and Bighorn policy
Identify discrepancies early and coordinate resolution with the Chief Pilot/DO (e.g., training gaps, currency expirations, schedule conflicts).
Maintain clear audit-ready notes/records of verification steps when required by procedure.
Aircraft Readiness & Maintenance Release Verification (Primary Accountability)
Confirm aircraft readiness prior to mission launch by coordinating with the DOM/Maintenance Control, including: Maintenance release and airworthiness sign-offs, Inspection status and compliance items relevant to the planned operation, Deferred items/MEL-CDL considerations (if applicable to Bighorn’s maintenance program) and operational limitations, Special mission equipment readiness (as applicable to smoke jumping/mission configuration)
Ensure required maintenance documentation is accessible and properly filed/attached per Bighorn workflow.
Coordinate maintenance-related questions during normal business hours and follow established escalation processes after hours.
Communication & Workflow Coordination
Serve as a central coordination point across Flight Ops, Scheduling, Maintenance, and field personnel.
Communicate changes clearly and professionally—especially during surge periods and rapid retasking.
Support a consistent “no surprises” culture by proactively surfacing readiness concerns.
Documentation, Records & Operational Closeout
Maintain accurate, organized operational records in line with Bighorn procedures, such as: Currency verification confirmations (Complete Flight outputs/checks as applicable), Maintenance release verification confirmations and readiness notes, Trip support documentation and coordination notes, Irregular operations tracking (delays/cancellations/retasks) for internal review and customer/contract reporting when applicable
Assist with preparation for audits/inspections by ensuring documentation is complete and easily retrievable.
Safety (SMS) & Continuous Improvement
Support Bighorn’s Safety Management System by reporting hazards, contributing to debriefs, and suggesting process improvements.
Participate in safety discussions and operational learnings—particularly after high-tempo fire activity or complex deployment periods.