Aviation Operations Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

2d

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning.
A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently.
The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.
The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) is hiring an Aviation Operations Manager to lead OSD Flight Operations in support of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility (AAF) and other research-oriented flight services. These services are necessary for research missions performed or supported by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy. OSD manages aviation operations for the Laboratory’s manned and unmanned aircraft, which are configured as science platforms in support of a variety of missions. The Aviation Operations Manager reports to the OSD Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This position includes the following functions and responsibilities, including contracted aviation assets:

Requirements

• BS/BA and 9 years of aviation experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 7 years of aviation experience.
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain, an ATP certificate for the applicable aircraft class and category operated by PNNL.
• Possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate – Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) with Instrument Rating.
• Hold a valid Aeronautical Radio Telephone Operator Permit.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
• Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Nice To Haves

• Government flight operations experience
• 5+ years’ experience managing and/or flying large UAS.
• Experience implementing and managing Safety Management Systems (SMS), ISBAO certifications, and aviation safety programs
• Working knowledge of aviation operations, maintenance operations, and maintenance practices
• Proven experience leading or managing an aviation unit
• Basic understanding of the FAA aircraft modification and approval process
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aviation mishap investigation process, emergency preparedness, aviation safety, and human factors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regulations and standards relating to public aircraft operations
• Demonstrate a good understanding of aviation Safety Management Systems and/or the ISBAO system and protocols.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the operational planning, implementation of operations, and maintenance programs
• Have familiarity with Part 91 air operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and professional presentations

Responsibilities

• Aviation Manager – The Aviation Operations Manager serves as the Aviation Manager, as required by DOE O 440.2C, and is held accountable for all PNNL aviation compliance and safety by the DOE Office of Aviation Management.
• Aviation Safety Point of Contact (ASPOC) – In this capacity, the Aviation Operations Manager is responsible for all PNNL aviation safety programs, policies, and publications. The ASPOC advises the senior leadership regarding aviation operations and safety in support of research-oriented flight services.
• PNNL’s primary liaison with the FAA, NTSB, federal agencies, and other national laboratories for aviation matters.
• PNNL’s primary investigator for aviation mishaps, incidents and off normal events. Also serves as the primary to act as PNNL’s invited party to an NTSB investigation.
• Management, training, and maintenance of the Emergency Response Plan and Safety Management Systems (SMS) manuals.
• ISBAO program management and audits.
• Review and input on all aviation programs and manuals.
• Manager for the applications supporting the SMS and aviation operations. This may be delegated.
• Consultation on campaign site selections, facilities, potential hazards, and mitigations.
• Capable of qualifying as pilot in a modified Challenger 850 platform, including training and qualifications associated with pilot duties.

Benefits

• Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager