Natural Resource Specialists 3 - State Aviation Coordinator
About The Position
This rotational/developmental opportunity is limited to regular status employees. Limited duration and temporary employees are not eligible. The Aviation Unit Protection Division is seeking interest from employees for a job rotation as the State Aviation Coordinator to provide support to the State Aviation Manager and Field operations. Approximate Timeframe: July 2026 through Jan 2027. This job rotation will be working for the Aviation Unit in a hybrid work schedule. Location will be determined upon hire. Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Work Out of Class may be available for those who may currently be in a lower classification position than an NRS3. Those who are at or above the same NRS3 classification will remain in their current pay structure. Serves as a statewide Aviation Program Coordinator responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering aviation resources that support wildfire suppression and emergency response operations. Leads aviation program development, aircraft coordination, contract administration, fiscal analysis, policy development, and interagency collaboration while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state and federal policies, and agency procedures. Provides technical leadership for the agency's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, aviation strategic planning, procurement, and emergency aviation operations. Coordinates with federal, state, local, military, and private partners to strengthen interagency cooperation.
Requirements
- Three years of experience in any natural resource area/aviation experience demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills for this position.
- At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource or aviation programs, such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
- A bachelor's degree in (any natural resource/aviation area), OR Three additional years of related experience.
- Possess strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
- Proven ability to analyze operational, financial, and program data to support budget development, resource allocation, performance evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to facilitate statewide workgroups, coordinate agency projects, build consensus, and provide guidance and technical expertise to agency personnel and cooperators.
- Knowledge of aviation program administration, including aircraft coordination, aviation resource ordering, contract administration, interagency agreements, aviation logistics, and wildfire aviation operations.
- Experience with procurement and contract administration processes, including evaluating contractor performance, interpreting contract terms, coordinating solicitations, and supporting vendor and financial processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex operational issues, develop practical recommendations, and implement process improvements that enhance statewide aviation program effectiveness.
- Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, FAA regulatory requirements, airspace coordination, and emerging aviation technologies is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a statewide Aviation Program Coordinator responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering aviation resources that support wildfire suppression and emergency response operations.
- Lead aviation program development, aircraft coordination, contract administration, fiscal analysis, policy development, and interagency collaboration while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state and federal policies, and agency procedures.
- Provide technical leadership for the agency's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, aviation strategic planning, procurement, and emergency aviation operations.
- Coordinate with federal, state, local, military, and private partners to strengthen interagency cooperation.
Benefits
- Work out of Class may be available for those who may currently be in a lower classification position than an NRS3.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
