Operational Control Specialist

PHI Health•Phoenix, AZ

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States, committed to providing top-tier emergency medical services with unmatched speed and efficiency. The Operations Control Specialist (OCS) plays a crucial role in orchestrating seamless operations, supporting air medical helicopter and fixed-wing pilots. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the EMS environment, local flying areas, PHI's General Operations Manual, FAA regulations, and weather forecasting. The OCS communicates with pilots regarding risks associated with accepting or attempting air medical flights, often under marginal conditions, utilizing Air Medical Resource Management and Aviation Decision Making techniques. The role involves computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and custom software, while simultaneously interacting with pilots and other personnel. The OCS has limited Operational Control of PHI Air Medical resources and must exercise sound judgment in stressful situations, adhering to company rules, FAA regulations, and the PHI culture of safety.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Experienced EMS helicopter pilot, possessing a Commercial and Helicopter instrument rating, ATP preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience flying as an EMS pilot which includes 200 hours of night EMS and 100 actual instrument time.
Pilot’s license does not need to be active or current.
A medical certificate is not required.
If not an experienced EMS pilot, 24 months experience as either:
In aircraft operations as an air traffic controller or a flight service specialist.
In military aircraft operations as a pilot, flight navigator, or meteorologist; or
In air carrier operations as a pilot, flight engineer, certified aircraft dispatcher, or meteorologist.
Position is non-flying.
Strong background in Aviation Decision Making.
Good working knowledge of Air Resource Management or Crew Resource Management.
Excellent communicator.
Strong computer skills.
Good working knowledge of weather and forecasting is essential.
A background in human factors and risk assessment is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

ATP preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Communications Center personnel, Aviation Managers, and Base Pilots regarding requests for PHI air medical staff, especially when risk factors or weather place a base or area under risk that must be mitigated.
Coordinate the resolution of operational control issues as they arise.
Coordinate as above when conditions warrant a return to a “Green” status.
Conference with pilots to confirm weather conditions reported by AWOS/ASOS systems.
Assist pilots with weather updates as required or requested.
Monitor and track aircraft utilizing “Satellite aircraft tracking systems” (if equipped) when operating in “Yellow” or “Green” conditions, workload permitting.
Access current Aviation publications and reference materials on Web Manuals and via the internet.
Notify Director of Operations Air Medical or On Call Manager (as appropriate) if OCC functions become degraded or systems fail due to equipment malfunctions.
Place work orders to appropriate agencies for malfunctioning equipment and software interface.
Support company Safety Management System activities.
Comply with company HS&E policies and procedures.
Assist other pilots in making difficult decisions about whether to fly IAW CFR 14 Part 135.617 & 135.619.
Act as a mentor, advisor, and council to pilots, thinking ahead of the pilot, checking weather enroute, or using experience to anticipate situations.
Advise the EMS pilot about conditions, teaching as well as protecting the pilot, the crew, the patient, public, and the organization from possible bad outcomes.