Safety Lead

Hillsboro Aero Academy•Hillsboro, OR

About The Position

The Safety Lead supports Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Safety Management System (SMS) by investigating safety reports and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role calls for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage peers with empathy and professionalism while remaining objective and adhering to Just Culture principles. The Safety Lead represents the Safety Office at an assigned HAA campus and serves as a trusted peer resource, connecting operational insight with safety oversight. The role coordinates with the Safety Office, other Safety Leads, and department safety focal points to support consistent SMS implementation and Just Culture initiatives. This position is scheduled for 10 hours per week at the current CFI wage. It reports directly to the General Manager – Safety Programs.

Requirements

Strong, proven leadership experience verifiable with references.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting FAA regulations and guidance.
Proficiency in the MS Office Suite.
Strong judgment.
Dedication to continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
Poise and presence when delivering safety presentations to audiences.

Nice To Haves

Current HAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with strong peer credibility.
SMS program experience and training.
Commercial Pilot or CFI with 300 or more PIC hours.
Academic qualifications in Aviation or Safety.

Responsibilities

Investigate safety reports and incidents under HAA’s SMS, ensuring findings are accurate, fair, and actionable.
Engage with instructors, staff, and students to gather information and identify contributing factors while maintaining trust and confidentiality.
Apply Just Culture principles to evaluate behaviors and decisions, determine probable cause, and assign event severity levels in accordance with HAA’s SMS framework.
Support the Confidential Reporting System by encouraging open reporting and helping peers understand transparency and accountability.
Assist in safety risk assessments for new hazards or proposed operational changes, providing input from frontline experience.
Promote safety awareness and Just Culture education, modeling professionalism and leadership in interactions.
Coordinate with the Safety Office to ensure consistency in investigation methods and documentation.
Serve as a trusted peer resource, bridging operational insight with safety oversight to strengthen HAA’s safety culture.
Represent the Safety Office at the assigned HAA campus.
Collaborate with other Safety Leads and department safety focal points to support SMS implementation and Just Culture initiatives.