Address:  

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $31.7308 - $34.9039 

Grade: 21

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

This position serves as the statewide Aviation Fixed Wing Coordinator. The primary purpose is to assist and coordinate with the State Aviation Manager in aviation program readiness and operations. Under direction of the State Aviation Manager, the Fixed Wing Coordinator ensures that the agency aviation programs are run safely and efficiently in accordance to state and federal applicable contracts and policies. The Fixed Wing Coordinator ensures fixed wing operations are adequately staffed, aviation personnel are qualified, and directly supervises fixed wing personnel. Provides supervision, operational and contractual support to the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) Managers. The Fixed Wing Coordinator will assume operational control of the aviation program in the absence of the State Aviation Manager.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, shall be performed within Arizona.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Will provide technical advice to the State Aviation Manager in aviation program development and management. Will provide direct supervision of the DFFM SEAT program, associated vendors, record keeping, review of assigned personnel and contractors time, travel and purchasing. Stay abreast of State and Federal policy and guideline changes and their impacts on the state aviation program. In the absence of the State Aviation Manager, the Fixed Wing Coordinator will assume control of the aviation program to include but not limited to supervision, operational and contractual support to the Air Attack Group Supervisors and all other fixed wing aviation personnel, including vendors

Assist in Aviation administrative duties to include reviewing billing documents, and tracking funding status available to ensure prompt payment to vendors.

Performs as a liaison between the agency and federal air tanker bases of operations. Performs evaluation in the field of the SEAT Manager (SEMG). Will also perform evaluation in the absence of the State Aviation Manager of the Air Attack Group Supervisors (ATGS) and the fixed wing base operations personnel.

Performs base inspections in the field. Provides assistance in rectifying any discrepancies, offers recommendations for more efficient and safe operation.

Initiates agreements, when possible, between airport authorities and the agency for use of facilities needed at SEAT base locations. Provides State Aviation Manager and/or procurement officer with information and contacts of possible vendors.

Coordinate with the State Aviation Manager with deployment and movement of SEAT and ATGS resources, including timing of resource onboarding/offboarding for start and stop of season.

Knowledge of:

• Initial attack & extended attack fire suppression operations.
• Single Engine Airtanker Base operations at all levels
• Single Engine Airtanker and SEAT Base equipment needs both initial attack and extended attack
• Interagency ordering and usage of Aircraft; Usage and cost reporting for Aircraft (both State and Federal)
• Tactical and strategic use of Rotary wing, Single Engine Air Tankers and other aircraft in fire suppression operations
• Aviation safety both in and out of the fire environment
• Single Engine Air Tanker Exclusive Use and On-Call Contracts; State and Federal Contracts, including (but not limited to) emergency equipment rental agreements and retardant
• Wildland fire chemical ordering and storage, field use and reporting mechanisms for sensitive area usage and spillage
• Accident and near-miss reporting for fire aviation tracking of trends through SAFECOM network

Skills in:

• Coordinating with other state agencies and federal agencies in planning equipment needs.
• Liaison between federal and state agencies
• Aviation operations planning and management
• Coordinating with airport managers and/or city representatives to establish Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for use of facilities as Aviation bases to include operations, safety and hazmat concerns and needs
• Training and overseeing an employment force of seasonal and other agency detailed SEMGs and ATGSs each year for adequate staffing at all Aviation bases
• Monitoring and mentoring agency aircraft dispatch center managers and staff to ensure safe, effective and timely aircraft response to wildland fires
• Coordinating with agency, interagency and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel in the use of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

Ability to:

• Create a safety minded program with other state agencies that is focused on program goals.
• Foster a program and culture of trust and cooperation at both state and federal levels with shared responsibility in execution of aviation activities statewide
• Be proactive in anticipating needs
• Identify state-wide airports that meet program goals and needs.
• Continue evolving a cost effective program of state Aviation use for unique state goals and needs
• Cultivate good working relationships between contractor and agency personnel
• Work effectively with agency and contractor personnel in stressful work environments; delegate appropriately to base managers and contractor personnel
• Actively engage with agency, airport and community leaders/management in problem solving and enhancement of facilities for agency use
• Work constructively with agency and federal finance sections
• Work long hours and on weekends as needed
• Drive on State business

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• NWCG Qualifications: SECO; Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM); Mixmaster (MXMS); Ramp Manager (RAMP), Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM), Firefighter 2 (FFT2), Contracting Officer Representative (COR); SEMG experience, Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS)

• Valid Arizona Drivers License
• NWCG Qualifications - SEAT Base Manager (SEMG) or trainee (must obtain qualification within one year of appointment)
• OR Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) or trainee (must obtain qualification within one year of appointment)

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• The current contribution rate is 12.00%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.