Aviation Commander

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Phoenix, AZ

Manages the activities of personnel assigned to the Aviation Bureau. Plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates the work of sworn and civilian personnel for the aviation function of the Department. Supervision is exercised over personnel primarily through subordinate supervisors. Performs administrative duties and related duties as required. This is a competitive classification.

1. Develops, administers, and evaluates administrative and operational policies and procedures to ensure attainment of Department goals and objectives.

2. Supervises the work unit and personnel, which includes interviewing prospective employees; providing and/or recommending training; coordinating, scheduling and assigning work product; establishing performance measures, goals, objectives and priorities; evaluating work performance; providing feedback, direction and guidance; keeping personnel abreast of new or revised information; answering questions; and recommending and/or implementing personnel actions. Prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects to staff; tracks and reviews work progress.

3. Prepares and administers a complex budget and controls expenditures for personnel, equipment, and general operations. Monitors the acquisition, use, and disposal of property and equipment.

4. Responds to critical incidents to coordinate aviation support resources when appropriate.

5. Inspects and evaluates organizational operations, plans, and programs. Maximizes resource utilization to achieve the highest level of productivity.

6. Responds to inquiries and requests from legislators and governmental agencies. Testifies on public safety and budgetary issues relating to the Department’s aviation support mission.

7. Prepares comprehensive reports, staff studies, and other written communications.

8. Oversees investigations into citizen or internal complaints in order to make recommendations.

9. Analyzes the impact of legislative and judicial decisions on operations. Initiates and implements policy and procedural changes to ensure compliance with new or revised statutes, regulations, and court decisions.
Knowledge of:

operational characteristics, services, and activities of aircraft operations.
fiscal management and budgetary preparation and control required to administer a budget.
pertinent federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations.
recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding aviation.
Arizona Department of Health Services regulations regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers and air ambulances.
aviation facilities and fuel storage management.
OSHA regulations and requirements.
hazardous materials storage and transportation requirements.
principles of conflict management.
principles of program management.

Skill in:

written communications to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
oral communications with diverse audiences of varying sizes.

Ability to:

analyze problems, provide alternatives, identify solutions in support of established goals, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations.
research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
plan, organize, and manage human and material resources.
establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the assignment.

Requires five (5) years as an Aviation Supervisor with the Arizona Department of Public Safety;ORa Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Aviation management, Public or Business Administration, or a related fieldANDfive (5) years of experience as a commander/manager of an aviation unit or aviation department which operates and maintains a fleet of aircraft for use in military/law enforcement, search & rescue, emergency medical services, or other public safety mission profiles, with at least one year of administrative/managerial experience.
Experience should include management of an operating budget, aircraft operations, aircraft maintenance, employee training, and a safety management system. Must have possession of a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate and a minimum of 1,000 hours of experience as pilot-in-command (PIC) in airplanes and/or helicopters with instrument endorsement.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have and maintain a valid Arizona driver license.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

FLSA Status: Exempt