DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  1110 W. Washington, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $21.1449 - $31.7308 Hourly 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open until filled. Next review of resumes: February 14, 2025.

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, Air Attack Group Supervisors and all other fixed wing aviation personnel, including vendors. The Fixed Wing Coordinator also serves as a liaison to State and Federal Finance Divisions to ensure invoicing and billing are correct. The Fixed Wing Coordinator will assume operational control of the aviation program in the absence of the State Aviation Manager.

• Will provide technical advice to the State Aviation Manager in aviation program development and management. Will provide direct supervision of the Air Attack Group Supervisor (ATGS) , 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.
• Assist in Aviation administrative duties to include reviewing billing documents, and tracking funding status available to ensure prompt payment to vendors. Coordinating with OAS Acquisition Services Directorate for payment as per the Service Level Agreement (SLA). .
• Performs as a liaison between the agency and federal airtanker bases of operations. Performs evaluation in the field of the SEAT Manager (SEMG), 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.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• Liaising 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

NWCG Qualifications: SECO; Air Tanker Base Manager (ATBM) or Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM); Mixmaster (MXMS); Ramp Manager (RAMP), Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM), Firefighter 2 (FFT2), Contracting Officer Representative (COR); 5 years SEMG experience

Red Card qualifications: NWCG Qualifications - SEAT Base Manager (SEMG)

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
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

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 12.29%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Morgan Lee at mlee@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 (602) 771-1457. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.