​​Aviation Officer Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established October 18, 1972

Scope

This series specification describes six classifications used in the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Aviation Management Program.

Definition of Series

The classifications in this series describe work involved with the development and management of CAL FIRE's Aviation Management Program. Classifications in this series provide advice and counsel to the department regarding aviation matters; prepare contractual specifications; develop minimum standards for aircraft and pilot qualifications; provide guidance to and oversight of pilots and mechanics; solicit bids and negotiate air services contracts; inspect aircraft; evaluate pilot skills; design and develop specialized aircraft equipment; provide technical expertise related to the development of air base facility specifications; serve as a liaison with Federal, State, and local government aviation agencies, other forestry agencies, and aircraft operators; either conduct, participate in, and/or provide technical support in aviation accident investigations; perform aviation safety reviews; implement statewide aviation operation and safety training programs; oversee the maintenance of aircraft parts and components for aircraft operated and maintained by CAL FIRE; may serve as a crewmember on firefighting aircraft; may serve as an expert witness; and do other related work.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series is generally at the Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) and Aviation Officer I (Maintenance).

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level, variety, and complexity of work, nature of public contacts, supervision received and exercised, latitude for independent judgment and action, responsibility for and understanding of consequences of decisions, and in the higher levels, degree of program control and influence on methods of program performance serve as differentiating factors between individual classifications.

Definition of Levels

Aviation Officer I (Maintenance)

Incumbents at this level will act as the lead mechanic or shop foreperson directing a group of contract or State mechanics working on State-owned or contracted aircraft; perform maintenance and maintenance inspections on such aircraft; perform modifications and/or direct performance of modifications to aircraft used in department programs. Work described may be accomplished at both central maintenance facilities and remote operational locations.

Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

Incumbents at this level develop and implement standard flight operational procedures; train and evaluate pilots, and ensure that pilots perform their duties in accordance with Federal, State, and departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and directives. Incumbents are also involved in assigned study projects; prepare recommendations on the use of specialized aircraft, modifications of aircraft, and development of methods and procedures for air operations; perform qualification and flight standardization checks for pilots; develop and monitor aviation training programs; evaluate effectiveness of air operations; as needed, act as relief and primary pilot of State-owned and contracted aircraft in the performance of fire suppression and vegetation management projects; ensure that the department's Aviation Management Program is conducted in a safe manner and in compliance with applicable mandates; monitor and assure contractor compliance with provisions of various agreements with the department; will participate in or provide technical support for aviation accident investigations; and do other related work.

Aviation Officer II (Maintenance)

Incumbents at this level provide guidance and direction to departmental staff and contractors in all phases of maintenance, modification, and care of State-owned and contracted aircraft; direct the overhaul and repair of aircraft, engines, and components for State-owned or contracted aircraft; conduct inspections of State-owned or contracted aircraft; and do other related work. Work described may be accomplished at both central maintenance facilities and remote operational locations; and will participate in or provide technical support for aviation accident investigations.

Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations)

Incumbents at this level plan and direct departmental staff and contractors in the use of aircraft; perform contract development, implementation, and administration; provide advice and counsel to the Senior Aviation Officer regarding aircraft operations; recommend and assist in developing policies and guidelines in all phases of flight operations for State-owned and contracted aircraft; develop, implement, and oversee flight standards and training programs; ensure that all pilots who fly department aircraft comply with minimum training and proficiency requirements; as needed, act as relief and primary pilot of State-owned and contracted aircraft in the performance of fire suppression and vegetation management projects; provide technical assistance to aircraft accident investigative teams and may recommend policy changes as a result; assist in the acquisition of aircraft; monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations for improving aircraft equipment, safety equipment, and the air program relative to flight operations; plan and administer the budget for the flight operations program; and do other related work. This classification will provide guidance and function as a lead person to Aviation Officers II (Flight Operations) in carrying out their duties.

Aviation Officer III (Maintenance)

Incumbents at this level plan, organize, and direct department staff and contractors in the aviation maintenance and aircraft modifications for the department; perform contract development, implementation, and administration; provide advice and counsel to the Senior Aviation Officer regarding aircraft maintenance; recommend and assist in the development of policies and guidelines in all phases of maintenance of State-owned and contracted aircraft; plan and administer the budget for the maintenance program; and do other related work. This classification may participate in aviation accident investigations and may recommend policy changes as a result; and will provide guidance and function as lead person to Aviation Officers II (Maintenance) in carrying out their duties.

Senior Aviation Officer

Incumbents at this level supervise, plan, organize, and direct CAL FIRE's Aviation Management Program and are responsible for the overall administration and oversight of the Aviation Management Program contractual agreements to assure adherence to terms and conditions, as well as performance; provide primary leadership for the Aviation Management Program; ensure that missions are conducted in a safe manner and in compliance with Federal, State, and Department regulations, and in compliance with manufacturer directives. Incumbents approve minimum standards and contractual specifications; coordinate with CAL FIRES's Management Services on bid solicitation and the negotiation of contracts with aircraft operators; evaluate operational requirements of aerial firefighting aircraft; conduct boards of review on incidents and accidents involving aircraft and participate in joint-agency boards of review; represents the department in meetings, conferences, and public appearances related to the Aviation Management Program; maintain liaison with other governmental agencies, contractors, and other organizations; plan and administer the statewide budget for the entire Aviation Management Program; administer the Aviation Safety Program statewide; advise, consult, and make recommendations to department executive management concerning aviation policies and procedures; provide guidance and supervision to Aviation Officers; and do other related work. Incumbents may pilot aircraft as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Aviation Officer I (Maintenance)

Aviation Officer II (Maintenance)

Aviation Officer III (Maintenance)

Possession of a valid Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating.

Aviation Officer I (Maintenance)

A minimum of two years of experience performing the duties of an A&P mechanic.

Aviation Officer II (Maintenance)

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Three years of experience performing the duties of an A&P mechanic.

Aviation Officer III (Maintenance)

A valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA). and Either I One year in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Four years of experience performing the duties of an A&P mechanic and any combination of the following:

1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations). or

2. Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the management and supervision of aircraft maintenance operations within the past five years.

Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations)

Possession of the following certificates:

A valid and current second-class Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized examiner. and

1. A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings. or

2. A valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. or

3. A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. or

4. A valid ATP Certificate with helicopter-rotorcraft class rating.

Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

1,000 hours in command of aircraft (fixed-or rotary-wing). and Either I One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer I (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

One year of experience in government service performing watershed and fire protection duties which have included a full-time assignment as a base manager or an air attack coordinator during the declared fire season.

Or III

Five hundred additional hours in command of either fixed-or rotary-wing aircraft performing low-level missions (e.g., wildland fire control, external loads, medi-vac operations, search and rescue, aerial surveys, etc.).

Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations)

1,500 hours in-command of aircraft (fixed or rotary-wing). and Either I One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or Aviation Officer II (Maintenance) will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Two years of experience in government service performing watershed and fire protection duties which have included a full-time assignment as a base manager or an air attack coordinator during the declared fire season.

Or III

Five hundred additional hours in command of either fixed-or rotary-wing aircraft performing low-level missions (e.g., wildland fire control, external loads, medi-vac operations, search and rescue, aerial surveys, etc.). and One year of experience in developing and directing training programs for pilot proficiency in use of aircraft in specialized air operations; or managerial experience in military, government, or commercial air services.

Senior Aviation Officer

Possession of the following certificates:

A valid and current second-class Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized examiner. and 1. A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings. or

2. A valid FAA ATP Certificate with multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. or

3. A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. or

4. A valid ATP Certificate with helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. and 2,000 hours in-command of aircraft (fixed or rotary-wing). and Either I 1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). or

2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). or

3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight of the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.

Or II

Possession of a valid A&P rating and a valid FAA IA. and Either 1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer III (Maintenance). or

2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations) or an Aviation Officer II (Maintenance). or

3. Five years of broad and extensive experience with direct oversight for the operations and/or maintenance of 15 or more aircraft, at least two years of which has been in a managerial capacity in military, government, or commercial air services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Aviation Officer I (Maintenance)

Aviation Officer II (Maintenance)

Aviation Officer III (Maintenance)

Knowledge of: Practical application of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures; and FAA and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance.

Skill in: Operating a computer.

Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct the work of others; research and apply technical data; and communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.

Aviation Officer I (Maintenance)

Ability to: All of the above, and provide technical guidance to maintenance personnel and other cooperative agencies to ensure aircraft airworthiness; and schedule maintenance functional check flights.

Aviation Officer II (Maintenance)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection practices.

Ability to: All of the above, and oversee maintenance facilities and field maintenance programs.

Aviation Officer III (Maintenance)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and types of aircraft and their performance capabilities, characteristics, capacity for specialized modifications, and adaptability for use; principles and practices of employee training; and contracting and procurement to ensure compliance with governmental regulations.

Ability to: All of the above, and maintain cooperative working relationships; make inspections and appraisals of aircraft, aircraft accessories, and maintenance personnel; schedule aircraft maintenance inspections; and provide technical guidance to maintenance personnel and other cooperative agencies.

Aviation Officer II (Flight Operations)

Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations)

Knowledge of: Practical application of aircraft operations practices and procedures; and FAA and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance.

Skill in: Operating aircraft to commercial standards; and operating a computer.

Ability to: Research and apply technical data; plan, organize, and direct the work of others; schedule pilots for flight operations, and provide technical guidance to pilots and other cooperative agencies to ensure safe operation of aircraft; and communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.

Aviation Officer III (Flight Operations)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and types of aircraft and their performance capabilities, characteristics, capacity for specialized modifications and adaptability for use; principles and practices of employee training; and contracting and procurement to ensure compliance with governmental regulations.

Ability to: All of the above, and make inspections and appraisals of aircraft, aircraft accessories, and pilots; and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Senior Aviation Officer

Knowledge of: FAA and other regulations governing aircraft operation and maintenance; practical application of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures; types of aircraft and their performance capabilities, characteristics, and capacity for specialized modification and adaptability for use; personnel, information technology, contracting, procurement, warehousing, and inventory management policies and procedures; fire protection techniques, tactics, strategies, and policy management principles; principles and practices of employee training; principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision; and principles and practices of supervision and management, including a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Skill in: Performing basic analysis in reviewing and assessing technical and administrative data; operating aircraft to commercial standards; and operating a computer.

Ability to: Research and apply technical data; plan, organize, and direct the operations and maintenance of a statewide aviation program and the administrative staff; maintain cooperative working relationships with other governmental agencies, contractors, and fellow employees; provide technical guidance to maintenance and operational personnel and other cooperative agencies; oversee, manage, and prioritize aircraft maintenance inspection schedules and appraisals of aircraft and aircraft accessories; plan and direct the work of subordinate staff, while effectively promoting equal opportunity in employment and maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; and communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Class History