Location: West Palm Beach,FL, USA
The Trauma Hawk Operations Control Center Specialist is directly responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our FAA Part 135 Helicopter Air Ambulance Program following the federal aviation regulations and company flight manuals. The OCC Specialist will be responsible for analyzing adverse/hazardous weather, weight & balance,aircraft & crew readiness, and collaborating with the Pilot in Command to finalize the flight plan. Once en-route, the OCC Specialist will monitor the progress of the flight and advise the crew of any changes they need to be aware of. This role will also dispatch and monitor ground transportation ambulances following similar standards and practices.
Responsibilities:Essential Functions:
Monitors, answers, interprets, prioritizes, and dispatches fromPalm Beach County Fire Rescue (911 calls) and local hospitals for callsreceived.
Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion offlight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenancelimitations, weather conditions, and minimum fuel requirements prescribed byfederal aviation regulations.
Analyze weather data to determine safe and cost-effectiveflight routes.
Prepares flight plans containing information such as maximumallowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions,NOTAMS, utilizes the District's risk assessment procedure. and many otherinformational components required for the safe completion of flight.
Reviews all availableinformation concerning that flight, including current inspection status and aircraftdiscrepancy log, M.E.L. deferral log, and maintenance release, if appropriate.Collaborates with the Director of Maintenance and the Director of AviationOperations regarding the repair of discrepancies and completion of aircraftinspections or other maintenance.
Validates suitability ofcrew and aircraft for each departure
Collaborates with thePilot In Command to finalize the flight plan. Exercises joint flight releaseresponsibilities with the flight crew,
Shares safety andoperational control responsibility with the Pilot in Command.
Prepares and signs the dispatch release providingauthorization for a flight to depart.
Delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions threaten thesafety of the aircraft, crew, or patient.
Monitors flight progress and provides real-time updates tocrews, ensuring the safety of every flight.
Monitors weather conditions, aircraft position reports, andaeronautical navigation charts to evaluate the progress of flight
Updates the pilot in command of significant changes toweather or flight plan and recommends flight plan alternates, such as changingcourse, altitude, and, if required, en-route landings in the interest of safetyand regulatory compliance.
Responds to accidents/incidents by initiating notificationsand properly documenting all information.
Assists the OCC Supervisor in maintaining the Flight ControlCenter about equipment, procedures, and other operations and duties deemednecessary.
Demonstrates competence in utilizing various softwaresystems and technology necessary to complete duties and assignments.
Work with a multidisciplinary team to provide excellence inpatient transport.
Responds to requests from hospitals for interfacilitytransport requests, collecting information to determine if the request can bescheduled/fulfilled.
Practices appropriate radio communication practices.
Communicates effectively with off-going or on-coming dutypilot and flight crew to ensure that all pertinent information about theaircraft, weather, or potential flights is provided during the shift changebriefing.
Maintains positive interpersonal relationships withcolleagues, PBCFR, hospitals, and the public; strives to maintain a friendly andprofessional working environment.
Leverage FAA Flight Dispatch practices to fulfill dispatch andcontrol of ground transportation ambulances.
Maintains flight and weather records in accordance withFederal Air regulations to include other data deemed necessary by the Company.
Must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts; includingdays, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Emergency duty may be required of the incumbent that includes working in Red Cross shelters or to perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to threats or disasters, man-made or natural.
Qualifications:Education: High School diploma or equivalentis required, a Bachelors Degree is desired
Experience: Familiarity with dispatching and call-routingsoftware, global positioning system, database, and aviation ground supportsoftware; knowledge of meteorology, aircraft navigation, instrumentationsystems, landing/takeoff and emergency procedures, and FAA regulations andlaws.
Must have a working knowledge of all applicableregulatory requirements.
1-3 years experience as a Part 135 OCCSpecialist is preferred
Certification:Non-flying position and does not require a CommercialPilot/Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter and Medical Certificate. The current or previous holding of a CommercialPilot or Airline Transport Pilot Certification is desired.
Previous experience in a HEMS is preferred but notrequired
Licensure:? FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License Required? Valid Florida drivers license is requiredwithin six months of hire.
Operationaland Safety Requirements:Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testingper the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonablecause/suspicion, post-accident)
Must be able to pass pre-employment Drug Screenings,Background Checks, DMV checks, and Employment verification.
Health Care District of Palm Beach County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.