CAL FIRE is seeking an experienced aviation leader to serve as Chief of Aviation Management  — a pivotal role overseeing flight operations, safety, and maintenance for a fleet of 52 aircraft used in wildland firefighting and vegetation management across California. This is an opportunity to lead a high-impact, mission-critical aviation program that saves lives, protects property, and preserves California’s natural resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee CAL FIRE’s statewide Aviation Program operations, including the management of a diverse fleet of 52 aircraft used in wildland fire suppression and vegetation management. Responsibilities include both flight and maintenance oversight to ensure operational readiness, safety, and effectiveness.
• Lead and supervise a multidisciplinary aviation team, including Aviation Officers, Staff Services Managers, and administrative support. This includes establishing clear expectations, ensuring compliance with departmental policies, and promoting a strong safety and performance culture.
• Develop and enforce aviation safety protocols, flight training programs, and operational standards in compliance with FAA regulations, CAL FIRE procedures, and manufacturer guidelines. Ensures consistent pilot standardization and risk mitigation across all flight operations.
• Direct the maintenance and logistics program for the aviation fleet, including oversight of parts acquisition, inventory control, and inspection scheduling. Ensures aircraft meet all regulatory and operational airworthiness requirements.
• Manage the $57 million annual aviation program budget, providing strategic guidance on resource allocation, operational efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. Reviews expenditures and recommends adjustments to meet both short-term and long-term program goals.
• Oversee the administration of aviation-related contracts, including aircraft services, maintenance, and equipment procurement. Responsibilities include reviewing performance metrics, ensuring contract compliance, and coordinating with vendors and procurement staff.
• Serve as the department’s technical aviation advisor, providing expert input on fleet planning, aviation policy development, and interagency coordination. Represents CAL FIRE at state and federal meetings, aviation safety boards, and public engagements related to aviation operations.

• A valid and current second-class Airmen's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized examiner. and
• A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine land airplane and instrument ratings. or
• A valid FAA ATP Certificate with multi-engine land airplane ratings and instrument ratings. or
• A valid FAA Commercial Airman Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating. or
• A valid ATP Certificate with a helicopter-rotorcraft class rating and 2,000 hours in-command of aircraft (fixed or rotary-wing). and Either
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.

Additional Qualifications

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
• 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
• 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
• Communicate effectively in English to apply FAA regulations.