Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To manage the Aviation Section's rotary wing flight program which is responsible for the development, review and implementation of standards for Ministry rotary wing aircraft operations and the operation of the Ministry's rotary wing fleet. To provide professional leadership to a highly technical and decentralized flight operations team to ensure the safe and cost effective delivery of quality flight services.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within a Head Office Branch responsible for the delivery of specialty aviation services and non-scheduled air transportation for the Government of Ontario and as a mandatory member of the Aviation Leadership Team as designated by Transport Canada, this position:
1. Develops policy and procedures, operational guidelines and flight standards to ensure that the operation of the rotary wing fleet meets all of the requirements of the Federal Aeronautics Act, Transport Canada's Canadian Aviation Regulations, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and Ministry Operating Certificates;
2. Provides leadership and guidance to those personnel involved in the rotary wing flight oprations program; coordinates the activities of the rotary wing pilot group by consulting with senior staff at the head office and field levels to establish plans and priorities for aircraft operations; ensures that all flight operation functions are conducted in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Ministry's Flight Operations Manual;
3. Ensures that all rotary wing pilots are properly licensed, receive initial and recurrent training and are instructed on the requirements of the Flight Operations Manual; ensures pilots are ready for or conducts Approved Check Pilot ACP Instrument Flight Rule Rides and Pilot Check Rides on Ministry pilots as required;
4. Obtains a minimum of 150 hours operational flying time on Ministry aircraft each year in order to maintain pilot proficiency and stay current with operational and customer service requirements;
5. Prepares and administers all aspects of the rotary wing flight operations budget to ensure that Ministry pilots are well trained, qualified and available to meet dispatch and client flight requirements;
6. Ensures that rotary wing pilots are provided with the necessary flight operation manuals, aircraft manuals and regulatory instructions and publications issued by Transport Canada; ensures that proper and adequate maps, approach plates and special equipment are made available to all pilots; ensures that pilot uniforms are issued to all pilots and properly worn and maintained in accordance with the Ministry's uniform policy;
7. Supervises staff including selection, staff development and training, performance appraisal, discipline, recommendation of merit increases, approval of vacations and responding to grievances;
8. Participates in strategic planning, work planning, policy development, management decision making, operational audits, special work teams and industry committees;
9. Prepares correspondence and briefing material for senior management; prepares and delivers presentations for staff, Aviation Leadership Team meetings, ministry management committees, regulatory agencies and external organizations;
10. Ensures that Employment Equity initiatives and objectives are promoted and implemented.
11. Ensures the effective delivery of an Occupational Health and Safety Program that complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other related legislation, standards and management principles. Working in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations and any workplace practices as directed by the employer. Ensuring employees know their roles and responsibilities under the OHSA, and have job descriptions and performance development plans (PDPs) that reflect appropriate performance requirements. Ensuring that equipment, materials and protective devices are provided, maintained and used as required in the OHSA and Regulations. Ensuring a healthy and safe workplace is provided to employees through proactive hazard recognition, evaluation and control. Ensuring that workers take precautions to protect the health and safety of themselves and others by complying with such acts, codes, policies, procedures or accepted workplace practices as may be appropriate. Advising workers of any hazards, and any actual and potential danger in the workplace and the required precautions, of which the supervisor is aware. Ensuring that where work is not carried out by the ministry, the ministry recognizes and manages any health and safety duties as an owner, employer, or constructor as defined under the OHSA. Responding in a timely manner to health and safety concerns raised by employees. Conducting an initial investigation into a work refusal under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Where appropriate in the circumstances, apply or recommend discipline up to and including dismissal, in response to safety infractions. Considering health and safety in hiring decisions for positions with supervisory responsibilities.
Investigating a work-related accident.

Staffing and Licencing :

Must possess a valid Airline Transport Pilots License or a Commercial Pilots License with current instrument rating or experience as a chief pilot in a similar size and type of rotary wing aviation flight operation and the ability to acquire an Instrument rating.
4,000 helicopter flight hours
Ability to pass Canadian and U.S. Transport Agency Security Screening
Valid passport or ability to acquire
Restricted Radio Operators License

Knowledge :

The position is mandatory as per Federal Canadian Aviation Regulations. Incumbent must meet minimum requirements and be approved by Transport Canada. Position requires qualifications in accordance with Transport Canada's Aviation Regulations. A thorough knowledge of the Aeronautics Act, Canadian Aviation Regulations, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, Air Operations Manual is required combined with a complete familiarity with the Approved Check Pilot Manual.

Supervisory skills to administer and manage a highly technical staff responsible for operating a diverse fleet of aircraft; excellent communication skills, oral and written, to communication on technical and administrative matters with regulatory agencies, senior government and ministry personnel and all levels of staff.

Management skills to plan a highly complex flight operation program for a multi-million dollar fleet of aircraft operating in a diverse environment on a wide range of Government programs.

Supervisory skills to administer and manage a highly technical staff responsible for the delivery of the Ministry's Safety Management System and aviation's safety program. The position also requires excellent communication (both oral and written), presentation and report writing skills.

Management skills to develop plan and implement a diverse and effective aviation safety program.
Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate human, financial and material resources in order to achieve a wide variety of safety objectives and to supervise staff.

This position provides technical support to Transport Canada, Canadian State Air Operators Association and assistance to Transportation Safety Board and safety officers during accident investigations.

Job requires a good working knowledge of the Aviation Safety Management System Manual and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and those Regulations made under the Act that applies to the workplace and the work being performed. Knowledge of the MGS Health and Safety Directive and other corporate and ministry specific health and safety policies and program. Knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health and safety in the workplace. Familiar with the ministry and Aviation SMS work-related accident reporting process and the injury management strategy. Good working knowledge of the SMS and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to the work. Knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace. Familiar with the ministry SMS and OH&S work-related accident reporting process and the injury management strategy. Knowledge of the MGS Health and Safety Directive and other corporate and ministry specific health and safety policies and programs.

Knowledge and experience in aerial natural resource and fire management operations

Judgement :

Position works under the general supervision of the Operations Manager, Aviation Services. A high degree of initiative and resourcefulness is required in meeting the requirements of operating a mixed and complex fleet of rotary wing aircraft. Excellent judgment is required to meet regulatory and program requirements. Excellent “people skills” are required to assign tasks and motivate a highly technical group.

Accountability - Programs :

Accountable to Transport Canada and the Ministry for the safe operation of 7 or more rotary wing aircraft under a variety of conditions and numerous Ministry and Ontario Government programs, including water bucketing , sling operations, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations aerial survey, aerial photography, aerial application (e.g. night enforcement and fish planting), general and executive transport.

Accountability – Personnel :

Provides direct line and technical supervision of flight operations to 2 Senior Pilots. In addition, the position indirectly supervises 14 rotary wing pilots located throughout the Province.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Material and Financial: Accountable for the operation of a fleet of rotary wing aircraft valued at over $20.0 million and the management and control of a multi-million dollar flight operation budget.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Poor judgment could result in an aircraft incident/accident, non-delivery of aircraft for Ministry and Ontario Government programs, loss of life, damage to property or the destruction of resources. Failure to properly deploy flight operation resources and/or personnel could increase aircraft operating costs and severely impact the effectiveness of the Aviation Services program.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact with senior management, customer program representatives, human resources/corporate services representatives and field staff to manage personnel and material resources, prepare pilot training and duty schedules, resolve operational/service problems and provide technical advice and/or direction.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with Transport Canada Air Carrier Inspectors and regulatory personnel, National Transportation Safety Board Inspectors, Canadian State Aircraft Operators Association (CSAOA), National Research Council (NRC), Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) industry associations, other Provincial air operations and commercial air carriers to develop and maintain high flight operation standards. Regular contact with pilot training organizations to ensure the continued provision of quality training programs.