Aviation Operations Manager

Description

Job Description:

The Aviation Operations Manager (AOM) will join an exciting team as part of the Field Area within the Antarctic Support Contract. The AOM is responsible for managing the logistics and planning associated the United States Antarctic Program (USAP)’s on-continent fixed wing, helicopter and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) operations consisting of: 4 rotary wing aircraft, 4+ LC130 Hercules, 3+ Twin Otters, 1+ Basler, and 10+ UAVs. Is the primary interface and works directly with the National Science Foundation, Aviation Management Directorate, McMurdo / South Pole area management, the scientific research community, military airlift provider the New York Air National Guard (NYANG), NSF contract airlift Kenn Borek Air (KBA), Air Center Helicopters (ACHI), Office of Aviation Safety (OAS) and other entities to efficiently plan and utilize these resources.

As a leader in the Field Area this position reports to the Leidos ASC Field Area Manager, leads a team of aviation supervisors, and advises Leidos and NSF leadership on all matters related to Science Aviation, LC-130 Hercules resources, smaller fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and UAV’s. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with other ASC areas and departments, key NSF administration, Aviation Contractors, and science grantees to ensure the effective execution of requirements.

This position requires deploying to Antarctica for 7 months beginning in August 2022. This position requires successful completion of physical and dental examinations, as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements will result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP).  Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:  Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:  To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC operates and maintains three geographically remote research stations: McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several large deep field sites across Antarctica. The Field sites are supported by fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as ice traverses across east and west Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world-class research and the facilities are a critical part of this mission and supports over 1300 people living, working and performing research across Antarctica.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads the ASC Science Aviation workcenter, with direct oversight of the fixed wing supervisor and helicopter operations supervisor.

• Serves as the ASC POC for NSF’s Science Aviation contracts and ensures that all resource planning is compatible with the guidance therein.

• Oversees out year planning and is responsible for allocation of NSF’s rotary and fixed wing resources for science support.

• Develops and manages annual and out year operational budgets in conjunction with the Field Area Manager.

• Coordinates with South Pole, McMurdo, Peninsula, and Field Operations for all aviation requirements

• Integrates with all functional areas and work centers to understand requirements and integrate planning  requirements

• Creates and manages use of data management tools for all aviation resources to accurately and quickly provide planned, actual, and historical numbers to colleagues and customers.

• Defines the USAP logistical requirements and forecasts the number of flight hours required per airframe in coordination with Area Managers, Science Planners and Fixed Wing and Helicopter Supervisors.

• Coordinates with Antarctica New Zealand (ANZ) and other national programs as required to identify their aviation requirements for shared aircraft resources.

• Collaborates with Field, McMurdo and South Pole Science implementation.  Responsibilities include attending the Science Planning Meetings, and for understanding each groups requirements and interdependency for scheduling.

• Oversees preparation of aviation Operations inputs for Allocated Resource Summary, Science Information Packets (SIP) reviews, creation of the Research Support Plan, Project Plans and other program requirements.

• Oversees all on-ice schedule creation to ensure priorities are in line with the season plan. Coordinates flight priorities with ASC and elevates to NSF when required. Works with the NSF to establish flight priorities and allocation of flight hours.

• Maintains communication with pilots, field parties and/or field camps. This responsibility includes relaying all changes in support requirements to relevant agencies.

• Oversees all on continental based UAV procedures, requirements and operations. Coordinates with supporting agencies, NSF, Area Management and science planners on supportability.

• Works directing with the NYANG to define capabilities and requirements in and out of field season.  Collaborates with the NYANG and NSF for creation of the Air Tasking Order ensuring it meets the plan

• Develops agenda and coordinates all parties in attendance of the annual aviation Program Management Review (PMR).

• Maintains oversight of progress against planned Fixed Wing airlift at the biweekly Air Operations Priority Board meeting as well as progress against planned flight schedules at the Helicopter Operations Planning meeting.

• Interacts with National Science Foundation, their sub-contracting agencies, military personnel and other agency officials in a professional and tactful manner.

• Coordinates the overall development of the NSF deliverable Annual USAP Air Operation’s Planning Summary by October 1.

• Directs all aviation data management to include but not limited to: geographic coordinates documentation, statistical information regarding intra-continental flights including planned vs. actual missions, passenger and cargo movements, causes for flight delays, aborts or cancellations, and fuel cache inventory.

• Works with the Field Area Management, McMurdo Area Management & South Pole Management to ensure integrated annual aviation plan.

• Responsible for implementing and maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.

Qualifications and Education/Experience

• Bachelor degree in management, air transportation, or a related field, and 5 years in aviation operations

• Strong analytical skills

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, work independently, and display strong organizational skills

• Ability to communicate effectively in in the work environment

• Leadership experience

• Strong Microsoft Office suite skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aviation logistical support or passenger and cargo movement, to include documentation, expediting, and tracking

• Experience with field work, science support, or remote logistical support.

• DoI Interagency Training (IAT)

• ICS 200 certified

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation. Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.  For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

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Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.