Aviation Dispatcher/ Operations Coordinator

Position Summary Bighorn Airways, Inc., based in Sheridan, Wyoming, operates a mission-focused fleet of aircraft supporting smoke jumping/wildfire operations, remote logistics, and overseas deployments under 14 CFR Parts 135 and 91. The Aviation Dispatcher/Operations Coordinator provides coordination support to ensure each flight is positioned for safe, compliant execution—by verifying crew currency, confirming maintenance releases/airworthiness status, preparing trip support documentation, and coordinating logistics across internal teams and external vendors. This is a year-round position that becomes especially fast-paced during fire season, when missions can shift quickly and operational readiness must be verified accurately and efficiently.

Role scope:

This role emphasizes coordination, verification, and readiness (crew + aircraft + documentation). It is not intended to function as an airline-style dispatcher with independent operational control authority unless assigned per Bighorn procedures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1) Crew Readiness & Currency Verification (Primary Accountability) Verify pilot qualifications, currency, and training requirements prior to assignment using Bighorn procedures. Confirm required elements are current and documented, such as: Certificates/medical status (as tracked/maintained in company records) Recurrent training, check events, and mission-specific qualifications Any contract/mission-required training relevant to smoke jumping and special missions Duty/rest feasibility per applicable regulation and Bighorn policy Identify discrepancies early and coordinate resolution with the Chief Pilot/DO (e.g., training gaps, currency expirations, schedule conflicts). Maintain clear audit-ready notes/records of verification steps when required by procedure. 2) Aircraft Readiness & Maintenance Release Verification (Primary Accountability) Confirm aircraft readiness prior to mission launch by coordinating with the DOM/Maintenance Control, including: Maintenance release and airworthiness sign-offs Inspection status and compliance items relevant to the planned operation Deferred items/MEL-CDL considerations (if applicable to Bighorn's maintenance program) and operational limitations Special mission equipment readiness (as applicable to smoke jumping/mission configuration) Ensure required maintenance documentation is accessible and properly filed/attached per Bighorn workflow. Coordinate maintenance-related questions during normal business hours and follow established escalation processes after hours. 5 ) Communication & Workflow Coordination Serve as a central coordination point across Flight Ops, Scheduling, Maintenance, and field personnel. Communicate changes clearly and professionally—especially during surge periods and rapid retasking. Support a consistent "no surprises" culture by proactively surfacing readiness concerns. 6) Documentation, Records & Operational Closeout Maintain accurate, organized operational records in line with Bighorn procedures, such as: Currency verification confirmations (Complete Flight outputs/checks as applicable) Maintenance release verification confirmations and readiness notes Trip support documentation and coordination notes Irregular operations tracking (delays/cancellations/retasks) for internal review and customer/contract reporting when applicable Assist with preparation for audits/inspections by ensuring documentation is complete and easily retrievable. 7) Safety (SMS) & Continuous Improvement Support Bighorn's Safety Management System by reporting hazards, contributing to debriefs, and suggesting process improvements. Participate in safety discussions and operational learnings—particularly after high-tempo fire activity or complex deployment periods. Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent (Associate/Bachelor's degree preferred). Experience in aviation operations support (dispatch coordination, scheduling, crew tracking, maintenance coordination, or similar), preferably in Part 135/91 .

Working knowledge of:

Crew currency concepts (training events, recurrent cycles, readiness verification) Maintenance release/airworthiness documentation flow in a Part 135/91 environment Weather products, NOTAMs, and TFR impacts on flight feasibility Comfort using operational software systems; ability to learn and use Complete Flight Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple moving priorities without losing accuracy. Clear, professional communication skills—especially in time-sensitive scenarios. Ability to work flexible schedules during surge operations, including early/late coverage, weekends/holidays as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting aviation Prior exposure to wildfire aviation, smoke jumping support, special missions , or remote/austere operations. Overseas/international trip coordination experience (documentation packets, vendor/handler coordination, time zone planning). Familiarity with MEL/CDL concepts (if applicable to Bighorn operations) and operational limitations management. SMS familiarity (hazard reporting, basic risk assessment participation). Physical and Work Environment Requirements Primarily office-based work in an operations setting with frequent computer/phone communications. Must be able to sit for extended periods, work across multiple screens/systems, and maintain accuracy amid interruptions. High-tempo periods during fire season and deployments; ability to remain calm and effective under changing priorities. After-hours maintenance is supported through DOM on-call ; this role may coordinate communications and escalation per established process. Key Competencies Accuracy & follow-through: Verifies readiness thoroughly and tracks items to resolution.

Compliance mindset:

Consistently aligns actions with Bighorn procedures, OpSpecs, and applicable regulations.

Operational judgment:

Knows when to escalate concerns and how to communicate risk clearly.

Calm under pressure:

Maintains composure and clarity during surge operations and rapid mission changes.

Strong coordination:

Connects people and information efficiently across departments and vendors.

Mission awareness:

Understands remote operations realities, smokejumping tempo, and overseas complexity.

Professional communicator:

Clear, concise, respectful communication with pilots, maintenance, and stakeholders. We are willing to train the right candidate. Bighorn Airways, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran