Operations Communications Specialist

Trauma Hawk Operations Control Center Communications Specialist

The Trauma Hawk Operations Control Center Communications 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 Communications 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 Communications 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.

Essential Functions:

• Monitors, answers, interprets, prioritizes, and dispatches from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (911 calls) and local hospitals for calls received.
• Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions, and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.
• Analyze weather data to determine safe and cost-effective flight routes.
• Prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS, utilizes the District's risk assessment procedure and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.
• Reviews all available information concerning that flight, including current inspection status and aircraft discrepancy log, M.E.L. deferral log, and maintenance release, if appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Director of Maintenance and the Director of Aviation Operations regarding the repair of discrepancies and completion of aircraft inspections or other maintenance.
• Validates suitability of crew and aircraft for each departure
• Collaborates with the Pilot In Command to finalize the flight plan. Exercises joint flight release responsibilities with the flight crew.
• Shares safety and operational control responsibility with the Pilot in Command.
• Prepares and signs the dispatch release providing authorization for a flight to depart.
• Delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions threaten the safety of the aircraft, crew, or patient.
• Monitors flight progress and provides real-time updates to crews, ensuring the safety of every flight.
• Monitors weather conditions, aircraft position reports, and aeronautical navigation charts to evaluate the progress of flight
• Updates the pilot in command of significant changes to weather or flight plan and recommends flight plan alternates, such as changing course, altitude, and, if required, en-route landings in the interest of safety and regulations.
• Responds to accidents/incidents by initiating notifications and properly documenting all information.
• Assists the OCC Supervisor in maintaining the Flight Control Center about equipment, procedures, and other operations and duties deemed necessary. Demonstrates competence in utilizing various software systems and technology necessary to complete duties and assignments.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to provide excellence in patient transport.
• Responds to requests from hospitals for interfacility transport requests, collecting information to determine if the request can be scheduled/fulfilled.
• Practices appropriate radio communication practices.
• Communicates effectively with off-going or on-coming duty pilot and flight crew to ensure that all pertinent information about the aircraft, weather, or potential flights is provided during the shift change briefing.
• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, PBCFR, hospitals, and the public; strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment.
• Leverage FAA Flight Dispatch practices to fulfill dispatch and control of ground transportation ambulances.
• Maintains flight and weather records in accordance with Federal Air regulations to include other data deemed necessary by the Company.
• Must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts; including days, 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 equivalent is required, a Bachelor's Degree is desired

Experience:

• 1-3 years experience as a Part 135 OCC Communications Specialist is preferred
• Previous experience in a HEMS is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with dispatching and call-routing software, global positioning system, database, and aviation ground support software; knowledge of meteorology, aircraft navigation, instrumentation systems, landing/takeoff and emergency procedures, and FAA regulations and laws. Must have a working knowledge of all applicable regulatory requirements.

Certification:

• This is a non-flying position and does not require a current Commercial Pilot/Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter and Medical Certificates. The previous holding of a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter Certification is desired.

Licensure:

• Valid Florida driver's license is required within six months of hire.

Operational and Safety Requirements:

• Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).
• Must be able to pass pre-employment Drug Screenings, Background Checks, DMV checks, and Employment verifications.

Job Info

• Job Identification 902
• Job Category Facilities, Trades and Operations
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 4255 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL, 33406, US (On-site)
• Department Aeromedical - District

About Us

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County is an independent special taxing district that has served as a healthcare safety net for more than 36 years to fill in gaps in access to healthcare services. This unique healthcare system covers the entire county and provides a wide range of services such as nine community health centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers) which serve everyone regardless of ability to pay; school health teams in 172 public schools; a lifesaving Trauma Hawk aeromedical helicopter program; a rural, public teaching hospital, Lakeside Medical Center; an award-winning skilled nursing center; a ground ambulance program for Health Care District patients needing a higher level of care and the county's Trauma Agency, which ensures quality outcomes within the county's trauma system and leads initiatives to prevent traumatic injury.

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, military or veteran status, age, sex, pregnancy status, genetic information, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation or identification status, or any other legally recognized category protected by jurisdictional, state or federal law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

We are also committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for all employees. As such, we are a Drug-Free Workplace.

This role may require Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) background screening and clearance. As required under House Bill 531, applicants may review AHCA's education and awareness information at the following link: