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