This is responsible supervisory work with administrative responsibility in the coordination of emergency rescue work in the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.

An employee in this class is directly responsible for the operation of the Fire Department Helicopter. Emphasis of the work is on the supervision and administration of Helicopter operations, directing activities relating to the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Medic. Responsibilities include the application of Federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations regarding aircraft operation, training of personnel and recordkeeping. Additional responsibilities include budget administration, system development, assisting with research and planning activities necessary for the expansion, improvement and quality of service, monitoring proficiency in the area of Fire Department Helicopter personnel and performing Helicopter Pilot duties as required. Supervision is exercised over the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Medic engaged in aircraft operations and emergency rescue work. Supervision is received form an administraive superior who reviews work for efficiency and accomplishment of mission.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Medic assigned to Helicopter operations and emergency rescue operations; assures that all flight crew members successfully complete a proficiency evaluation annually as required; provides for pilot certification and upgraded training for helicopter personnel in a standardized manner; monitors proficiency in the areas of Fire Department Helicopter Pilots, Co-Pilots and Flight Medic.

Coordinates activities of aircraft and equipment; assures that all maintenance is accomplished in accordance with air worthiness directives, limited life item replacement times and manufacturer's requirements.

Plans and conducts studies on the evaluation and expansion of services and assists with research and planning activities necessary for the expansion, improvement and quality of service.

Performs functions as Fire Rescue Department Helicopter Pilot as needed and responds to incidents where extended helicopter operations are anticipated.

Administers and directs Helicopter operations activities, makes public presentations regarding Fire Rescue Department Helicopter operations; standardizes operations across shifts; develops and administers budgetary activities and system objectives; serves as liaison regarding trauma network activities with municipalities and law enforcement agencies as requested.

Maintains a high degree of safety awareness.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of management and administrative functions; fire service administration policies and procedures, recent developments, current literature and sources of information on fire safety, modern firefighting and fire prevention techniques, practices and methods.

Thorough knowledge of Departmental regulations, policies, procedures, fire codes, fire safety regulations, state, local and county fire ordinances.

Thorough knowledge in aviation maintenance, capabilities and performance characteristics of aircraft, navigation, map reading and meteorology.

Thorough knowledge of the geography of Miami-Dade County.

Thorough knowledge of the operation of the helicopter as used in firefighting and rescue work.

Thorough knowledge in piloting rotary-wing aircraft under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), in instrument flight conditions, in adverse weather conditions, at night, in off-site landing situations, and in landing and operating aircraft from confined areas.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including the training and assignment of personnel related to Aviation and Fire Suppression.

Ability to operate rotary-wing aircraft in firefighting and emergency rescue missions, under instrument flight conditions, in adverse weather conditions, at night, in off-site landing situations and to land and operate aircraft from confined areas.

Ability to analyze complex fire service problems and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.

Ability to react promptly and correctly in emergency situations.

Ability to identify fire spread in buildings, open areas and conflagrations.

Ability to train and certify Pilots, Co-Pilots and Flight Medics.

Ability to train and speak on various specialized techniques of firefighting and fire prevention.

Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports of activities.

Ability to read, interpret and comprehend diagrams, charts and gauges.

Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Skill in the operation of rotary-wing aircraft.

Physical strength, agility and ability to meet high physical requirements.

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