What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aviation Operations Specialist position at Choctaw Nation?
Full-Time | Schedule: Various Hours - Based Upon Workload (40 Hour Week) | Salaried: Pay Grade 11
Weekly Earned Wage Access is an option for this position
Job Purpose or Objective(s): The Aerospace Operations Specialist supports the Advanced Technology Initiatives (ATI) department by coordinating UAS operations, airspace management, FAA compliance, and aviation technology testing. This role ensures safe and effective flight operations while supporting research, commercial, government, and strategic aerospace initiatives.
Primary Tasks:
Coordinates and supports UAS flight operations, including mission planning, flight preparation, operational execution, and onsite oversight for ATI programs and customers.
Conducts airspace assessments, operational risk evaluations, and aviation safety reviews to support safe and compliant flight operations.
Prepares, reviews, and submits FAA documentation, flight records, waiver applications, regulatory reports, and related operational filings.
Serve as a secondary Airspace Manager by providing operational support and continuity for airspace oversight and management functions.
Assists with system integration activities, data collection efforts, performance analysis, testing initiatives, and troubleshooting of UAS and advanced aviation technologies.
Maintains records related to aviation equipment, operational assets, test-site resources, and supporting documentation.
Supports engineering, research, and sponsored program activities through technical coordination and operational execution.
Develops, updates, and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety processes, customer briefing materials, and operational guidelines.
Collaborate with federal agencies, customers, academic partners, and industry stakeholders to support flight operations, testing programs, and technical objectives.
Monitors compliance with applicable FAA regulations, organizational policies, and aviation safety standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace, engineering, or closely related field OR 3 years of directly relevant military or civilian aviation experience.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
- Ability to work independently in field conditions with limited supervision
- Demonstrated ability to follow and understand technical or aviation operational schedules.
- Ability to read and understand operational documentation and technical reports.
- Ability to work nonstandard hours Strong understanding of aviation safety protocols and risk assessment.
About the Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian nation in the United States, with over 200,000 tribal members and more than 11,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Benefits
Free gym membership
Free access to employee health clinic
Free lunch for casino & resort associates
Earned wages access once per week for hourly associates
Pet insurance
Paid vacation / sick time
Medical / Dental / Vision
401(K) with company match
College tuition reimbursement
Short-term disability, long-term disability, and family leave
Employee assistance program
Employee prescription program
CNO Paid Life Insurance
Teladoc
On-Site Dental Clinics (Jet Dental)
On-Site Mammogram Services
Free diabetes and hypertension monitoring benefit (Livongo)
Accolade- Concierge Benefits Program
Wellness Program that equals savings on health insurance cost (Virgin Pulse)
Maternity Care Program
Plus, many more!
(Benefits provided by the Choctaw Nation are based on employment classification)
CNO was selected as a winner in both HRDUS' and Forbes' 2022 "Employer of Choice" competitions:
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma received recognition as one of six Best Places to Work in the United States as selected by HRDUS
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts received recognition from Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity in the Travel & Leisure category.
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