Health Care District of Palm Beach County is hiring: OCC Communication Specialis

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.

This job description reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the
job as identified and shall not be considered as a complete description of all the work requirements and
expectations that may be inherent in the position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position. Management of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County reserves the
right to assign duties not listed herein as necessary to accomplish the goals of the organization

Education:
High School diploma or equivalent is required, a Bachelors Degree is
desired

Experience:
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.

1-3 years experience as a Part 135 OCC
Communications Specialist is preferred

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.

Previous experience in a HEMS is preferred but not
required

Licensure:
Valid Florida drivers 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

Health Care District of Palm Beach County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.