Aerial Firefighting Head of Flight Operations
Listed on 2026-07-24
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Management
Operations Management, Project & Program Management
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Company Overview
Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across domains. Metrea Management consists of three core capability groups (Air & Space, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic) and five support capability groups (Operations, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions), that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea’s files (product, projects, programs etc) leverage to achieve their targets.
Company Overview
Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across domains. Metrea Management consists of three core capability groups (Air & Space, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic) and five support capability groups (Operations, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions), that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea’s files (product, projects, programs etc) leverage to achieve their targets.
Capability Unit
Metrea Aerial Effects LLC (MAFF) brings the best technologies and tactics from wildland firefighting to high-fit, innovative, integrated aviation and training solutions that are tailored to the special needs and circumstances of each customer.
Position Summary
Within the Metrea Management Structure, the Head of Flight Operations (H/FO) role is equivalent to a FAA Director of Flight Operations (DFO), an EASA nominated person for flight operations or a CASA head of flying operations.
The H/FO is responsible to the AM for the delivery of safe, compliant and effective flight operations to
meet the requirements of the assigned Files in the Forum.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated H/FO (Aerial Firefighting Chief Pilot) to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aerial firefighting, specifically in multi-engine long-term retardant application. DHC-8 tactical and low-level experience is highly desirable. They will be responsible for developing and implementing AFF SOPs and TTPs tailored to multi-mission capabilities, ensuring alignment with future platform advancements.
They will also have overall responsibility for the pilot training and development program, supported by the Head of Training and Assistant Chief Pilot. The H/FO additionally serves as the FAA Chief Pilot and is assisted in a Chief Pilot's training responsibilities by the H/CT (Assistant Chief Pilot).
In addition to leading development of SOPs and TTPs, the H/FO (Aerial Firefighting Chief Pilot) has overall responsibility for ensuring that all rostered and scheduled pilots are qualified and current, for maintaining their personal qualifications, and for overseeing the internal Line Audit program.
Role And Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the flight operations department in accordance with the Metrea MS and Metrea core values.
- Recruit, retain, develop and manage sufficient qualified and competent personnel within the flight operations department to deliver a deployable flight operations capability at a scale defined by the ASG to meet the demands of the Files.
- Oversee the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) ensuring that the implementation of any change is appropriately managed, understood, and acknowledged by all affected flight operations crew.
- Maintain compliant Operations Manuals and procedures, including MEL, ensuring document control and supervision and approval of temporary revisions and staff notices.
- Ensure the Flight Operations department is correctly resourced, and schedules are managed to adequately and efficiently supervise flight operations and ensure robust operational control, while meeting outputs consistent with those agreed with the Files supported.
- Provide guidance and direction with respect to the selection and allocation of suitable flight crew to meet Metrea File requirements.
- Promote and actively implement the SMS.
- Apply safety and risk management best practices to assess and manage operational risks in accordance with the ASG SMS manual.
- Liaise with the Competent Authority on all operational and regulatory matters and ensure compliance with current legislation and the terms of the AOC or other letter of authority; ensure that a constructive regulatory relationship is always maintained.
- Co-ordinate with the Ground Operations Manager, ensuring adequate Operational Control and planning processes are efficient and effective.
- Co-ordinate with the Head of Crew Training, contribute to flight crew training…
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