Emergency Response Supervisor

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Supervisor/Assistant Chief - Aircraft Rescue Firefighting position at our Flight Operations in Palmdale, California.

The Supervisor/Assistant Chief – Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) is a senior leadership position responsible for the operational readiness, administrative management, and personnel oversight at our Palmdale Flight Operations and/or El Mirage Flight Operations Facilities including two ARFF resources. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, US Department of Defense (DoD) National Aerospace Standard (NAS) # 3306 and NFPA Standards. The Supervisor/Assistant Chief will supervise, develop and deliver training programs, maintain operational efficiency, and coordinate emergency responses. The position also involves strategic planning, budget oversight, and collaboration with other emergency services and airport operations. Develops and maintains current accurate documentation and reports to reflect activities. Develops programs and procedures for the training of assigned personnel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct command of (crash/fire/rescue) aircraft emergencies, structure fires, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, and other all-risk responses within the airport’s jurisdiction.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Conducts after hours operational and administrative duties with work being conducted onsite and from home or remote locations utilizing company supplied laptop and cell phone.
• Will work at times in dual role function serving simultaneously as both supervisor and firefighter to fulfill government required staffing levels.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
• Operational Oversight:
• Direct and coordinate daily activities for two ARFF resources.
• Ensure compliance with ARFF operational procedures, DoD NAS # 3306 - Facility Requirements for Aircraft Operations, NAS 412 – Foreign Object Damage (FOD) Prevention, NFPA 403 - Aircraft Rescue Firefighters at Airports, NFPA 409 - Hangars and NFPA 1851 - PPE standards.
• Oversee all fire prevention programs, including inspection of airport facilities, fueling stations, hangars, and critical infrastructure.
• Oversees responses to emergencies, facility equipment failure, building or structure emergencies, or related situations.
• Oversees and participates with state and local agencies during scheduled and unscheduled compliance visits. Oversees routine, periodic, and special inspections. Ensures safety equipment is maintained.
• Conduct incident reviews, operational evaluations, and safety audits.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate ARFF firefighters.
• Manage scheduling, staffing, and performance assessments.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Enforce departmental policies, procedures, and discipline when necessary.

• Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive ARFF training programs.
• Ensure all personnel maintain required certifications and training hours.
• Conduct regular drills and simulations in compliance with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) 8210 – Aircraft Operations Guide to Ground Operations and NFPA standards.
• Identify skill gaps and provide targeted professional development.
• Develops and conducts emergency response training related to aircraft mishaps and facility infrastructure.
• Participates in updating procedures and practices.
• Maintains ARFF team training records.

• Assist in budget preparation and resource allocation.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, training, inspections, and personnel performance.
• Develop SOPs, policy updates, and operational reports.
• Participate in strategic planning and emergency preparedness efforts.
• Recommends equipment purchases and/or upgrades to ensure safe conditions.
• Supervises facility, equipment and vehicle mechanical and preventative maintenance programs and maintains inventory of crash/fire/rescue equipment and supplies.
• Develops and maintains current accurate documentation, statistics and reports to reflect activities. Participates in the selection, retention and development of personnel including interviewing, performance appraisals and promotion recommendations.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Liaise with airport operations, mutual aid partners, and federal agencies.
• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate joint training exercises and emergency response plans.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires education or training equivalent to the completion of an associate's degree in Fire Science/Technology, Health and Safety, or related field and six or more years experience in environmental health and safety or emergency response teams. Equivalent certification or professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in a leadership position in fire service emergency services or environmental health and safety preferred.
• Proven experience supervising personnel and conducting training programs.
• Must demonstrate broad based experience in emergency response, incident management, associated equipment, and safety procedures, processes, practices, and relevant regulations.
• Must have leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines and milestones.
• Must possess:
  • Good computer skills.
  • Ability to work independently and lead in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • The ability to resolve moderately complex technical and management issues
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report and present finding
  • Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interface with all levels of employees, management and outside representatives

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Firefighter 1 Certification
• Firefighter 2 Certification
• Driver / Operation Certification (NFPA 1002 Standard)
• Company Officer Certification (Individual Fire Department / Agency Certification Acceptable) NFPA 1021 or Agency Equivalent
• Chief Officer Certification (Individual Fire Department / Agency Certifications Acceptable)
• Incident Command Certifications:
  • I-100 Introduction to Incident Command Systems (ICS)
  • I-200 Basic ICS For Initial Response
  • I-300 Intermediate ICS
  • I-400 Advanced ICS
  • 1-700 Introduction to National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Experience at a municipal or military airport with a National Aerospace Standard 3306 ARFF Level 4 Level or Greater
• Current or previous Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
• Fire Department Training Officer Experience or Community College Fire Science Instructor
• ARFF Training Experience

Salary:$73,700 - $128,780