Aviation Operations & Airspace Specialist- Advanced Technology Initiatives

Full Time | Pay Grade: 13 | Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday (OFF Saturday & Sunday)

This position could require schedule to vary dependent on business needs.

Weekly Earned Wage Access is an option for this position.

Job Purpose or Objective(s): The Aviation Operations and Airspace Specialist supports the Advanced Technology Initiatives (ATI) department by providing airspace oversight, FAA regulatory compliance, UAS flight operations support, and technical coordination. This role combines hands-on aviation operations experience with foundational aerospace and technology knowledge to ensure the safe, compliant, and effective execution of ATI’s UAS testing and flight activities, including the FAA BEYOND program, Part 108 operations, research collaborations, and commercial engagements.  You will report directly to the Executive Director of Advanced Initiatives.

Primary Tasks:

1. Execute and support UAS flight operations, including mission planning, coordination, and onsite oversight for ATI programs and customers.
2. Perform airspace assessments, risk evaluations, and FAA-required documentation to ensure safe and compliant operations.
3. You will prepare, review, and submit FAA reports, flight logs, waiver documentation, and other regulatory filings.
4. Serve as secondary airspace manager to provide operational redundancy and support for airspace oversight functions.
5. Assist with systems integration, data collection, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of UAS and advanced aviation technologies.
6. Track, maintain, and document the status of ATI aviation equipment, assets, and test-site resources.
7. You will support engineering, research, and sponsored program activities through technical coordination and operational execution.
8. Develop processes and procedures related to safety, on-site customer briefings, and maintain SOPs.
9. You will engage with federal agencies, customers, and industry collaborators to support test operations and technical objectives.
10. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

MINIMUM:

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace, engineering, or closely related field OR 6+ 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
• Experience in airspace operations, mission planning, or ATC-like functions (military ATC experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage technical or aviation operational schedules.
• Ability to produce accurate operational documentation and technical reports.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety protocols and risk assessment.
• Experience in airspace operations, mission planning, or ATC-like functions (military ATC experience strongly preferred).

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
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