Field Operations Manager, Aviation

Summary

Join KoBold Metals as their Aviation Operations Lead and play a crucial role in planning and executing flight-based field operations for mineral exploration. You will ensure compliance with aviation laws and regulations globally, manage aviation contractors, oversee aviation safety, and maintain daily contact with field personnel. This position requires extensive experience in aviation contracting, remote operations, and safety management within the mining or related industries. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, thriving in dynamic and remote environments. KoBold offers a competitive salary and the flexibility of a remote-first workplace.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience managing aviation contracting and deployment (including both fixed wing and helicopter), remote camp construction, and helicopter supported operations with a proven track record of implementing high standards relating to aviation safety in mineral exploration & mining, oil & gas or a related industry
• Conducted programs in different countries and/or remote environments
• Aviation scheduling and logistics proficiency
• English language proficiency requirements – ICAO or equivalent
• Demonstrated commitment to and familiarity with developing and implementing high standards of health & safety in the workplace, ideally hold a certificate of Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Knowledge of the BARS program and requirements
• Experience working with computer controlled equipment and strong computer skills
• Experience with aerial survey operations and/or equipment
• The ability to problem-solve in remote environments
• The ability to work in remote and isolated locations for extended periods of time
• A high degree of independence and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision. Familiarity with Project Management principles and managing projects remotely. Enjoyment in working with people in a wide variety of disciplines and different parts of the world. Interest in contributing broadly to the success of the company and eager to pitch in where needed

Responsibilities

• Understand applicable aviation laws and regulations in our worldwide jurisdictions and know industry best practices to ensure KoBold and KoBold contactors meet them in all operating areas.  Create a KoBold aviation standard including defining pre-qualification criteria for vendors based on past performance to meet KoBold standards
• Identify potential contract aviation candidates, execute comparative analysis/evaluate, recommend contract awards, and manage aviation contractors and vendors to support a wide range of KoBold operations (field operations; camp construction, helicopter transport, aerial surveys, deployment of custom equipment, emergency medical services among others) in global theaters
• Provide knowledgeable supervision of aviation safety audits and implementation of corrective measures. Apply Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) for risk management of contracted aviation activities
• Maintain daily contact with and monitor the status of KoBold personnel and contractors while in the field. Maintain close communication with aviation staff and close coordination with Project Geologist, Project Data Scientist, and other KoBold staff
• Execute and maintain KoBold’s system for tracking health & safety incidents and provide periodic reporting. Define and track aviation specific KPIs
• Manage sensor configuration and retrieve data from the systems
• Arrange for the shipment of equipment and material to and from KoBold’s project sites
• Deploy to remote project locations as required to implement and manage programs
• Creating ways of working that allow us to continue to work more effectively and to be nimble so that we can support machine-learning-driven dynamic field programs, where we adapt our plan based on the data we collect at each stage
• With leadership direction and support, help represent KoBold Metals with local stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous role as Accountable airport executive, Aerodrome Management
• Previous role as Director or Manager Aviation Operations & Safety
• Post-secondary Bachelor Degree in Aviation Management or equivalent combination of education and experience (12+ years)
• Certified Lead Aviation Auditor – IATA or equivalent
• Certified Aviation accident and incident investigator
• Existing or ability to acquire restricted access credentials for secure-side aviation operations
• Mining, Oil &Gas, Resource Exploration & production aviation experience considered and asset
• Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid is preferred)
• French language skills
• Worked in a small company or as a member of a very small team with a broad mandate working in a fast paced project environment

Benefits

• The US base salary range for this full-time exempt position is $120,000-$170,000
• KoBold is a remote first workplace, we are open to candidates currently residing anywhere in the United States or Canada