DIRECTOR OF SAFETY (DOS)
position overview
Dauntless Air is a leading North American aerial firefighting operator specializing in Single-Engine Scooper (SES) aircraft contracted to federal, state, and international wildfire agencies. We operate a fleet of 20 aircraft across multiple bases and fire environments under FAA Part 137 and Part 91.
The DOS is a senior leadership position responsible for the continuing evolution, implementation, and continuous improvement of Dauntless Air’s Safety Management System (SMS), regulatory compliance, and operational risk management across all flight, maintenance, and ground operations.
This is a full-time position with a remote-first structure. Candidates who live near one of Dauntless Air’s operational bases in Idaho, Minnesota, or Texas may work from those locations if convenient. Candidates who are not near a base may work remotely; however, regular travel to company bases and operational locations is expected, particularly during fire season.
The DOS reports directly to the CEO and works closely with Flight Operations, Maintenance and Ground Operations leadership.
key responsibilities
Safety Management System (SMS)
Own, manage, and continuously improve Dauntless Air’s contract and FAA-compliant SMS under Parts 137 and 91
Lead hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation across all operational disciplines
Ensure SMS processes are practical, field-relevant, and embedded in day-to-day operations
Lead the Safety and Compliance Committee and other relevant safety meetings as needed
Track, analyze, and report safety performance indicators and trends
Conduct tests of the company’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and internal SMS Audits during the year
Lead internal Emergency Response Plan drills and SMS audits
Help manage 3rd party external SMS audits every 2-3 years
Regulatory Compliance & Oversight
Serve as the company’s primary safety liaison with the FAA and applicable federal and state contracting agencies
Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, Dauntless operating procedures and company manuals
Prepare for and support FAA/Contracting Authority inspections, audits, and surveillance activities
Oversee corrective action plans and regulatory responses
Monitor and interpret evolving regulatory guidance impacting aerial firefighting operations
Incident, Accident & Hazard Response
Lead internal investigations of incidents, accidents, and reported hazards
Coordinate with FAA, NTSB, OAS, and state agencies as required
Ensure timely root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions
Maintain confidential, non-punitive safety reporting systems
Ensure lessons learned are communicated and implemented fleet-wide (both flight and ground ops as well as maintenance functions)
Training & Safety Culture
Partner with Training Committee (flight and ground operations) and Maintenance leadership to integrate safety into initial, recurrent, and mission-specific training
Promote a strong Just-Culture environment that encourages reporting and continuous improvement
Conduct safety briefings, stand-downs, and field visits
Provide presentations on SMS system, utilization and effectiveness at company training events (1-2 times per year)
Mentor pilots, mechanics, and managers on safety leadership and decision-making
Leadership & Administration
Maintain safety manuals, policies, and documentation
Provide regular safety reporting to executive leadership and, when appropriate, customers
Represent Dauntless Air professionally with regulators, customers, and industry partners
Embrace the role as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT – CEO, Chief Pilot, Director of Ground Operations, Director of Maintenance and CFO) and be an active participant in discussions with the rest of the SMT that drive decisions to run the business safely and effectively.
Required qualifications
Experience in aviation safety management, preferably within aerial firefighting or other high tempo emergency or essential/mission driven services flight operations
Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 137 and Part 91. Experience with government aviation contracts is a plus.
Demonstrated experience leading a contracting authority and FAA-compliant Safety Management System (SMS)
Experience overseeing and/or conducting accident and incident investigations
Ability to work effectively with FAA and contracting agencies inspectors
Strong leadership, communication, and judgment skills
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to operational bases, primarily during the fire season
High degree of integrity, professionalism, and discretion
preferred qualifications
Prior experience as a Director of Safety or in a comparable senior safety leadership role
Pilot or aircraft mechanic background with operational firefighting exposure
Familiarity with federal and state wildfire agencies and contracting environments
Experience supporting geographically dispersed, seasonal operations
Formal safety training in SMS, human factors, or accident and incident investigation
work location & travel
Remote-first position – work from home
Optional Dauntless base-aligned work location in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, South St. Paul, Minnesota, or Cleburne, Texas if geographically convenient
Regular travel required, with increased presence at bases and operational locations during fire season
Combination of remote work, field presence, and travel-based responsibilities
Why Dauntless Air
Mission-driven organization protecting lives, property, and natural resources
Industry-leading single-engine scooper operations
Strong safety culture with direct executive support
Opportunity to shape and lead safety strategy at a respected and growing aerial firefighting company
The position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
Compensation with be commensurate with the experience and background of the candidate.
TO APPLY
Email info@dauntlessair.com with your name and resume.