Flight Dispatcher

The Alberta College of Aeronautics (ACA) is an accredited post-secondary institution and Flight Training Unit with a strong focus on collegiate-level aviation education. ACA operates a modern fleet of Diamond aircraft, including DA20s and a DA42, along with two ALSIM simulators and classic Cessna 172 trainers.

We are proud to offer the Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL) program, delivered through two semester intakes each year—January and September.

Our commitment to safety, professionalism, and student success drives our mission to provide exceptional training, service, and support throughout each student's academic and flight journey.

See details and requirements below:

Position Summary:

As part of our flight operations team, dispatchers are primarily responsible for the safe and efficient dispatching of daily flights, refueling of aircraft and ground hand inside and outside the hangars. In addition, our dispatch staff also assist with day to day needs of the college, such as light cleaning, sanitation, opening and closing of facilities, assisting maintenance staff with aircraft handling, and monitoring flight operations throughout the day. We work closely with flight instructors, support staff, maintenance personnel and students, to keep our fleet flying safely and efficiently. Dispatch personnel are a part of the flight operations team, under the direct supervision of the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI), followed by the Chief of Dispatch and Lead Dispatcher.

As a member of our flight operations team, dispatchers get to experience what it's like to be on the front line of a flight training unit. Dispatchers often receive specialized training on how a flight training unit operates, including some aircraft maintenance items, handling and cleaning of aircraft, record keeping and on the job training. As we operate all year, indoor and outdoor, dispatchers often get one of the best views in the house, with our office windows facing the runway, or working outside on the ramp Working closely with flight instructors, visiting pilots, students and support staff also offers excellent networking opportunities, with the potential for other career opportunities within our organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Opening and closing of facilities: Dispatch sees to the opening and closing of all facilities that ACA operates, including hangars, classroom and briefing rooms. Opening and closing hours vary throughout the summer and winter.

• Housekeeping and facilities: in addition to opening and closing, we see to the day to day operational needs as well as seasonal needs. Some of these duties include: Lawn care and snow removal. Garbage, recycling and cardboard removal. Cleaning of coffee makers, dishes and dishwasher. Washroom sanitization, stocking and cleaning. General cleanliness of the hangar, and occasionally rodent or pest removal.

• Movement of aircraft: All movement of aircraft, inside and outside hangarage is primarily the responsibility of dispatch personnel. This includes assisting maintenance with aircraft movement as required. Can be very physically demanding, and involve the use of tow bars and lifting jacks.

• Cleaning of aircraft: Using approved methods and cleaning products, the aircraft exteriors and interiors are cleaned regularly, to reduce contamination, maintain sanitation, reduce maintenance down time and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

• Record keeping and reporting: Daily flights are recorded by students, which are then verified by the dispatch team and recorded into aircraft journey logs. These logs must be accurately filled in and recorded daily, as per Canadian Aviation Regulations.

• Maintenance control items: On the job training with our maintenance team ensures dispatch personnel are trained to add oil to aircraft engines as required, record and communicate maintenance issues with aircraft, and work with the PRMC and AME's to modify daily flight schedules for maintenance requirements.

• Customer service: Dispatch interacts frequently with students, visitors and staff members from all areas of the facility around the clock. On occasion, dispatch will respond to emails, phone calls and inquiries about the program.

• Safety Awareness: Our first and most important responsibility is to ensure flights are dispatched safely. Before each flight, dispatch confirms with the pilots on board that all relevant flight information is available and has been understood. In addition, dispatch personnel are responsible for 'flight following', keeping an eye on our fleet in the sky through various measures.

• Communication: Our fleet regularly communicates with dispatch via VHF Radio (Restricted Radio Operator Certificate required), by phone and verbally, for various purposes. Communicating hazards such as road or runway conditions, weather changes, refueling operations on the ground, or aircraft movement. Due to use of VHF communications, an English language proficiency is a requirement.

• Flight interruptions: Due to planned or unforeseen circumstances, dispatch personnel will often need to contact students and instructors with regards to flight cancellations. This is an important role to ensure smooth operations, and reduce impact on scheduling.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• ROC-A (Restricted Radio Operator Certificate): A ROC-A is required for this position, due to the requirement to use radio communication with aircraft.
• English language proficiency: Frequent use of VHF radio, communicating in the English language.
• Ability to multitask under pressure
• Be able to work 3 to 5 (8 hour shifts) per week
• Reliable transportation: We are located at Cooking Lake Airport, 51401 Range Rd 221 #70, Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1H1. The drive to site is between 20 and 60 minutes outside of Edmonton, just off of highway 14, depending on where you reside. Reliable transportation is required, with appropriate seasonal tires is highly recommended.
• Seasonal work attire: ACA does not provide or supply outdoor work attire. Employees must supply their own CSA approved work boots, with raised heels, OR appropriate outdoor footwear with raised heels. This is to ensure employees are able to wear supplied traction aid foot attire, for winter operations.
• Be capable of wearing issued PPE: Candidates must be able to wear supplied company PPE, such as hearing protection (Ear plugs or muffs), Eye protection, Traction Aids and high visibility safety vests.

Physical Recommendation *: Movement of aircraft can be very physically demanding, especially in the winter. It is highly recommended that candidates be physically fit and willing to engage in physically demanding activities. *Candidates will not be disqualified based on physique or physical capability.

Compensation (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Dispatch hourly compensation based on the following scale:

Years Employed

Dispatch (Part Time)

Year 1

$18.50/hour

Year 2

$19.50/hour

Year 3

$20.50/hour

Year 4

$21.00/hour

Year 5

$21.50/hour

• Vacation Pay
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• On-site parking
• Company provided attire

As the needs of the College change the duties and location of the role within the College may be adjusted

accordingly.

Ready to apply? Email us an application at

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person