Posting DetailsPosting Details
LogoInstitution South Dakota State University
Working Title Aviation Safety Coordinator
Posting Number NFE03138P
Department SDSU-School of Health & Consumer Sci
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text South Dakota State University Aviation seeks an experienced and collaborative safety professional to serve as Aviation Safety Coordinator. As the program's primary safety leader, this position provides oversight and continuous improvement of the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), coordinates risk management and safety assurance activities and promotes FAA-aligned safety practices across all aviation operations. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, and operational personnel, the Aviation Safety Coordinator fosters a culture of safety, supports regulatory compliance, and advances operational excellence throughout the SDSU Aviation program. The Aviation Safety Coordinator reports directly to the Director of the School of Health and Human Sciences and works collaboratively with aviation faculty, staff, and operational personnel to support the safety mission of the SDSU Aviation Program. This position is located in
Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
The Aviation program, housed within the School of Health and Human Sciences in the College of Education and Human Sciences, serves approximately 250 undergraduate students and is supported by three full-time faculty members and seven full-time staff. Accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the program has established a strong regional reputation for producing highly qualified, professionally focused aviation graduates.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead, administer, assess, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS).
- Oversee hazard identification, safety reporting, risk assessment, investigations, audits, and safety assurance activities.
- Monitor and analyze safety performance data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and support operational improvements.
- Promote a proactive, positive safety culture through training, communication, and engagement with students, faculty, staff, and operational personnel.
- Collaborate with aviation and university leadership to support safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, accreditation requirements, and organizational decision-making.
- Serve as the primary aviation safety resource, providing recommendations on risk management, safety performance, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain safety records, reporting systems, documentation, and required program metrics.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness, response planning, and safety-related exercises.
- Support accreditation, assessment, quality improvement, recruitment, retention, outreach, and other program initiatives.
- Participate in limited flight-related activities, including flight instruction, as appropriate to support safety initiatives and maintain operational awareness.
- Serve on university, school, and program committees as assigned.
BENEFITS:SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONSMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, or a related field completed by the start date; or six years of demonstrated experience in aviation safety management or organizational safety leadership; or an Associate's degree and four years of demonstrated experience in aviation safety management or organizational safety leadership.
- Minimum of one year of professional experience in aviation operations, aviation safety, flight training, airport operations, aviation management, or a related aviation field;
- Demonstrated knowledge of aviation safety principles, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance;
- Current, or ability to obtain prior to start date, FAA Flight Instructor Certification;
- Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement;
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students and operational personnel;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
- Valid drivers license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, or a related field;
- Experience developing, implementing, or managing a Safety Management System (SMS);
- Experience conducting safety investigations, audits, risk assessments, or safety assurance activities;
- Knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to flight training and collegiate aviation environments;
- Experience in an FAA Part 141 flight training program;
- Experience in higher education or collegiate aviation;
- Current FAA Flight Instructor Certification (CFI);
- Additional FAA certificates or ratings;
- Experience with accreditation, assessment, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance processes;
- Experience developing and delivering safety training programs;
- Demonstrated ability to lead safety initiatives and influence organizational decision-making through collaboration, communication, and data-informed recommendations.
APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Posting Date 07/14/2026
Closing Date 07/28/2026
Open Until Filled No
First Consideration DateAdvertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $95,000.
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe durationAppointment Percent 100%
Work Hours The position requires an 8:00-5:00 work schedule M-F but may also require attention outside of these hours for safety monitoring and to be on call in case of an emergency.
Typical Hours Worked Per WeekAppointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of searchThis position requires Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicateContact Information For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Maria Julius, at
[email protected] or 605-688-4366.
