Job Description

The Safety Lead supports Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Safety Management System by conducting thorough investigations of safety reports and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage peers with empathy and professionalism while maintaining objectivity and adherence to Just Culture principles.

The duties include:

• Investigate safety reports and incidents under the guidance of HAA’s Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring findings are accurate, fair, and actionable.
• Engage directly with instructors, staff, and students to gather information and identify contributing factors while maintaining trust and confidentiality.
• Apply Just Culture principles to evaluate behaviors and decisions, determining probable cause and assigning event severity levels in accordance with HAA’s SMS framework to ensure consistent, fair, and data-driven analysis of safety events.
• Support the Confidential Reporting System by encouraging open reporting and helping peers understand the value of transparency and accountability.
• Assist in safety risk assessments (SRAs) for new hazards or proposed operational changes, providing input from frontline experience.
• Promote safety awareness and Just Culture education, modeling professionalism and leadership in all interactions.
• Coordinate with the Safety Office to ensure consistency in investigation methods and documentation.
• Serve as a trusted peer resource, bridging operational insight with safety oversight to strengthen HAA’s safety culture.

Required skills/experience:

• Strong and proven leadership experience verifiable with references.
• Proficient in reading and interpretation of FAA regulations and guidance.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Strong judgement.
• Dedication to continuous improvement of process / procedures.
• Have poise and presence in delivering safety presentations to audiences.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Current HAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with strong peer credibility.
• SMS Program experience and training are highly preferred.
• Commercial Pilot or CFI with 300 + PIC hours preferred.
• Academic qualifications in Aviation/Safety

Organizational Structure:

• Reports directly to the General Manager – Safety Programs.
• Represents the Safety Office at the assigned HAA campus.
• Collaborates with other Safety Leads and department safety focal to support SMS implementation and Just Culture initiatives.

Compensation and Schedule:

• 10 hours per week at the current CFI wage.

Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position will remain open until filled.