DONALD KIRKER
Uralla
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Aviation Operations Manager with a proven track record in overseeing complex aviation activities, optimizing operational performance, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance. Demonstrates strong leadership across flight operations, maintenance coordination, and regulatory engagement, with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement. Energetic, proactive, and highly organized, with the ability to manage diverse teams, allocate resources effectively, and deliver results under dynamic operational conditions. Skilled in project management, safety systems, and strategic planning, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture that upholds CASA regulatory standards and promotes operational excellence across all facets of aviation operations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Fleet Helicopters
05.2024 - Current
- Executed flight operations across a range of mission types, upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw daily aviation operations, ensuring effective coordination of flight scheduling, crew rostering, and resource allocation to optimize operational readiness.
- Acted as the primary client liaison, maintaining strong professional relationships and ensuring contract deliverables were met with precision and reliability.
- Planned and managed fuel delivery operations, coordinating ground logistics and ensuring continuity of supply for remote and high-tempo operations.
- Supervised hangar maintenance activities and company vehicle management, maintaining operational integrity and readiness of all assets.
- Administered regulatory compliance programs, ensuring ongoing alignment with CASA regulations, ISO standards, and internal SMS frameworks.
- Led training and professional development programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, competency assurance, and safety awareness.
- Conducted internal audits and risk assessments to identify inefficiencies, implement corrective actions, and mitigate potential hazards.
- Streamlined operational processes through improved scheduling systems and workflow optimization, reducing delays and increasing productivity.
- Coordinated with airport authorities and airfield operators, ensuring seamless operations and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Provided coaching, leadership, and mentoring to pilots, engineers, and ground staff, supporting professional growth and succession planning.
- Supported tender preparation and submission, contributing technical input, operational data, and compliance documentation for competitive bids.
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and training of aviation personnel, ensuring workforce capability met evolving operational demands.
- Analysed meteorological and operational data, interpreting radar and weather information to support informed flight planning and crew briefings.
- Maintained comprehensive records of operations, training, and compliance, ensuring transparency and readiness for regulatory inspection.
Constructiuon Site Manager
Ahrens
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed daily construction operations, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, schedules, and quality standards.
- Coordinated subcontractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams to streamline workflows and maintain project momentum.
- Oversaw regular site inspections to verify compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and client specifications.
- Implemented quality control processes that enhanced efficiency and reduced rework across multiple project phases.
- Led coordination meetings to align objectives, communicate progress, and address challenges proactively.
- Assessed project milestones, identified emerging risks, and executed timely corrective actions to prevent delays.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships through clear communication and effective issue resolution.
- Developed contingency plans to minimise disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances.
- Collaborated closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Managed procurement and permitting processes, ensuring all approvals and documentation were secured promptly.
- Controlled project budgets and schedules, maintaining financial oversight and accountability.
- Ensured compliance with OSHA, state, and local regulations, promoting a zero-incident safety culture.
- Delivered completed projects with full documentation packages, ensuring seamless client handovers and satisfaction.
Operations Manager
Fortescue Helicopters
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Company Overview: Based in Newman WA, Fortescue helicopters has a fleet of 18 helicopters both piston and turbine, and conducts Mustering, aerial work, and charter operations throughout Western Australia and some remote locations in the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland.
- Duties
- Flying Duties
- Daily operational management
- Client liaising
- Fuel delivery planning and management
- Parts ordering and management
- Pilot Rostering and travel
- Hangar maintenance
- Company Vehicle Management
- Maintenance planning and management
- Regulatory Compliance management
Acting Custodial Correctional Supervisor
Queensland Corrective Services
05.2016 - 07.2021
- Roles & Duties
- Lead and manage small teams, provide oversight, deliver workflow management and to prioritise and allocate work tasks appropriately, and Use judgement and develop and employ appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Apply and interpret legislation, policy, and procedures
- Decision making and reasoning involving gathering information, evaluating a variety of solutions, and selecting the best option, working ethically, working under pressure, and demonstrating resilience
- Work effectively with people of different ages, gender, and cultural backgrounds. In addition, demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute to team results
- Use internal offender management databases as well as Microsoft Office software
- Ensure tasks are completed within the required deadlines and in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures within the correctional environment
- Use problem-solving skills to identify and solve problems both independently and as a team member
Site Manager
Oceanic Construction Pty Ltd
04.2015 - 11.2015
- Company Overview: Construction of Main Water Pump Station for Ballone Shire Council, St George QLD
- Site Management
- Plant/Equipment operation
- Steel Fixing
- Construction of Form Work
- Rigging
- Sub-Contractor Management
Owner Director
Allspan Construction Aust. Pty Ltd
09.2005 - 02.2015
- Company Overview: Commercial Construction Company providing a variety of services in the Residential Commercial Industrial and Resource Sectors
- Residential Construction
- Project Management Services
- Responsible for project progress documentation & schedule updates.
- Stakeholder Management & Co-ordination
- Logistic Co-ordination
Area Manager
BHP Billiton
01.2011 - 02.2013
- Project Management
- Preparation of project progress documentation & schedule updates
- OHS Supervision & Reporting
- Stakeholder liaison
- Problem Solving
Deputy Construction Manager
FLUOR Daniels, SKM Joint Venture
02.2009 - 12.2010
- Advanced works setup.
- Manage early works contractors
- Logistics Co-ordination
- Job Safety Analysis and management
- Crane Lift Co-ordination
- Site Management
Royal Australian Navy Reserve
06.2005 - 01.2010
Construction Superintendent
Kellogg Brown & Root (EPCM)
06.2008 - 01.2009
Site Supervisor
Decmil Australia
08.2006 - 11.2007
Executive Chef
Royal Caribbean Cruiselines
06.1999 - 04.2004
Education
Diploma of Aviation - R22 R44 Bell 47 And Belll 206 Jetranger
Queensland Tafe
Cert IV - Correction Practices
Cert III - Correctional Practices
Cert IV - Trainer & Assessor
Diploma Building & Construction - Building
Advanced Diploma Building & Construction - Management
Skills
- CPLH (Commercial Helicopter Pilots Licence)
- Senior First Aid
- Queensland Cat A, B & H Weapons License
- Operators Tickets- Bobcat, Excavator, Forklift, Dozer
- Rigger/Dogman
- NSW MC Heavy Vehicle License
- Trade Qualification Chef
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Operations monitoring
- Decision-making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Planning and implementation
- Staff management
- Operations oversight
- MS office
- Client relationships
- Project management abilities
- Schedule management
- Health and safety compliance
- Continuous improvements
- Logistics management
Timeline
Operations Manager
Fleet Helicopters
05.2024 - Current
Constructiuon Site Manager
Ahrens
08.2023 - 05.2024
Operations Manager
Fortescue Helicopters
11.2021 - 08.2023
Acting Custodial Correctional Supervisor
Queensland Corrective Services
05.2016 - 07.2021
Site Manager
Oceanic Construction Pty Ltd
04.2015 - 11.2015
Area Manager
BHP Billiton
01.2011 - 02.2013
Deputy Construction Manager
FLUOR Daniels, SKM Joint Venture
02.2009 - 12.2010
Construction Superintendent
Kellogg Brown & Root (EPCM)
06.2008 - 01.2009
Site Supervisor
Decmil Australia
08.2006 - 11.2007
Owner Director
Allspan Construction Aust. Pty Ltd
09.2005 - 02.2015
Royal Australian Navy Reserve
06.2005 - 01.2010
Executive Chef
Royal Caribbean Cruiselines
06.1999 - 04.2004
Cert IV - Correction Practices
Cert III - Correctional Practices
Cert IV - Trainer & Assessor
Diploma Building & Construction - Building
Advanced Diploma Building & Construction - Management
Diploma of Aviation - R22 R44 Bell 47 And Belll 206 Jetranger
Queensland Tafe