Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jump Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

The Jump Supervisor is the cornerstone of daily drop zone operations, serving as the lead authority on the ground and in the air to ensure the safety, efficiency, and enjoyment of all skydiving activities. This individual is a seasoned expert responsible for orchestrating jump schedules, managing jumpers and staff, making critical safety decisions, and upholding all FAA and USPA regulations. You will be the primary point of contact for pilots, instructors, and students, ensuring seamless coordination from manifest to a safe landing. This leadership role demands a calm demeanor, exceptional judgment, and a profound commitment to creating a world-class skydiving experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Tandem Instructor
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Instructor
Experienced Parachute Rigger with leadership experience

Advancement To:

Drop Zone Manager / General Manager
Regional Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA)
Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Chief Instructor / Training Manager
Lead Parachute Rigger

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Exercise ultimate authority over all jumping activities, making final "go/no-go" decisions based on weather, aircraft, and personnel readiness.
Supervise and meticulously manage the daily jump manifest, ensuring accurate, efficient, and safe load ordering and sequencing for all jumpers.
Conduct comprehensive daily safety briefings for all staff, instructors, and jumpers, covering weather conditions, landing patterns, and specific operational notices.
Act as the primary safety officer on the drop zone, proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards both on the ground and in the air.
Enforce strict compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, specifically FAR Part 105, and United States Parachute Association (USPA) Basic Safety Requirements.
Oversee the training and currency of all students and licensed jumpers, providing direct mentorship and guidance on skill progression and safety procedures.
Coordinate directly with pilots and ground crew to ensure safe aircraft loading, proper weight and balance calculations, and clear communication for flight operations.
Manage and supervise the landing area to ensure it is clear, safe, and that jumpers are adhering to established landing patterns and canopy etiquette.
Serve as the first responder and incident commander for any skydiving-related emergencies or incidents, executing established emergency action plans.
Perform and document regular checks on student and rental equipment, ensuring all gear is airworthy, properly maintained, and within its service lifecycle.
Maintain detailed and accurate logs of daily operations, jump numbers, incidents, and student progression as required by company policy and regulatory bodies.
Provide clear and concise instruction for first-time jumpers and students, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and safe throughout their experience.
Evaluate and approve experienced jumpers for advanced maneuvers or specific jump types based on their demonstrated skill and currency.
Conduct ongoing training and currency checks for instructional staff, ensuring teaching methods are consistent, modern, and effective.
Manage the flow of jumpers through the entire process, from check-in and gear-up to boarding and post-jump debriefing, to optimize customer experience.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify operational trends and improve efficiency.
Contribute to the organization's safety and operational strategy by providing expert feedback and participating in policy review meetings.
Collaborate with the marketing and customer service teams to promote a positive public image and enhance the overall customer journey.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for operational improvements and special event coordination.
Assist in the management of parachute and gear inventory, including ordering supplies and coordinating with the rigging loft for maintenance schedules.
Act as a brand ambassador, engaging with customers to build community, answer questions, and encourage repeat business.
Provide constructive feedback and performance evaluations for instructional staff and ground crew under your supervision.
Assist in organizing and executing special events, boogies, and skills camps to drive engagement and revenue.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

USPA D-License: Must hold a current United States Parachute Association D-License with an extensive jump history.
Instructor Ratings: Current USPA Tandem Instructor and/or AFF Instructor rating is required.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep, working knowledge of FAA FAR Part 105 and the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM).
First Aid/CPR Certification: Current certification in First Aid and CPR is mandatory.
Manifest Software Proficiency: Experience using common drop zone manifesting software (e.g., Burble) to manage jump loads.
Advanced Weather Interpretation: Ability to accurately read and interpret weather forecasts, METARs, and live conditions to make informed safety decisions.
Equipment Expertise: Thorough understanding of modern parachute systems, AADs, and related equipment maintenance and function.
Incident Investigation: Training or experience in conducting root cause analysis for safety incidents and near-misses.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to command respect and lead a diverse team of strong-willed individuals in a high-stakes environment.
Calm Under Pressure: Unflappable demeanor with the ability to think clearly and make critical decisions during stressful situations and emergencies.
Decisive Judgment: The confidence and expertise to make firm, safety-critical decisions quickly and effectively.
Crystal-Clear Communication: Ability to articulate complex instructions and safety information clearly and concisely to students, staff, and pilots.
Situational Awareness: A constant, heightened awareness of the dynamic operational environment, from the packing mat to 13,000 feet.
Mentorship and Coaching: A passion for teaching and developing the skills of others, from first-jump students to experienced instructors.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on the small details that ensure operational safety and efficiency.
Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating conflicts and professionally managing disagreements among jumpers or staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Management
Business Administration
Sports Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-7+ years of progressive experience in the sport of skydiving, with a minimum of 1,000 jumps.

Preferred: 2+ years of experience in a leadership role (e.g., Chief Instructor, Safety Officer) at a medium-to-high-volume drop zone. Experience as a USPA Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA) is highly desirable.