Ops Controller / Ops Assistant
Hello Phil,
Depending on the size and scope of the operation a good ops assistant should be able to handle the majority of the ops controller tasks. An ops controller should never perceive any job as being beneath them i.e. ordering catering, or arranging handling, as these are critical functions in providing a good service to the client. Probably 75% of all passenger complaints will be about poor catering or poor service at the airport to get to and from the aircraft. A good ops controller should be able to delegate efficiently in order to make best use of their assistants' capabilities.
Obviously there would be some functions that may be beyond the capability of an ops assistant, i.e. oceanic planning, reclearance flight planning, advanced weather analysis, special permit requests etc etc, however the ops assistant can still get exposure to these tasks, by watching and learning from the ops controller.
When you employ an ops assistant it is useful if they have some experience, however I have found that attitude and aptitude are the most important elements.
You might find it useful to draw up (if you haven't done already) a detailed job description for both the ops controller and ops assistant positions so that both management and the employee know whats expected of them. You could also use this at the recruitment stage to find out which candidates have the best knowledge base to best suit your operation, although as I said before attitude and aptitude are just as important.
Anyway thats my $0.02 worth!
Buzzz