¶ Writing an Operations Character
Starfleet Operations is the backbone of the fleet. Their scope of practice is incredibly vast, involving communications, administration, HR, maintenance, logistics, and more. Each position plays an equally important role in keeping a starship, starbase, or even shipyard in full functioning order. If it doesn't fit in another division, then there's a high chance it comes under the realm of Ops.
When it comes to the difference between Operations and Engineering for maintenance, Operations works on the little things that whereas Engineering has a more large-scale and more industrial scope. Operations is responsible for maintaining crew systems such as replicators or communications, as well as providing basic maintenance services among other duties. Engineering is responsible for more advanced systems such as the ship or starbase's computer, shuttlecraft, or the warp core.
While some positions are listed below, this is not the definitive list and there are plenty of other positions your character could have. We encourage creativity so be sure to chat with admins if you have any ideas!
¶ Administration Officer
An Administration Officer is responsible for the administrative duties of the Operations division, from compiling reports to forwarding requests between different divisions.
¶ Communications Officer
A Communications Officer is responsible not only for the internal communications of a starship or starbase, but also external between ships or starbase-to-ship. They're trained not only in communicating, but how the communication systems work so that they can work efficiently and provide much needed knowledge both when Starfleet's own systems fail, and when away teams require access to external communications systems, such as on an alien ship.
¶ Logistics Officer
Logistics Officers do as the title might suggest. They are responsible for the logistics aboard a starship or starbase, including making sure different divisions get what they need when they need it. They work closely with Quartermasters.
¶ Minor Repairs Technician
A Minor Repairs Technician is responsible making sure the smaller things aboard a starbase or starship are in perfect working order, be that replicators, fire suppression systems, doors, or biobeds.
¶ Quartermaster
Quartermasters are responsible for all resources aboard a starship or starbase. Their primary domain is the main cargo bays aboard their posting, but they're also responsible for making sure every division gets the resources they need, be it equipment, medicine, replicator matter, or replacement components. They work closely with Logistics Officers.
¶ Space Traffic Controller
Space Traffic Controllers are similar to their 21st century Air Traffic Controller counterparts. They're responsible for the safe transit of all shuttlecraft and starships inside and around a starbase or spacedock. From providing docking or undocking clearance to starships, or take off and landing clearance for shuttles, to directing traffic to provide urgent passage for a medical transport, Space Traffic Controllers are the backbone of transport to and from their posting.
¶ Specialist Rescue Officer
Specialist Rescue Officers respond in times of crisis to emergencies where there is a potential or confirmed threat to life, such as a fire, unscheduled detonation of a torpedo, or shuttle crash. They're Starfleet's equivalent of firefighters, trained in advanced rescue techniques in extremely volatile environments. With the latest rescue equipment at their fingertips, including fireproof EV suits, plasma cutters, climbing equipment, and portable fire suppression systems, Specialist Rescue Officers are a fundamental part of keeping everyone aboard a starship or starbase safe.
¶ Transporter Officer
A Transporter Officer is a fully trained and qualified to operate a starship or starbase's transporter, be it ship-to-ship, ship-to-service, or point-to-point.