I'd like to learn the ins and outs of being an IRC op. Can anyone point me to some resources?

A little bit vague but take a peek here for a starting point
click here

Good luck

Well I've found plenty info on how to use IRC as a normal user. But I haven't found much on how to operate the server, and whatever's involved. I've found a couple things, and I haven't stopped searching, but I was hoping that someone here would know something that would help (and mean that much less searching.)

I googled " IRCop manual " and found a number of relevent hits

I can understand what your saying, however there are many different types of ircd's and take into consideration the many different types of services now offered not including custom built services, that trying to help you become an ircop is pretty much beyond the scope of a mirc client based forum. Try asking on your network if there are any helper or ircop classes or manuals. You may find better luck there.

Regards
Firestarter