Airport Coordination Center Specialist

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Salary: The hiring salary for the Airport Coordination Center Specialist starts at $67,726 to $77,885 annually. The full pay range for an Airport Coordination Center Specialist is $52,097 to $83,355.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), annual employer funded Lifestyle Spending Account which you can use to invest in your personal development and growth activities, parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: June 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after this time.

About the Job

The Aviation Security & Public Safety Department is seeking an Airport Coordination Center Specialist to serve at the center of airport operations. This is a critical role for a skilled dispatch professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and is energized by work that directly supports airport safety, security, and the seamless movement of travelers each day.

Dispatch is a core function of this position, requiring the ability to coordinate complex, real-time operations, manage high-volume communications, prioritize resources effectively, and direct rapid response efforts in support of airport-wide safety and operational continuity.

Exceptional communication, collaboration, and situational awareness are essential, as this position is instrumental in maintaining smooth operations across a highly active airport environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make an immediate and visible impact by helping create a safe, secure, and efficient experience for everyone who passes through the airport.

This role is a Limited Duration role with a term ending December 2027, with the possibility to transition into a permanent position.

What You’ll Do

• Handles the receipt, screening, and transmission of routine and emergency calls from tenants, passengers, and staff, ensuring prompt and effective communication through established dispatch protocols. Monitors access control, video surveillance, and other security systems to assess the location and severity of situations.
• Coordinates responses by dispatching and relaying critical information to law enforcement, fire personnel, first responders, and internal stakeholders, ensuring efficient and accurate communication during both routine and emergency operations.
• Provides customer service to stakeholders; assists with public and tenant concerns and complaints; completes airport notifications on weather, evacuations, or critical situations; analyzes situations and resolves operational issues.
• Acts as initial contact on operational issues with stakeholders, contractors, and the public; communicates with and provides information to governmental agencies. Dispatches and coordinates timely mobilization of resources and continuous situational awareness during incidents, emergencies, or high-impact events.
• Works rotational work shifts including; day, night, overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Documents calls, activities, and emergencies; gathers and disseminates information; maintains records and documentation; performs other duties as assigned.

The Skills You Need

• Technical Knowledge: Of emergency response and dispatch processes; access control, alarm monitoring, and video surveillance equipment and techniques; effective business communication; organizational rules and regulations; proper radio terminology and protocol; effective customer service practices.
• Communication: Clearly and accurately convey information through various avenues including verbal, written, logs and radio; practice active listening and tact.
• Collaboration: Maintain and strengthen relationships internally and externally; share information and respond to requests; interact frequently and openly.
• Critical Thinking: Critically review and translate requirements, situations, information and take appropriate action; multi-task and detail orientation.
• Problem-Solving/Agility: Accurately analyze and respond to routine and emergency situations; initiate course of action and dispatch others; readily adapt to changing priorities, evolving and unexpected situations.
• Relationship: Maintain relations with internal and external stakeholders and others encountered in the course of work.
• Leveraging Technology: Proficiently operate electronic systems and radio consoles, access and maintain information electronically, prepares reports.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have

• Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D.;
• Two years of operational support experience in a dispatch environment;
• Equivalent combination of training and experience;

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) - Public Safety Telecommunicator I class certificate must obtain within one year of hire;
• Successful completion of an additional fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio, and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

• California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)-Public Safety Dispatch certificate
• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Telecommunicator certificate
• Associate’s degree in public safety communications, Aviation Management, or a closely related field.

Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.