Airport Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Operations Department

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Operations Manager

Schedule: 40-hours/week with OT as required. Work schedules may vary depending on departmental needs and weekends and holidays are required. 

Rate of Pay: $23.00-$25.00/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Position Summary

The Operations Specialist I performs technical work in the office and field to assist in the safe and efficient operation of the airfield. Responsibilities will include completing airfield inspections, issuing NOTAMS, providing training to Authority and Tenant staff, analysis and communication of facts and observations to assist management in decision making, and participating in special events. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FAA and TSA regulations (including but not limited to FAR Parts 77 and 139 and TSAR 1540 and 1542).
• Conduct FAA Part 139 inspections, document discrepancies, and perform follow-up with the appropriate agency or department to ensure timely corrective action.
• Issue and cancel NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions).
• Monitor daily airport activity to identify and respond to operational issues impacting safety, security, efficiency, customer service, or regulatory compliance.
• Work with tenants to ensure compliance with airport rules and regulations and enforce as necessary.
• Conduct accurate surface observations during snow events. Coordinate snow removal activities with Airport Maintenance, FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC), and tenants. Effectively use the RCAM matrix and NOTAM system to communicate airport conditions to internal and external parties.
• Conduct training and administer tests for ID badges and driver training; issue airport ID badges; monitor and conduct access control operations, functions, and procedures.
• Assist in the coordination of emergency response to all aircraft incidents and phases and in the coordination of Airport Authority employees and outside responding agencies; maintain communication with staff during emergencies; and provide support for all divisions/departments during the emergency.
• Be a liaison with other airport departments and tenants on a daily basis and coordinate tasks involving more than one area of responsibility.
• Ensure that all provisions of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and Airport Security Program (ASP) are enforced and that corrective actions are made in a timely manner.
• Handle and discharge firearms as necessary for wildlife control, mitigation, and depredation. 
• Complete reports and recordkeeping logs with accuracy, detail, and consistency.
• Monitor telephone and radio traffic; Respond to requests/instructions/information from employees, tenants, and the general public.

• Participate in random airport worker screenings as needed. 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
• Support the Airport Authority mission, vision, and values statements in all aspects of work. All employees are expected to be part of our customer service team as Dedicated Customer Care Specialists.

Qualifications 

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications / Functional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business or public administration, or other related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
• This is an entry-level position requiring a four-year degree or equivalent and/or a background in aviation. 
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License. 
• Must complete and pass a comprehensive background and Criminal History Records check and be able to obtain and maintain security and access credentials. 
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical.
• Must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) credentials within 6 months of hire. 
• Must obtain Airfield “Movement Area” driving certification for controlled access to all surfaces (runways, taxiways, aprons, etc.) within three (3) months of employment. Training provided.
• Position is required to constantly drive Authority vehicles on Airport grounds and public roadways. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to remain calm during emergency situations; to prioritize multiple requests for service calls; and, to adapt to a changing environment and assignments. 
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to obtain cooperation from those whom he/she does not directly supervise; to professionally deal with difficult situations; to solve problems in creative ways while utilizing sound judgment; and, to maintain accurate and complete records. 
• Must be able to work independently as well as with others; to effectively and impartially enforce regulations and airport policies; and to maintain confidentiality. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including spreadsheet and database programs.

Work Environment 

The role involves a combination of indoor and outdoor settings, including administrative offices, airport grounds, and operational vehicles. Indoor tasks are conducted in a professional office environment with controlled temperatures and typical workplace noise. Outdoor responsibilities require working in various weather conditions, ranging from extreme heat to cold, with exposure to high noise levels from aircraft and ground equipment. Time spent in vehicles is necessary for monitoring airfield operations and coordinating activities across different airport areas. Safety protocols must be followed in all work environments.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to dust, grease, excessive noise or vibration, noxious gas or fumes and/or extreme outdoor weather conditions may be occasionally expected. 
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Position requires frequent reaching with hands and arms, standing, and walking.
• Ability to occasionally climb, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl are required.
• Ability to sit for constant periods of time.
• Vision abilities required include close, distant, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision acuity of 20/40 corrected or better. Ability to see and work at night and in dimly lit conditions as necessary.
• Work performed requires the ability to speak and hear