Airport Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: The Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all airfield, terminal, and landside environments at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. This position plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with 14 CFR Part 139, applicable FAA regulations, TSA requirements, and RIAC policies/procedures.

The role requires the ability to make operational decisions in adynamic environment consistent with established regulations, procedures, and management direction related to airfield inspections, incident response, construction coordination, snow removal operations, and regulatory enforcement. The Airport Operations Specialist serves as the airport’s frontline representative during irregular operations, emergencies, and daily field activities, ensuring operational continuity and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Other duties may be assigned; the essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

Airfield Operations & Compliance:

·         Conduct comprehensive airfield self-inspections in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139, including:

o   Runways, taxiways, ramps, lighting systems, signage, and markings

o   Wildlife hazards and mitigation effectiveness, including termination and removal of carcass or remains

o   Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection and removal

o   Perimeter security and access points

·         Identify discrepancies, generate work orders, document deficiencies and monitor the status of corrective actions in accordance with FAA Advisory Circulars and RIAC procedures

o   Document unresolved or non-compliant conditions and elevate concerns through the appropriate management chain in accordance with RIAC procedures

·         Issue, update, and cancel NOTAMs accurately and in real-time in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction.

·         Monitor and report runway surface conditions, including friction testing and contaminant reporting

·         Ensure protection of navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and critical areas

Safety, Security & Regulatory Enforcement

• Monitor compliance with airport rules, regulations, and FAA/TSA requirements and report or address operational issues in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
• Administer and enforce the Airport Motor Vehicle Driver Training and Operator Program to RIAC personnel, tenants, and contractors
• Respond to, document and report incidents, accidents, and irregular operations in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
• Maintain compliance with FAR Part 77 obstruction standards
• Serve as a first responder to airfield and terminal/landside emergencies, including aircraft incidents, medical events, and security concerns

Construction & Airfield Coordination

• Monitor airfield construction projects for safety and compliance with approved Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPP), in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
• Coordinate operational activities with contractors, infrastructure personnel, and FAA ATCT to support safe and efficient airport operations
• Provide escorts and ensure safe access for contractors in movement and non-movement areas
• Identify operational risks associated with construction activities and report or elevate concerns in accordance with RIAC procedures

Operational Response & Incident Management

• Respond to emergencies and irregular operations, including:

o   Aircraft incidents and diversions

o   Snow and ice control operations

o   Fuel spills and environmental hazards

• Coordinate with RIAC Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), RIAC Police, TSA, FAA ATCT, mutual aid, airlines, and tenants during events
• Support implementation of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)

Airfield & Aircraft Support

• Provide aircraft marshalling, follow-me services, and remote parking/reposition coordination
• Provide operational information to pilots consistent with FAA regulations and RIAC procedures during non-towered operations
• Assist with gate management and ramp congestion mitigation when required

Terminal & Landside Operations

• Conduct inspections of terminal, curbside, and roadway areas to ensure safety, security, regulatory compliance, and efficient passenger flow
• Identify and document operational issues, hazards, and maintenance deficiencies and coordinate follow-up through appropriate RIAC channels
• Monitor and manage terminal and curbside activity during peak periods and irregular operations (IROPs), including congestion, traffic flow, and passenger movement
• Respond to and document incidents within terminal and landside environments, coordinating with management, public safety, TSA, and stakeholders as needed

Equipment & Systems

• Operate and maintain proficiency with specialized airport operations equipment, including friction measurement devices, radios, mobile data systems (iPad/tablet), shotguns/air rifles, and inspection tools
• Utilize airfield lighting control systems, NOTAM management systems, and other operational software in accordance with RIAC procedures to support safe and efficient airport operations
• Operate airport vehicles in movement and non-movement areas in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements
• Perform routine checks of assigned equipment to ensure operational readiness and report deficiencies for repair or replacement

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Accurately and promptly document inspections, incidents, and operational activities in airport management systems
• Generate work orders and monitor maintenance follow-up status in accordance with RIAC procedures
• Maintain detailed logs to support FAA inspections and audits
• Prepare reports and documentation for internal and regulatory review

Customer Service & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as a liaison operational point of contact between RIAC and tenants, airlines, contractors, and stakeholders in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
• Provide clear, professional communication during routine and high-stress situations
• Support and attend operational meetings, briefings, and coordination efforts, as directed by management

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Required Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong working knowledge of:

o   14 CFR Part 139 requirements

o   FAA Advisory Circulars related to airport operations

o   National Airspace System fundamentals

• Ability to:

o   Work under stress

o   Make rapid, sound decisions in high-pressure environments

o   Manage multiple priorities simultaneously

o   Interpret NOTAMs, weather reports (METAR/TAF), and airfield conditions

o   Identify aircraft types and operational characteristics

• Proficient in radio communications and aviation phraseology
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, or related field OR
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant airport operations experience at a Part 139 airport

Certifications & Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (must meet airport driving requirements) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment and must remain insurable
• Ability to obtain and maintain:

o   Airfield driving privileges (movement and non-movement areas) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment

o   Airport SIDA badge (TSA clearance) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment

o   U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) authorization and clearance which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment

• Ability to complete required FAA and airport training programs which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment

·         Private Pilot’s License (PPL) preferred

• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) certifications preferred

·         Must be available for:

o   Rotating shifts (24/7 operation)

o   Mandatory overtime and emergency call-ins

o   Prolonged shifts up to 16 continuous hours to ensure shift coverage or longer during State/Airport emergencies (i.e. aircraft incidents/accidents, snow/ice events, etc.)

Physical Requirements:  Ability to:

o   Work outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, precipitation)

o   Lift up to 50 pounds

o   Operate vehicles and specialized equipment for extended periods without sleep

o   Remain alert and responsive during extended shifts and emergency operations (i.e. snow/ice events)

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in all areas of Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport including both office and field environments, with significant time spent on the airfield
• Exposure to:

o   Aircraft noise, jet blast, and moving equipment

o   Severe weather conditions

o   High-stress and time-sensitive operational scenarios

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Rhode Island Airport Corporation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This organization welcomes and encourages applications from minorities, veterans, and persons with physical and mental disabilities, and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons in the application process. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation request will be made on a case-by-case basis.