Airport Operations Officer

This is responsible administrative and professional work assisting in the day-to-day airport operations designated by the Assistant Airport Director for Operations and Airport Operations Duty Manager.

Employees in this class are responsible for coordinating all airport operational activities within airfield and landside environments, implementing airport non-law enforcement security policies, managing irregular occurrences including emergency circumstances, and ensuring compliance with FAR 139 safety standards. Operates with considerable independence, requiring the exercise of sound judgment and initiative. Assignments are received from the Department Director or designee who evaluates performance through the review of work methods, procedures, and results. Is subject to mandatory on-call and emergency re-call as part of routine duties. An employee in this category is subject to participate in regularly scheduled shift work and unscheduled after hours work. Must be willing to work in a shift capacity covering 24/7 shift schedules that may rotate or adjust with little notice.

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree, preferably in aviation management, business administration, or a related field; and
• Four (4) years of relevant operational experience at a FAR 139 commercial service airport. One (1) year of education from an accredited college or university in a related aviation or business discipline can be substituted for each year of experience lacking.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession of an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.
• Must satisfy all requirements to acquire and maintain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security clearance.
• Must be eligible and acquire Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) designation within six (6) months of appointment.

Examples of Work:

• Coordinates Airport Operations Center (AOC) activities, including protocols, procedures, security access control program to include airport identification system and access control equipment and information systems, when assigned.
• Ensures compliance with and enforces federal, state, and local safety and security regulations pertaining to airport operations.
• Responds to aircraft accident/incident and other emergency situations that occur on airport property; coordinates related activities, implements emergency or security plan measures until relieved by proper authority.
• Contributes in the development and revision of departmental policy manuals.
• Issues appropriate notices to airmen (NOTAMS) when hazards exist and initiates closure of all or parts of the airport, if necessary.
• Performs airside inspections in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
• Periodically inspects airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, ramps, perimeter barriers and buildings, records discrepancies and arranges for corrective action.
• Represents airport management in the absence of higher authority, particularly in contacts with tenants, other agencies and the general public to ensure safe and efficient operation of the airport.
• Reviews, updates, and enforces TSA requirements with assistance from law enforcement as outlined in the Airport Security Program and FAA certification requirements as outlined in the Airport Certification Manual and Airport Emergency Plan.
• Reviews and assists with updates to the Airport Security Program, Airport Emergency Plan, and Airport Certification Manual.
• Enforces safety rules and other accident prevention measures.
• Coordinates aircraft parking and gate assignments for diversions, emergencies and normal operation among tenants and other airport users.
• Monitors ground transportation and public parking activities and implements policies.
• Performs inspections of ground transportation vehicles.
• Maintains written log of significant events and actions during shift, conducts surveys, prepares reports, maintains records and performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Assists in development and implementation of security and safety related courses and ensures compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars concerning operational safety during airfield construction.
• Prepares requests for equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Acts as a liaison with other departments, organizations and agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of Airport personnel functions, procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards of the types of work performed and of necessary airport safety precautions.
• Considerable knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and ordinances governing activities to include FAR Parts 139, 121, 49 CFR Parts 1520, 1540, 1542, and 1544 regulations, as well as FAA and TSA regulations, and certification standards.
• Considerable knowledge of computer systems and proficiency in operating Microsoft applications, such as Access (database), Excel (spreadsheet), Word (word processing), and PowerPoint (presentation skills).
• Knowledge of Airport specific methods, practices, and procedures used to comply with Airport Security Program (ASP) and federal security mandates.
• Knowledge of Airport environs including airfield, terminal/building locations, perimeter layout, and tenant locations.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely to present explanatory or interpretive information in the form of policies, procedures, guidelines, mandates, regulations, etc.
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with other employees, organizations, and the general public.
• Skill in recognizing non-standard situations and preparing recommendations for problem resolution.
• Ability to transcribe information from verbal communication and determine correct courses of action based upon pre-established procedures.
• Ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously including the monitoring of security and surveillance systems.
• Ability to prioritize and classify multiple events and situations and act accordingly.
• Ability to operate multiple communications equipment ensuring that radio transmissions are clear, concise, correct, and well thought-out.
• Ability to assess situations, elicit pertinent information and make timely, accurate decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to deal professionally, courteously, friendly, and tactfully but firmly when necessary, in all types of situations.
• Ability to understand new computer applications quickly.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to read and interpret sketches, diagrams, blueprints and charts.
• Ability to prepare oral and written reports and maintain simple records.
• Ability to analyze situations and circumstances to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action and to respond accordingly.
• Ability to operate and communicate on the airfield during routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain awareness and alertness while performing routine duties.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and the ability to work shifts and on-call and re-call, during emergency and non-emergency situations.