Airport Operations Coordinator

City of La Crosse • La Crosse, WI

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Airport Operations Coordinator performs specialized and detailed work supporting Airport Operations, Aviation Security, Public Safety, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), and Emergency Preparedness at the La Crosse Regional Airport. The incumbent may work independently or as part of a team and serves as a contact and liaison between the Airport and airport users for operational and after-hours issues. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with variable, irregular hours, including 24.5-hour shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. The starting wage is $24.34 to $27.87 per hour, equivalent to an annual wage of $57,345.60 to $65,665.60 under the stated work schedule; salary depends on experience. All paid hours count as hours worked for overtime calculations.

The role supports airport safety and security, inspections and compliance, airport coordination, emergency planning, and incident response. It also includes snow removal, light maintenance, housekeeping, customer assistance, recordkeeping, and routine correspondence. The selected candidate must pass background checks and a post-offer/pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of Airport Operations experience, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license.
• Ability to pass rigorous background security checks to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
• Ability to understand and interpret ordinances, statutes, training reports, emergency and security directives, manuals, policies, procedures, FAA and TSA regulations, and other documents.
• Ability to prepare reports, financial forms, logs, inspection forms, and other documents.
• Ability to analyze, classify, compare, calculate, and record information and data.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with employees, the public, aviation and security officials, and law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, and ratios and interpret statistical and accounting reports.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisiveness in varied work situations.
• Ability to operate or use motor vehicles, ARFF apparatus and equipment, aircraft firefighting equipment and tools, radio communication equipment, computers, telephones, photocopiers, cameras, and badging systems.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in skilled movements, including use of long firearms and pyrotechnics.
• Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to sustain prolonged visual and audio concentration and recognize differences in colors, shapes, sounds, and odors relevant to job tasks.
• Ability to work with exposure to temperature variations and extremes, loud sounds, odors, toxic agents, machinery, traffic hazards, wetness, and dust, with associated discomfort and risk of injury.
• Availability to work variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• A four-year college degree in an aviation-related field.

Responsibilities

• Patrol airport perimeter and facilities and enforce applicable safety and security rules and regulations.
• Serve as an Alternate Airport Security Coordinator.
• Conduct field and facility assessments and inspections, including issuing NOTAM and FICON reports in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Assist law enforcement with operational changes during elevated threat levels.
• Open and close the terminal building and other facilities daily.
• Assist the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration with aircraft accident investigations.
• Comply with Transportation Security Regulations Parts 1540 and 1542 and Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139.
• Assist with investigations and analysis of security breaches and violations.
• Monitor security operations, including construction projects, special events, and periods of reduced or limited access, and ensure compliance with the Airport Security Program.
• Participate in daily Operations Section activities, operations, and program coordination, including coordinating airport assets and airline gate activity.
• Assist in implementing emergency action plans.
• Complete logs and reports and assist with compliance monitoring of federally regulated airport programs.
• Maintain knowledge of air traffic control terminology and radio procedures.
• Act as an Airport contact and liaison for airport users on operational and after-hours issues.
• Conduct weather observations and tests, maintain reports, and provide observations if an automated system fails.
• Use various computer programs and maintain confidentiality of personal and medical information obtained through assigned duties.
• Perform snow removal and assigned maintenance duties.
• Assist the La Crosse Police Department with security investigations on airport property as needed.
• Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and concerns or refer them to the appropriate person or agency.
• Issue citations and parking tickets on airport grounds when applicable.
• Perform minor preventative equipment maintenance and light maintenance, including grass cutting and facility cleaning.
• Perform general housekeeping at the ARFF station.
• Assist the Operations & Maintenance Manager with annual emergency exercise planning, coordination, and execution.
• Assist the Operations & Maintenance Manager with reviewing and maintaining records of departmental activities, including incident reports and logs.
• Forward reports to appropriate outside agencies and compose and send routine correspondence.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical benefit plans, including traditional and high-deductible options with a health savings account.
• Wisconsin Retirement System participation with a 7.20% employer contribution.
• Deferred compensation and Roth IRA.
• Life insurance, accident insurance, and income continuation insurance.
• Voluntary dental and vision plans.
• Ten paid holidays.
• Ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year.
• Vacation time available as of the date of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED