Airport Operations Specialist

City of Lakeland, Civil Service•Employment Services, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Airport Operations Specialist supports airport activities including airfield inspections, credentialing, and the efficient movement of aircraft and passengers. The role focuses on airport safety, security, and operational efficiency and may include other duties as assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of a designated supervisor and is checked for accuracy, quality, and timely, cost-effective completion. The position conducts inspections of airfields and airport facilities, manages wildlife hazards, responds to airport emergencies, supports training, processes security credentials, and helps administer airport access systems. It also coordinates with contractors, vendors, airport users, governmental entities, and the public, and monitors compliance with federal airport-operation, safety, certification, and security regulations. The position requires rotating shifts, an on-call schedule, availability for after-hours emergencies, and overtime or alternate hours as needed. It is designated Mission Critical. The job involves frequent walking or standing, light manual work, routine keyboard operations, and exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma from an accredited school or GED.
Two years of training and experience in airport operations; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
Must pass a ten-year fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) and security threat assessment (STA).
May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.
Knowledge of federal rules and regulations relating to airport operations, design, and construction.
Knowledge of aircraft types and performance characteristics.
Knowledge of airfield communications procedures, navigational aids, and meteorological phenomena.
Skill using computer-based applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and typical office software.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to write reports and provide documented recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with airport users, tenants, contractors, government agencies, City employees, and the public.
Ability to work rotating shifts, an on-call schedule, and overtime or alternate hours as required.

Responsibilities

Conduct FAR Part 139 airfield inspections, assess conditions for safe aircraft operations, record discrepancies, issue airport NOTAMs, and generate work orders as required.
Inspect airport facilities to ensure satisfactory service, repair, and maintenance levels, and generate work orders as required.
Conduct wildlife management in accordance with the airport's approved Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.
Respond to airport emergencies and incidents in accordance with the approved Airport Emergency Plan.
Assist with airfield driver, security, emergency, airport familiarization, and other required training.
Screen applicants for security credentials in accordance with the approved Airport Security Plan.
Assist with the distribution, control, accountability, and verification of airport access systems.
Escort contractors and vendors who need access to airport facilities.
Act as a liaison between the airport and private and governmental entities as necessary.
Respond to questions and inquiries from the public, airport tenants and users, airlines, and governmental agencies; refer complaints and other matters to appropriate airport personnel.
Ensure compliance with federal regulations concerning airport operations, safety, certification, and security, including monitoring and evaluating daily airside and landside operations.
Research and compile data to support reports and recommendations.
Participate in and/or facilitate training for departmental or City initiatives and requirements as needed.
Work rotating shifts and an on-call schedule, remain available for after-hours emergencies, and work overtime or alternate hours as needed for airport operations.