Operations Specialist

St. Joseph County Airpo•South Bend, IN

12d•$23 - $25

About The Position

The Operations Specialist I performs technical work in office and field settings to support the safe and efficient operation of the airfield. The position conducts airfield inspections, issues NOTAMs, provides training to Airport Authority and tenant staff, and analyzes and communicates observations to help management make decisions. The role also supports special events, airport security and access control, snow operations, and emergency response. The position reports to the Operations Manager and is classified as non-exempt. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with overtime as required; schedules may vary with departmental needs, and weekend and holiday work is required. Pay is $23.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. The role requires compliance with FAA and TSA regulations, including FAR Parts 77 and 139 and TSAR 1540 and 1542, as well as enforcement of the Airport Certification Manual and Airport Security Program. It requires a bachelor's degree in aviation management, business or public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This is described as an entry-level position requiring a four-year degree or equivalent and/or an aviation background. The work combines indoor and outdoor settings, including administrative offices, airport grounds, and operational vehicles. Outdoor duties may involve varied weather, high noise levels, aircraft and ground equipment, and other exposure conditions. The position requires frequent driving on airport grounds and public roadways, and adherence to safety protocols in all work environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business or public administration, or another related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Entry-level position requiring a four-year degree or equivalent and/or a background in aviation.
Obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
Pass a comprehensive background and Criminal History Records check and be able to obtain and maintain security and access credentials.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical.
Obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) credentials within six months of hire.
Obtain Airfield Movement Area driving certification for controlled access to runways, taxiways, aprons, and other surfaces within three months of employment; training is provided.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, remain calm during emergencies, prioritize multiple service requests, and adapt to changing conditions and assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, obtain cooperation from people not directly supervised, handle difficult situations professionally, solve problems creatively using sound judgment, and maintain accurate and complete records.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, enforce regulations and airport policies effectively and impartially, and maintain confidentiality.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including spreadsheet and database programs.
Ability to constantly drive Authority vehicles on airport grounds and public roadways.
Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds; frequently reach with hands and arms, stand, and walk; and occasionally climb, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl.
Ability to sit for constant periods of time; required vision abilities include close, distant, color, peripheral, and depth perception, adjusting focus, corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and the ability to see and work at night or in dim lighting as necessary.
Ability to speak and hear.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with FAA and TSA regulations, including FAR Parts 77 and 139 and TSAR 1540 and 1542.
Conduct FAA Part 139 inspections, document discrepancies, and 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 and identify and respond to operational issues affecting safety, security, efficiency, customer service, or regulatory compliance.
Work with tenants to ensure compliance with airport rules and regulations and enforce requirements as necessary.
Conduct surface observations during snow events; coordinate snow removal with Airport Maintenance, FAA Air Traffic Control, and tenants; and use the RCAM matrix and NOTAM system to communicate airport conditions.
Conduct training and administer tests for ID badges and driver training; issue airport ID badges; and monitor and conduct access control operations, functions, and procedures.
Assist in coordinating emergency response to aircraft incidents and phases, Airport Authority employees, and outside responding agencies; maintain communication with staff and support divisions and departments during emergencies.
Serve as a daily liaison with other airport departments and tenants and coordinate tasks involving multiple areas of responsibility.
Enforce provisions of the Airport Certification Manual and Airport Security Program and ensure corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.
Handle and discharge firearms as necessary for wildlife control, mitigation, and depredation.
Complete reports and recordkeeping logs accurately, with detail and consistency.
Monitor telephone and radio traffic and respond to requests, instructions, and information from employees, tenants, and the general public.
Participate in random airport worker screenings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Support the Airport Authority mission, vision, and values, and contribute to the customer service team as a Dedicated Customer Care Specialist.