Airport Dispatcher

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Airport Operations Supervisor, this position provides communication and support to airport employees, tenants, users, and customers, as well as monitors the airport access control and camera systems.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, via telephone or radio, for police, fire, medical, security, and other airport operations.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls, and dispatches required personnel.
• Monitors and coordinates airport operations activity and assignments via radio frequencies.
• Operates multi-channel public safety radio system.
• Simultaneously listens to and comprehends both telephone and radio traffic, often under loud and stressful conditions.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public over the telephone.
• Monitors and operates access control system, including computer entries, closed-circuit television, and various other electronic components.
• Creates and maintains accurate automated or manual logs of airport operations communications activity.
• Coordinates with Airport Police to conduct daily TSA Part 1542 required inspections of badge holders.
• Monitors weather conditions, working closely with Airfield Maintenance and Operations Department regarding the proper distribution of NOTAMS and other weather data.
• Documents wildlife activity and strike incidents in airport operations software and ensures timely submission to the FAA Wildlife Strike Database.
• Operates a variety of computer, electronic access, surveillance, and other equipment.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Keeps informed of all departmental policies and security/emergency procedures.
• Develops knowledge of the airport layout and surrounding areas.
• Follows and complies with all safety and work rules and regulations.
• Comprehends and applies city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed.
• Works night, weekend, and holiday shifts as scheduled.
• Works overtime as needed, especially during non-standard operations such as weather events or airport emergencies, closures, or diversions.
• Maintains a professional appearance and attitude despite busy or stressful situations.

General Expectations for All Employees

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
• Contribute to a positive work culture.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Assess personal work performance or the work performance of the team.
• Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
• Work as part of a team, demonstrate team skills, and perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
• Continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities.

Skills

• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Effective communication with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources.
• Ability to learn and apply requirements of 14 CFR Part 139 governing airport certification and airfield safety.
• Understanding and compliance with 49 CFR Part 1542 related to airport security programs and access control.
• Ability to learn and adhere to the Airport Security Plan (ASP) and its operational security procedures.
• Understanding and execution of responsibilities outlined in the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
• Ability to learn, interpret, and follow standards and procedures contained in the Airport Certification Manual (ACM).
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to multi-task, coordinating simultaneous mental, manual, and visual activities.
• Ability to communicate using two-way radio and multi-line telephone system.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Clear and concise speech.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public.
• Knowledge of the layout of the airport and surrounding areas.
• Proficiency with computers, word processing, and related software.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in a high public contact/customer service area that required decision-making and problem-solving under stressful conditions.
• Prior experience in a multi-task environment involving data entry, phones, customer service, and/or radio communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience working at a General Aviation or Commercial Service Airport.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a drug screen, driving record, and background check.
• Must have a Class C Texas Driver’s License.
• Must pass a TSA-mandated 10-year Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) and Security Threat Assessment (STA).

Physical Demands

Tasks involve the ability to communicate with the public and staff in person and on the telephone; type, enter data, review, sort, and write; exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.