Airport Operations Trainee

About the Role

This is administrative and operational work at the trainee level, on an assigned shift at a large hub international airport. Employees perform assignments designed to develop the management skills required for a variety of airport management activities. Responsibilities include monitoring airfield, terminal, landside operations, security, safety, ground transportation, and other activities related to the welfare of passengers, airlines, tenants, and the general public. Assignments vary in nature and increase in difficulty, with the objective of advancing to higher-level airport administrative positions. This role requires shift work, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university, with one of the following options:
  • Option 1: Major coursework in aviation management, flight management, commercial aviation, homeland security, criminal justice, or a related field.
  • Option 2: Any bachelor’s degree and completion of an internship with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s Division of Aviation.
• Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within nine months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination but may not be hired until all requirements are satisfied.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator’s license within 90 days of appointment, if required by work assignment.
• Ability to pass and maintain SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) and AOA (Airfield Operations Area) clearance.
• Ability to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required for the role.

Qualifications

• Applicants will be evaluated and scored based on their training and experience credentials. Full credit requires submission of all relevant documentation, including:
  • College transcripts
  • Licenses and certifications
  • Paid out-of-class documentation
  • A detailed description of education, experience, and credentials
• Candidates must submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Residency and Preferences

• Residency Waiver: The usual one-year Philadelphia residency requirement prior to appointment is waived. Residency in Philadelphia must be established within one year of appointment.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the exam date receive priority over others with identical test scores.
• Preference Points: Additional points may be added to final scores for:
  • U.S. Veterans (10 points for honorably discharged veterans; spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify).
  • Legacy Preference (10 points for children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or died in the line of duty).
  • National Volunteer Service (up to 5 points for service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or similar programs).
  • Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates (up to 5 points for recent CTE program graduates).
• Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, or judgments owed to the City of Philadelphia or Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), or have entered into a payment agreement. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of appointment.

Exam and Eligibility

• Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established; permanent City employees receive no promotional preference.
• Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on a civil service list retained for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.
• An Eligible List will be established the week of September 28, 2026 (date subject to change).
• Candidates may review their test papers within 30 days of results being mailed to check for scoring accuracy or irregularities.

Contact for Application Review: Jenna R. Smith, City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources, 1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675. Phone: 215-686-0874. Email: jenna.smith@phila.gov.