Aviation-Operations - Airport Operations Officer Trainee, I,II

Under the immediate supervision of the Airport Operations Officer III and Division Manager – Airport Operations, responsible for training for and performing Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) duties, assisting in the overall operation of airside, landside, and terminal areas on an assigned shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This position ensures compliance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations FAR Parts 77 and 139, CFR Part 1542, and all other applicable statutes, regulations, and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and anticipates operational, safety, and security concerns by inspecting all areas of the airport, including airside, landside, and terminal facilities to ensure compliance with 14 CFR 139 and the Airport Certification Manual.
• Maintains satisfactory conditions of airside, landside, and terminal facilities by creating work orders, maintaining NOTAMs, and performing light maintenance duties such as changing lightbulbs and air filters.
• Performs airside operations activities including identifying, preventing, responding to, and/or removing all hazards to aviation such as FOD, wildlife, AOA incursions, unauthorized vehicles and pedestrian entry, and disabled aircraft.
• Inspects and maintains records of all aeronautical areas including pavement, markings, lighting, safety areas, wildlife, construction, emergency equipment, and fueling practices to comply with 14 CFR 139 and NFPA 407.
• Coordinates construction and maintenance on or near the airport to ensure minimum interference with airport operations.
• Conducts AOA Driver’s, Airport Security, and Authorized Signatory Training.
• Carries out responsibilities outlined in the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and occasionally performs Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) duties.
• Performs duties and trains for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, including operating emergency vehicles and related firefighting equipment necessary for public safety and emergency response.
• Conducts thorough terminal inspections, assists passengers and tenants to resolve issues, and may occasionally perform janitorial duties as needed.
• Conducts Airport Security related functions including monitoring phones, radios, security cameras, gate systems, sterile/secure area doors, performing patrols and security badge checks, and other duties listed in the Airport Security Program.
• Maintains passenger and tenant contacts through positive lines of communication by professionally representing the Airport and City of Abilene.
• Operates a variety of emergency and rescue vehicles, equipment, and tools including ARFF vehicles, self-contained breathing apparatus, gas-powered saws, generators, minor hand tools, and two-way radios.
• Assists with and participates in mutual aid efforts with the City of Abilene Police and Fire Departments, as well as other responding agencies to ensure compliance with the Airport Emergency Plan.
• Assists with snow/ice removal operations including runway friction testing as needed/directed and operating snow/ice removal equipment.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid Texas Class B – Exempt driver's license to operate all ARFF equipment required within 90 days of employment.
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) 80-Hour Certification required within 180 days of employment.
• Basic Structural Fire Certificate from the Texas Commission of Fire Protection Standards, including 40 hours of Emergency Medical Training, required.
• Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Ability to pass Criminal History Records Check required.
• Must be available for shift work, on-call work, and stand-by duty.
• Considered Essential Personnel in the event of City Offices closure and reports to work as assigned by the Director of Transportation Services.

Qualifications

Airport Operations Officer Trainee

• Entry-level position; no previous experience required.

Airport Operations Officer I

• One (1) year of relevant, previous experience required.
• Must possess and maintain Basic Firefighter Certification (including 40-Hour Emergency Medical training) and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Certification from the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• Prior work experience in civil or military airports, airline, and/or FBO operations preferred.

Airport Operations Officer II

• Two (2) years of relevant or equivalent previous experience as an Airport Operations Officer I required.
• Must possess and maintain Basic Firefighter Certification (including 40-Hour Emergency Medical training) and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Certification from the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• Prior related work experience at a civil or military airport preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of occupational safety/safe driving principles and practices for light equipment operation.
• Knowledge of all applicable CFRs and Advisory Circulars, State and Federal Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting regulations, and airport emergency and security procedures.
• Skill in operating heavy equipment including snow removal vehicles, mowing equipment, and forklifts.
• Proficiency in using programs such as Google Earth, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, with the ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to perform Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting duties and respond to airport emergencies.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Ability to perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Physical Demands

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Exposure to cold, heat, noise, inclement weather, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• Overall strength demand: Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds.

Physical Demand Codes (Frequency during a typical workday):

• Extensive (100 – 70% of the time): Standing, Walking, Vision, Hearing, Talking
• Moderate (60 – 30% of the time): Sitting, Lifting
• Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time): Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Overhead Work, Fine Dexterity, Kneeling, Crouching, Bending, Twisting, Climbing, Balancing
• Almost Never (<10% of the time): Crawling

Pay

Hourly pay range: $19.96 – $30.23 USD.