Senior Airport Operations Specialist I/II/III

About the Department

Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area's largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC was rated California's top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium in 2024 and 2025. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport's two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC.

Position Duties

This position performs work under the immediate supervision of an Airport Operations Supervisor and the Manager-on-Duty to support the variety of airport operations duties related to compliance, enforcement and customer service essential to the 24-hour operation of a medium-hub international airport. These activities support the four sections of Airport Operations (Airside, Terminal Management / Customer Experience, Landside, and Security). This position will rotate responsibilities between the various sections referenced above to gain a comprehensive knowledge base and insight of the functionality of the Airport.

Typical duties and responsibilities include the following:

Airside Operations

• Responds to emergencies, distressed or disabled aircraft, hazardous materials spills, wildlife or other airfield accidents or incidents
• Perform airfield inspections and other operations duties in support of Airside
• Coordinates cleanup efforts, prepares detailed informational and operational reports related to safety/security incidents, injuries and accidents
• Use vehicle to patrol the airfield to inspect and observe aircraft, tenants, perimeter fences, gates to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and act to correct deficiencies

Terminal Management / Customer Experience

• Coordinates common use resources (gates, remote parking, ticket counters, bag belts) to maintain safe, efficient day to day operations
• Assists in documenting and resolving disruptions to operations such as bag jams, passenger queue control and irregular airline operations
• Inspects the terminal facility regularly to ensure a clean, reputable terminal facility is available to the traveling public
• Conducts customer service surveys to drive improvements for the overall passenger experience

Landside

• Uses data entry and personal interaction to process permits, reports, and work orders to ensure regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service
• Observes, records, and enforces activities conducted on the Landside (terminal curbs, roadways, traffic control, public & employee parking facilities, and Ground Transportation areas)
• Responds to emergencies, vehicle accidents, or other Landside incidents to maintain a safe and efficient operation. Includes on-site inspection of the area, performing or coordinating activities as required

Security Compliance

• Performs surveillance, inspection and investigations for enforcement of the Airport Security Program; investigates security breaches and violations
• Uses vehicle to patrol the airport to inspect perimeter fences, physical assets, employees, tenants, and contractors to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and take action to correct deficiencies
• Enforces proper procedures for Airport's Access Control System to prevent unauthorized and/or unescorted access to the Air Operations Area (AOA)

Airport Operations Center

• Monitors and manages the Airport's Access Control, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Fire Monitoring System, Building Management System, and Baggage Handling Systems; utilizes computer-based tools such as Asset Management software, email, and Emergency Notification Systems to continuously facilitate a safe, efficient, and coordinated operation
• Monitors and utilizes multiple Airport and public safety radio frequencies, phone lines, paging / public address systems, and electronic communications such as email, in order to coordinate Airport / stakeholder communications and Airport response
• Receives and analyzes information and data on all events pertinent to Airport Operations; constructs and decides appropriate actions to be taken by personnel; prioritizes and coordinates team response, communicates relevant information, and dispatches personnel to respond appropriately
• Utilizes the highest degree of professionalism in the conduct of all business and communications

The Senior Airport Operations Specialist will be required to effectively multitask and prioritize simultaneous duties. Additional duties that may be assigned include, but are not limited to: compiles data, completes required forms, prepares reports, oversees recordkeeping. The Senior Airport Operations Specialist will ensure compliance with rules and regulations under the following agencies: California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), City of San José, and the San José Mineta International Airport.

Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Salary

• Senior Airport Operations Specialist I: $85,372.56 – $103,827.36
• Senior Airport Operations Specialist II: $87,949.68 – $107,125.20
• Senior Airport Operations Specialist III: $96,904.08 – $118,076.04

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate's qualifications and experience. These salary ranges include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history:

• Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Knowledge of and/or Experience related to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 and Transportation Security Regulations (TSR) 1542 is desirable.
• Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
• Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
• Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Airport Operations Specialist I: Bachelor's degree in Aviation or closely related field AND one (1) year of experience in the aviation field or an internship in aviation. Additional experience in aviation may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Aviation experience is typically gained by working for the following types of organizations: airport, airline, fixed based operator, airport related contractor, aviation related government agency or military aviation.

Senior Airport Operations Specialist II: Bachelor's Degree in Aviation or closely related field OR certification from an airport industry professional organization AND one (1) year experience at the level of Senior Airport Operations Specialist I. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

Senior Airport Operations Specialist III: Bachelor's Degree in Aviation or closely related field AND certification from an airport industry professional organization AND two (2) years of experience at the level of Senior Airport Operations Specialist I or higher. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

License/Certificates

• Incumbents are required to complete and pass a TSA mandated, Criminal History Records Check, a Security Threat Assessment and all other City, State or Federal requirements
• California driver's license
• Obtain an Airport-issued Ramp Drivers Permit and Movement Area Operating Permit within 6 months of employment

Employment Eligibility

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. Candidates are required to satisfactorily complete and pass a fingerprint based Criminal History Records Check prior to being considered for a position in this class at the Airport. This Airport position requires a background check and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check. The candidate must be fingerprinted and qualify under all applicable TSA and Airport regulations.

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