Airport Operations Coordinator - Airside (HOU)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking an Airport Operations Coordinator - Airside to maintain a safe airside environment and support tenant activities.

The role coordinates inspections, security clearances, and emergency responses, ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 139 and related standards, while liaising with airlines and airport management to sustain continuous airport operations.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Airway Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in Airport Operations and/or Maintenance of an Airport.
• Bachelor’s Degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FAR 139 and related CFRs by inspecting runways, taxiways, ramps, and aeronautical areas.
• Coordinate responses to aircraft emergencies, hazmat incidents and medical emergencies per Airport Emergency Plan.
• Monitor airside operations via control tower communications to anticipate safety concerns.
• Coordinate airfield inspections and enforce fueling training and reporting.
• Lead and coordinate daily airside activities with FAA and airline stakeholders to maintain safe operations.
• Support wildlife management and operational safety during construction and incidents.

Skills

MS Office

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Aviation Management or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview

Workdays & Hours: Shift work, including rotation, weekends, and holidays* (*Subject to change).

Location

William P. Hobby / Operations - Airside

Purpose of Division

Airside Operations is responsible for the functionality and safety of the Air Operations Area (AOA) by maintaining compliance with FAA regulations to ensure the airport retains its operating certificate. Airside Operations monitors stakeholders for compliance with federal regulations as well as HAS operating instructions. Through joint coordination and communication with all airport groups and stakeholders, the team effectively responds to, and coordinates incident and emergencies by implementing appropriate procedures, collaboration with first responders, and analyzing and taking appropriate action to assure continuity of service, operations, and airport services during all incidents and emergencies.

Purpose of the Position

The Airport Operations Coordinator - Airside in the Airside Operations section for the Houston Airport System maintains a safe and secure airside operational environment for employees and stakeholders while supporting tenant activities and projects and promoting aviation within the local community. The Airside Operations Airside Coordinator at HOU maintains a safe and secure airport environment by conducting inspections of Airside operations and coordinating operational and security activities. The Airside Operations team ensures that the airfield meets all FAR 139 requirements to provide a safe and efficient airfield operating environment for aircraft, vehicles and personnel. This position coordinates airfield maintenance and construction activities and participates in various phases of emergency management and irregular operations, while interacting with airlines, federal agencies, and airport management.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. Candidates must be able to obtain all security required badge access including Custom Border Patrol access within 6 months from the hire date.

Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance with Title 14, Code Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 139 (14 CFR Part 139) by conducting daily inspections of runways, taxiways, ramps and other aeronautical areas to ensure compliance with applicable 150 Series Advisory Circulars (ACs), federal and state regulations and the Airport Certification Manual. Reports unsafe conditions and initiates corrective actions to mitigate hazards.


• Coordinates the response to aircraft emergencies or aircraft in distress, Hazardous Material incidents and medical emergencies in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan adhering to National Incident Management System methodology. Oversees activities to assure compliance with airport certification requirements and Federal Aviation Administration standards and serves as airport field representative until relieved by supervisory authority.


• Identifies and anticipates operational and safety concerns by maintaining continuous surveillance and radio contact with the control tower.


• Conducts airfield tenant fuel inspections per 14 CFR Part 139.321, National Fire Protection Association 407 and local codes. Recommends corrective actions and enforces regulations. Ensures required fueling training is properly recorded and maintained.


• Coordinates and monitors daily work on and/or near the AOA (Airport Operation Area) with other airport sections, FAA, and other airfield stakeholders to ensure a safe operating environment. Initiates minor corrective actions with the related groups.


• Monitors construction personnel activities on and near the AOA to ensure a safe operating environment. Ensures compliance with AC 150/5370-2, Operational Safety on Airports During Construction.


• Conduct wildlife management in accordance with the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan and 14 CFR Part139.337 including the carrying and discharging of firearms, pyrotechnics and utilization of other wildlife management techniques.


• Prepares and maintains inspection reports and operations logs utilizing computer and/or written formats.


• Participates in periodic tabletop and full-scale emergency exercises and tests the response of resources.


• Initiates communications with airlines, tenants and airport personnel to resolve problems pertaining to airside operations and to explain airport policy and lease provisions.


• Responds to off airport locations as needed to investigate and correct possible airspace violations and penetrations following 14 CFR Part 77.


• Enforces airfield safety, operational and parking regulations. Recommends issuance of NOVs (Notice of Violation) as required for airside violations and infractions. Attends hearings regarding enforcement activities.


• Observes and reports airline and tenant activities on and near the AOA to ensure compliance with airport leases, contracts, standards and policies/procedures.


• Keeps abreast of existing and new legislation and ensures compliance to federal, state and local requirements.


• Contributes to the team effort by completing projects and performing other related duties as assigned to enhance safety, security and productivity.

Working Conditions

The position routinely requires lifting and moving of moderately heavy items, such as barricades, traffic cones, and equipment (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. There are routine discomforts from exposure to heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. The position may involve routine exposure to soiled materials and chemical substances such as aviation fuel and fluids and cleaning solutions. Requires the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fairly fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within moderate tolerance demands.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Requirements

Requires an Associate’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Airway Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience Requirements

Four years of progressively responsible experience in Airport Operations and/or Maintenance of an Airport. A Pilot’s certificate, Control Tower Operator certificate, industry specific certifications (Certified Member, Accredited Airport Executive, International Airport Professional or Airport Certified Employee) and/or directly related military experience may also be considered.

Substitution

A Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Airway Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field may be substituted for two years of the experience requirement.

Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity

Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

License Requirements

Requires a valid Class C Texas driver’s license and compliance with the City of Houston’s policy on driving. (AP 2-2).

Preferences

Preference will be given to applicants with considerable knowledge of airport airside operations. Ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively, often in tense situations, with all levels of internal and external customers. Experience with MS Office suite is a plus. Knowledge of 150 Series ACs, 14 CFR Part 139 and NFPA regulations are highly desired. Prefer experience in handling aircraft emergencies and wildlife mitigation.

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION – YES

this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 21

Pay Grade 21

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.