Airport Operations Specialist

Bi-State Development; Cahokia (IL); On-site; USD 73,880 - 86,190; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO 4 weeks

Holidays + birthday

401(k)

Supplemental insurance

Wellness program

EAP

PSLF eligible

Gym discounts

Onsite gyms

Free transit

Cell phone discounts

Job summary

Bi-State Development is seeking an Airport Operations Specialist to ensure safe, compliant operation of a 14 CFR Part 139 certified General Aviation Airport. You will maintain facilities and grounds to meet regulatory requirements and support daily operations.

The role is outdoors, requires coordination with air traffic control, and involves high-stress decision making. A high school diploma, several years of related experience, ARFF certification, and CDL are required.

Qualifications

• Groundskeeping, painting, carpentry, and plumbing skills.
• Strong problem-solving and equipment repair abilities.
• Knowledge of safety procedures around active airport environments.

Responsibilities

• Assess how facility conditions impact safe and efficient airport operations.
• Assist in developing policies related to maintenance, safety, and security.
• Complete daily tasks to maintain the fire station, airport grounds, and equipment.
• Inspect aircraft fuel storage and dispensing systems.
• Conduct fire safety inspections and training for staff and tenants.
• Repair airport facilities, including sheet metal and structural fixes.
• Inspect facilities and notify users of airfield conditions.
• Coordinate with air traffic control and update procedures.
• Coordinate training with Assistant Airport Director.
• Operate firefighting and airport equipment in compliance with laws.
• Communicate via reports and work orders.
• Maintain airport facilities including hangars.
• Operate equipment like skid steers, tractors, plows, and other maintenance gear.
• Respond to emergencies and provide logistical support.
• Apply herbicides and pesticides as required.
• Handle high-stress situations with quick decision-making.
• Troubleshoot and maintain airfield lighting.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Spray painting

Carpentry and plumbing

Problem-solving

Safety procedures

Welding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Benefits

• Join a company committed to making a positive impact in the community
• Receive a competitive salary
• Enjoy comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day
• Earn 4 weeks of paid time off (PTO) each year
• Take advantage of 10 paid holidays annually — plus a floating holiday to celebrate your birthday
• Contribute to our company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan
• Access supplemental benefits through Unum, including off-the-job accident, critical illness, whole life, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Participate in our wellness program, which includes free health screenings
• Use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources
• Bi-State Development is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Get exclusive gym discounts at Club Fitness, The Edge Fitness Clubs, and OneLife Fitness at Ballpark Village
• Work out anytime at one of our nine onsite gyms, available 24/7
• Enjoy free MetroLink and MetroBus access
• Save with discounted cell phone plans

Job Summary

The Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for the safe andefficient operation of a large 14 CFR Part 139 Certified General AviationAirport. This includes ensuring compliance with airport rules andregulations and enforcing legal or regulatory requirements. The Specialistalso maintains all airport facilities and grounds to meet or exceedapplicable rules, regulations, or regulatory requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Assesses how facility conditions impact safe and efficient airport operations.
• Assists management in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to airport maintenance, safety, and security.
• Completes daily job assignments to maintain the fire station, airport grounds, and equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Conducts inspections of aircraft fuel storage and dispensing systems.
• Conducts fire safety inspections and training programs for airport staff, tenants, and customers.
• Conducts repairs to Airport owned faculties, including sheet metal forming and structural repairs.
• Conducts routine and special airport facility inspections and notifies airport users of current airfield conditions.
• Coordinates with air traffic control personnel and recommends air operations procedures appropriate for existing conditions.
• Coordinates with Assistant Airport Director on training, hazard mitigation, and standard operating procedures.
• Drives firefighting and airport equipment in compliance with laws of the State of Illinois and airport operating procedures.
• Effectively communicates through verbal and written reports and work orders.
• Maintains Airport owned facilities, including aircraft hangars and buildings.
• Operates equipment such as skid steer loaders, tractors with attachments; snowplows; snow brooms, bucket loaders, lawn mowers, man lifts, and other equipment common to facility maintenance.
• Responds to and controls emergency situations, including extinguishing fires, rescuing occupants, and providing logistical support.
• Applies herbicides and pesticides as required.
• Tolerates considerable exposure to stressful situations while responding to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Troubleshoots and maintains airfield lighting system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Groundskeeping
• Spray painting
• Carpentry and plumbing
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment
• Knowledge of safety procedures when operating mowers, tractors, and vehicles around an active airport environment
• Welding for both structural and sheet metal repairs to metal buildings

Work Environment

• Available for shiftwork, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Primarily outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind
• Frequent exposure to loud noise from aircraft, vehicles, and equipment
• Work around moving aircraft, ground vehicles, and heavy equipment
• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials such as fuels, chemicals, and de-icing agents
• Must respond to emergency situations, including aircraft incidents, fires, and medical emergencies
• High-stress situations requiring quick decision-making and adherence to safety procedures

Physical Abilities

• Ability to walk, stand, and climb for extended periods, often outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects (e.g., equipment, tools, fire hoses).
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach overhead as needed for maintenance and inspections.
• Ability to operate vehicles and heavy equipment safely, including tractors, skid steer loaders, snow plows, and man lifts.
• Good hand-eye coordination for equipment operation and precision repairs.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including running, climbing, or moving objects under stress.
• Ability to work in confined spaces or elevated areas safely.
• Physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks and sustain long hours when required.

Compensation

73,880.00 - 86,190.00 (Annually)

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

Saint Louis Downtown Airport

Education

Minimum High School or GED
Minimum of (3) three years of related professional experience; one (1) year of Aircraft Rescue and F

Experience

3 years
Minimum of (3) three years of related professional experience; one (1) year of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) experience preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Must obtain ARFF Certification; Basic Medical First Responder.
• Must satisfy the medical condition requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1582; Secure Class B – CDL within 6 months of hiring; State of Illinois Commercial Applicators License (training provided).

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Bi-State Development is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation Disclosure

Bi-State Development is committed to ensuring all employees are compensated fairly. The salary range provided reflects our current expectations for this position.