Environmental and Project Support Specialist

Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Vacation leave

401(a) retirement program

Job summary

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is seeking an Environmental and Project Support Specialist to manage environmental compliance for McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island Airports. You will coordinate regulatory requirements, provide guidance to staff and tenants, and support project planning through the lifecycle.

The role emphasizes environmental regulations, airport operations, and project management with strong communication skills and organizational ability.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering, applied science, or equivalency.
• 1 to 3 years' experience in general engineering and environmental regulations.
• Valid Tennessee driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement SWPPP and SPCC plans.
• Provide training and guidance on environmental requirements to staff and tenants.
• Assist with environmental sustainability goals and processes airport-wide.
• Support bid submittals, RFQs, SOQs, and review processes.
• Conduct EPSC inspections and maintain reporting and permitting per SWPPP.

Skills

Environmental knowledge

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Verbal and written communication

Education

Associate's degree in engineering or applied science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT US: The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

Founded in 1937, Knoxville’s airport was established to support growing aviation demand and capitalize on the city’s strategic location. As air travel expanded, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was created in 1978 to oversee the operation and growth of McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX). Today, MKAA employs more than 195 team members, supports approximately 3,700 on‑airport jobs, and contributes to an estimated 15,500 jobs throughout the region, serving as a key driver of economic growth and connectivity in East Tennessee. If you're passionate about contributing to the continued success and growth of McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island Airports, we invite you to explore this opportunity further.

The Position:

The Environmental and Project Support Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining and advancing the airport's Environmental Program by ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state environmental regulations, policies, and guidelines. This position promotes environmental stewardship by communicating regulatory requirements, compliance expectations, and industry best practices to airport staff and tenants while providing ongoing guidance and support as needed. The Specialist also assists airport departments and tenants in maintaining compliance with FAA Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 139 (14 CFR Part 139) and established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition, this role supports the planning, development, and construction of airport projects by coordinating environmental and regulatory considerations throughout the project lifecycle, helping to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development and implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans.
• Educates, plans, and ensures a safe, efficient, and sustainable airport system by providing accessible comprehensive guidance. Helps develop, coordinate, facilitate, and schedule required annual training.
• Assist with developing airport-wide environmental sustainability goals and associated processes.
• Supports bid submittal process. Prepares Requests For Qualifications (RFQ) and establishes the review team. Coordinates, reviews, and evaluates the Statements Of Qualifications (SOQ). Manages work authorizations, reviews proposals, prepares drafts for Board approval, and tracks invoices.
• Conducts and maintains Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) inspection reports.
• Provides support for tenants and departments, including leading and monitoring engineers, contractors, consultants, and media, coordinating project meetings, and maintaining database and filing system.
• Ensures environmental compliance. Maintains spill kit equipment, supplies, orders, invoices, and storage per the SPCC Plan. Coordinates, conducts, and maintains inspections, proper reporting, and permitting per the SWPPP.
• Assists in the preparation of the capital budget.
• Assists Project Managers and supports the Planning & Development Department as required.
• Performs related work as required.
  

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate for the Environmental and Project Support Specialist position is a detail-oriented and proactive professional with a strong understanding of environmental regulations, airport operations, and project management principles. They possess knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental guidelines, as well as FAA Part 139 requirements and airport Standard Operating Procedures. This individual is highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities effectively, and demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills. They excel at building and maintaining positive working relationships with airport staff, tenants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. The successful candidate is skilled at evaluating processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and clearly communicating recommendations and requirements. They are also proficient in modern office software and technology, with the ability to review proposals, prepare accurate reports, and draft professional documents that support environmental compliance and airport development initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in engineering, applied science, or equivalency
• 1 to 3 years' experience in general engineering and environmental regulations
• Valid Tennessee driver's license
  

Salary and Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is $60,037.84 to $78,049.19 (final salary depends on experience). MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, 401(a) retirement program.

Selection Process:

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. The employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority complies with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act and federal law by participating in E-Verify. All post-offer new hires are verified electronically to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long‑term basis.
• MKAA conducts random employee drug screenings.
• MKAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer