Operations Specialist

Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is seeking a dedicated Airport Operations role to ensure safe and efficient daily operations. You will coordinate snow removal, monitor airfield activities, and manage reporting requirements with FAA and TSA.

Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this hands-on position. The role requires high school completion with aviation-related degree preferred; ability to work irregular hours and pass background checks is mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; aviation experience preferred.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field preferred.
• Strong computer and email skills; proficient with MS Office.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Must pass pre-hire drug screen and background check.
• Must obtain FWACAA-issued AOA Driving Privileges.

Responsibilities

• Perform independently the essential safety and operational duties of the airport.
• Coordinate snow removal planning and respond to weather events.
• Prepare work orders and NOTAMs and ensure task completion.
• Monitor runway and airfield operations and report RCAM/notams as needed.
• Conduct safety and security inspections during construction and incidents.
• Update and maintain driving privileges, training records, and badge qualifications.
• Respond to inquiries from local businesses and residents about operations and drone safety.

Skills

Effective communication

Emergency response

Attention to detail

Decision making

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Flexible hours

Education

High school diploma

Aviation-related degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Location 3801 W FERGUSON RD,FORT WAYNE, IN, 46809-3142,United States
• Base Pay $25.48 - $35.68 / Hour
• Job Category Operations
• Employee Type Full Time
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs independently, essential safety and operational needs of the airport(s). Takes corrective action as needed to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the airport(s).
• Receives supervision and assistance on only the most complex and unusual problems, after initial training. Often performs duties unsupervised and may oversee other employees. Contacts appropriate personnel if needed to assure task completion.
• Performs and records daily airport self-inspections of major areas, including runways, taxiways, ramps, aircraft, refueling facilities, paved areas, safety areas, marking and lighting, security fencing, and wildlife activities. Creates work orders and NOTAMs as necessary. Follows through to work order completion and NOTAM cancelation.
• Responsible for runway condition reporting and RCAM reporting. Monitors weather and coordinates the issuance and cancellation of NOTAMs, and other airfield safety and operations notification requirements.
• Acts as Snow Desk for the Airport. Plans and coordinates snow removal in accordance with the flight schedule, tenant’s requests, weather conditions, and weather forecasts.
• Initiates recall for snow events, emergencies, and other problems. This requires submitting written and oral reports to the FAA, TSA, airport staff, and airport tenants as they relate to FAR Parts 139, 77, and TSR 1542.
• Assists in safety and security inspections during construction including monitoring and escorting contractors and monitors vehicle and equipment traversing on or about the Airport Operations Area (AOA). Monitors commercial activity on the airport to ensure compliance with the commercial operating permits.
• Must be familiar with Airport Ordinances and prepared to enforce those ordinances. Also must be familiar with State, Federal and local laws as they apply to Airport Operations.
• Assists trained personnel in emergency response or as directed by the incident commander.
• Responsible for the Airport’s Driver’s Training Program for both Movement and Non-Movement Area driving privileges. Coordinates with badge-holders to carry out the written and practical testing requirements as needed. Ensures all persons with driving privileges comply with annual recurrent training and testing. Observes drivers in the AOA for proper adherence to airfield driving procedures. Updates and maintains the Authorized Airfield Vehicle list.
• Receives and logs noise complaints in the Airport’s database. Directs calls to the FSDO as necessary.
• Responds to local area construction reviews and handles them according to Airport Overlay District standards. Uses GIS software to evaluate proposed construction plans. Composes letters to Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne regarding the Airport’s concerns for proposed construction.
• Responds to inquiries from local businesses and residents regarding safe drone operations within the proximity for FWA and SMD.
• Performs storm water compliance testing in accordance with current permits.
• Audits all regulatory training for all airport departments, ensures training sheet are completed correctly, ensures compliance of individual required hours of given categories and communicates discrepancies to manager.
• Conducts tenant equipment training for all airport owned equipment.
• Maintains and organizes Airport Authority plan room and project documents library.
• Maintains parking control system, including maintenance of application file, issuance of parking stickers and parking access tags, and maintenance of database.
• Maintains GSE fueling control system and issuance of fueling cards.
• Acts as a project manager for special projects and events.
• Acts as a conduit for information sharing between Airport Authority and stakeholder tenants. Receives and logs flight loads, monthly tenant deicing, reviews airline schedule and follows up on delays and passes pertinent information along to key staff, resolves customer service issues both internal and external.
• Conducts TSA 1542 door audits and knife audits to maintain airport security.
• Transports, logs, disposes and audits regulated garbage for the FWA.
• Manages the Airport Wildlife Hazard Management program, biannually holds stakeholder meetings, monthly tracks and reviews all airport wildlife harassment and depredation logs for both FWA and SMD, monitors and maintains all wildlife permits for FWA and SMD.
• Performs other duties projects as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Working knowledge of FAR Part 77, 139, TSR 1542, and 150 Airport Series Advisory Circulars
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, airport tenants, tower personnel, and other airport personnel in person, in writing, by two way radio, or by phone.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm and controlled manner.
• Ability to be dependable, attentive to detail, willingness to learn.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, make decisions with confidence, show initiative, take ownership of assigned projects, follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage recurring duties with assigned projects and prioritize workload effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Office software at an intermediate level.
• Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Experience and Education Requirements

High school equivalent education with work experience in aviation and airport operations; requires strong working knowledge of computer, including email. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in an aviation related field is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Pass a pre-hire drug screen and is subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
• Pass federal fingerprint based criminal history background check.
• Must be able to obtain a FWACAA-issued AOA Driving Privileges
• Available for recall during non-duty hours for emergencies, snow removal or other required duties.
• Meet and maintain qualifications pursuant to Airport Security regulation (CFR 49 Part 1542).

Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient day to day operations of the Airport. The Airport Operations Specialist is expected to be self-motivated and able to prioritize duties efficiently.