Airside Operations Officer

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Under general supervision and administrative direction is responsible to ensure continuity of operations for Tucson Airport Authority (TAA} at Tucson International Airport (TUS} and Ryan Airfield (RYN}; and ensure that TUS and RYN are in compliance with 14 CFR Part 139 (Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139} and other applicable federal regulations and safety standards, respectively; that the contents of TUS Airport Certification Manual (ACM}, Airport Emergency Plan (AEP} and other required programs are updated, maintained and enforced; provide exceptional customer service to tenants, users and the public. 

Essential Functions:   

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA. 

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals. 

• Support the continuity of airside operations at TUS and RYN in compliance with FAR Part 139 or applicable safety standard(s), respectively, to include the safe operation of all aircraft, emergency preparedness and emergency response, construction and maintenance functions, special projects, public safety, security, communications and passenger services. 

• At RYN, perform self-inspections to ensure airfield operating environment meets federal standards and is in a condition to support the safe operation of aircraft; coordinate with RYN Tower; issue and maintain access control cards and records. 

• Monitor airport operations and provide guidance and recommendations to ensure compliance with safety regulations as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and security requirements as set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with the FAA and TSA. 

• Assist with the administration, monitoring and updates to the TUS FAR Part 139 Safety Compliance/Self Inspection Program; assist in the maintenance of all FAR Part 139 files, to include checklists, NOTAM logs and other required records; and prepare various operational reports.  

• Respond to and resolve inquiries, problems, complaints or unusual situations involving airlines, passengers, general aviation users and other tenants. 

• Assist in the maintenance of the TUS FAR Part 139 programs, i.e., Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Irregular Operations Contingency Plan, Wildlife Hazard Management Program, Airside Driving Program, Disabled Aircraft Recovery Program, and other programs as directed for TUS and RYN. 

• Ensure TUS is in compliance with all FAR Part 139 requirements; coordinate with and support the FAA as they perform the annual FAR Part 139 inspection; follow through with corrective action; assist in the coordination of tabletop exercises and full-scale triennial drills; assist in the coordination of after exercise debriefing sessions. 

• Issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), weather advisories, and make critical decisions to close and open-air traffic movement areas.  

• Inspect all runways, ramps, taxiways, and taxilanes; report deficiencies for corrective action to the appropriate department and ensure corrective action has occurred in a timely manner; ensure the airfield is safe for aircraft operations. 

• Monitor the operation of the TUS fuel farm and hydrant fueling system to ensure safe practices and procedures are followed; perform daily inspections and/or system checks of the self-service fuel facilities at RYN.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

• Proactively support other departments with airport construction projects and activities, to include attendance at construction meetings, issuing NOTAMs, providing construction escorts, ensuring safety management and communication throughout project duration. 

• Perform tenant outreach to effectively communicate and coordinate general and/or pertinent information to airport tenants; issue Tenant Advisories; establish and maintain positive professional relationships; train tenants to ensure safety and situational awareness on the airside. 

• Assist in lease compliance inspections of tenant facilities; report discrepancies to the appropriate TAA department(s); and assist the respective department(s) with follow up support or action. 

• Respond to requests and other inquiries regarding airport safety and attend security and safety meetings. 

• Keep abreast of federal regulations or other industry initiatives that may affect airport operations (FAA, TSA).  

• Assist with the administration and training of the TUS Airside Driving Program (Air Operations (AOA) driving requirements); audit TUS airside driving lists and training records; enforce rules and regulations and take administrative enforcement action when necessary; coordinate with the TAA Police Department to address more serious AOA driving or security issues or infractions.  

• As directed, represent the TAA at various meetings and conferences.  

• Keep supervisor apprised of situations arising within daily shift. 

• Represent airport management outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders. 

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements. 

Position Requirements:   

Bachelor’s Degree; an aviation management degree is preferred; a minimum of three years of experience at a FAR Part 139 certificated commercial service airport (or military airport) and knowledge of 14 CFR Part 139 (FAR Part 139) is preferred. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: 

• FAR Part 139 and other federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances related to airport and commercial aviation operations; worker safety including occupational hazards and safety precautions. 

• Practices and procedures, including FAR Part 139, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), ICS/NIMS, SMS, and emergency response and management.  

• Airport operations including airport security, federal certification requirements, aircraft firefighting and rescue policies, practices and procedures, and airfield maintenance processes and procedures. 

Skill in: 

• Organization; oral, listening, and written communications; proof-reading; critical-thinking and multi-tasking. 

• Taking initiative and being a self-starter.  

• Exercising effective airfield safety management and compliance. 

Ability to: 

Environmental Requirements 

• Work in a high-noise environment and extreme weather. 

Mental Requirements 

• Effectively manage safety compliance in a complex airport operating environment. 

• Acuity to understand FAA processes; listen to, comprehend, process and follow simultaneous instructions from Air Traffic Control (air and ground); spatial apperception skills are essential to comprehend operations on the ground and in the air.    

• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations; use sound and effective judgment. 

• Effectively manage emergency events and situations consistent with federal regulations, NIMS/ICS, and best practices. 

• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, with mature judgment; function in compelling, high stress, fast moving work surroundings, with deadlines and multiple projects. 

• Take independent action relative to emergency operations and work problems requiring immediate solutions.   

• Interpret and analyze complex technical data and information for decision-making and reporting purposes, including decision-making in stressful situations. 

• Research information and organize data in meaningful form, make sound judgments, draw accurate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. 

Physical Requirements 

• Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others. 

• Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions of standard airport lighting system colors and Air Traffic Control Tower light-gun signals, and identify fuel grade color code markings, and actual samples of various fuels. 

• Hear and understand through both ears, sounds coming through a radio, a standard telephone receiver, or other outside sound sources. 

• Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate, fluent manner. 

• Lift up to 45 pounds occasionally. 

General 

• Work all shifts of a 24-hour per day period, including evenings/weekends/holidays, and be on-call. 

• Be available 24/7/365 to respond to TUS or RYN in the event of an emergency. 

• Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with department personnel, other TAA personnel, and outside agencies. 

• Make effective training presentations. 

• Exercise effective customer service and public relations practices and procedures. 

• Understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on “need-to-know” and maintain discreet and professional sense of confidentiality due to sensitive nature of job functions.  

• Operate a computer, and any other computer software appropriate for assigned position. 

• Improve job knowledge and work effectiveness through educational courses, training programs, work related seminars, and workshops; engage in self-improvement activities and training. 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:  

• Valid Arizona Driver’s license.  

• Meet and maintain the ability to drive airport vehicles and obtain authorization to access the Non-Movement Area and Movement Area on the Air Operations Area (AOA). 

• Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). 

• Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, 800 requirements and certification within the first year of employment.  

• AAAE Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) – Airside Operations certification is required within twelve (12) months of employment. 

• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required.