Airport Operations Officer - Allentown, United States - Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority

Description

• Manage the daily operation of the airport by conducting airfield, terminal, and landside facility inspections to ensure airport policies, procedures, compliance and customer service are maintained. Document and analyze results and coordinate any needed corrective action to comply with the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and 14 CFR Part 139 and applicable Advisory Circulars.
• Inspection of airfield facilities includes, but is not limited to; grounds, safety areas, runways, taxiways, fencing/gates, aircraft aprons, taxilanes and service roadways to assure safety, security, and efficiency of operations and expeditious flow of aircraft; monitors airfield activities during assigned shift; provides escort for persons using AOA or SIDA areas. Assign parking positions for all scheduled and unscheduled air carrier aircraft at gate positions and remote parking areas.
• Implements wildlife control procedures and ensures compliance with the Airport's approved Wildlife Hazard Management Plan and applicable Federal and State regulations by conducting wildlife/animal patrols and perimeter fence/gate inspections to mitigate wildlife hazards to ensure a safe aviation environment.
• Manage the integrity of the Airport security access points, through routine inspections and documentation of results, in order to maintain compliance with the Airport Security Plan (ASP), 49 CFR Part 1542 and 14 CFR Part 139.
• Monitors and ensures safe vehicle operations on movement and non-movement areas. Conducts ramp security patrol, verifies access control, and responds to potential security breaches.
• Respond to all emergencies, perform accident investigation analysis, report data and provide improvement strategies to department management. Responsible for ensuring that daily airport operations are conducted in accordance with the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Federal Aviation Administration Regulations 14 CFR Part 139 and 77, and Transportation Security Regulations 49 CFR Part 1542 standards, and applicable Authority rules and regulations. Act as the primary point of contact for evaluating and addressing unusual airside issues when management is unavailable and communicates impacts to affected agencies and departments.
• During inclement weather, implements snow and ice control procedures and ensures compliance with the Authority's Snow and Ice Control Plan for airside operations. Performs friction testing activities using an electronic decelerometer or CFME, assesses winter contaminants on airfield pavements, recommends snow and ice control methods, monitors pilot reports of braking action (PIREP's) and generates and files Field Condition Reports.
• Issue and file Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and update field condition reports on computer-based programs to report all conditions that impact the safe operations of aircraft and ensures that they are promptly communicated to the FAA, air carriers and other airport users.
• Coordinate special events while maintaining safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. Facilitate aircraft operations during periods of airfield maintenance/construction, airline flight diversions, inclement weather/snow/ice or other unusual airfield activity.
• Ensure tenant compliance by conducting inspections for airport safety and proper airport operations. Document, analyze and coordinate any corrective actions needed.
• Ensure safe, secure, customer-focused airport operations by handling/investigating complaints or critical issues and providing the highest level of service. Follow up with appropriate supervisors to ensure timely response to customers and work to solve tenant/customer requests and problems.
• Enforce Authority rules and regulations, the ACM and ASP; issue violation notices as appropriate.
• Continually monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures and recommend improvements to department management.
• Serve as liaison to internal departments and outside agencies to ensure effective communications and use of facilities and services. Maintain working relationships with users and tenants and ensure customers receive a high level of service. Establish and maintain good working relationships with air carrier employees and agents.
• Issues permits, licenses, airport badges and identification material in accordance with security standards or applicable Authority rules and regulations.
• Maintains records and operational logs; prepares reports and correspondence; may be assigned additional/collateral responsibility as Wildlife Hazard Program Manager; may be assigned additional/collateral responsibility for monitoring and inspecting air carrier refueling operations and procedures, especially during thunderstorm activity.
• May represent the Department in a variety of projects, programs and activities with air carriers, terminal tenants, consultants, maintenance staff, guards, inspectors, and representatives from other agencies; assists department management with the development and administration of the annual operating budget.
• May be assigned additional duties in areas of staff scheduling, staff training, technical library maintenance, FAA and state airport certification, communications, facility construction/maintenance and technology systems.
• Respond to potential security breaches, aircraft incidents, accidents, and emergencies.
• During emergencies, coordinates airport activities with ARFF, police and other emergency personnel during incidents and while returning the airport to normal operation.
• Participate in the development and implementation of an operation and emergency training plan. Gather information, develop curriculum and associated training lessons, and implement training program, in collaboration with department management and other departments.
• Conduct emergency and safety training through classroom training, table-top scenarios, and real time emergency exercises.
• Provide technical counsel to department management for strategic and long-range emergency preparedness planning and training.
• Prepare operational reports and manuals for publication, for internal and external distribution.
• Ensure compliance by all tenants and LNAA employees with the various airport emergency and compliance plans and directives.
• Respond as directed to all airport emergencies involving personal injuries or property damage and assist in the investigation by taking photographs and collecting data to minimize Authority loss and liability.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Aviation Management, Aviation Science, Business Administration or other relevant field combined with a minimum of one (1) year of experience in airport operations or administration, or a high school diploma and equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must have the ability to interact well with the general public and all airport stakeholders.
• Establish and communicate reasonable standards of performance. Continually evaluate airport operations and provide constructive guidance for improvement and development of processes and procedures.
• Represent the organization, both internally and externally, by supporting the strategic direction, strategic priorities, objectives, vision, mission, goals and values of the Authority. Instill teamwork and loyalty. Champion the values of the Authority and the Department through example and accountability.
• Must have strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other applicable computer programs.
• Valid driver's license required and maintained that meets insurance requirements.
• Must be able to pass random drug screenings, pass background investigation (criminal and prior employment), pass Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) training and pass AOA driver training.
• Ability to learn and understand FAR Part 139, TSR Part 1542 and all other federal, state and local rules, regulations, standards and requirements governing air traffic, commercial and general aviation, airport safety and security, airport and movement area operating and maintenance standards, including the ability to pass and maintain SIDA and AOA driver training and any other relevant training as directed.
• Ability to learn and understand the practices and principles of airport administration, operations, safety and airfield maintenance.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the diverse activities required to maintain the proper standard of airport operations.
• Ability to make sound judgments in emergency situations and to effectively direct and coordinate airport resources in such incidents.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and implement a proper course of action.
• Ability to conduct classroom training, table-top scenarios and real time emergency exercises.
• Ability to learn and understand the practices and principles of building, grounds and airfield facility inspections.
• Good English language skills, including speaking, spelling, punctuation, grammar and construction. Must have the ability to prepare and deliver effective oral and written reports, records and presentations, the ability to work in a group setting and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with airport tenants, employees, and the general public.

• Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to identify colors, to read runway friction measurements; visually detect damage, deterioration or defects in airport and airfield structures, fixtures and furnishings which could potentially impact safe aircraft operations.
• Must have sufficient auditory ability, with or without audio logical devices, to decipher radio communications, hear alarms, other warning signals and vehicle signals indicating backward or forward motion.
• Must be able to descend to and ascend from a kneeling or crouching position in order to physically inspect airfield pavements and other facilities.
• Must be able to access all areas of the airport to conduct inspections and monitor operations.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to temperatures ranging from -20o F to 100oF; dirt, dust, pollen and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to airplane fuels, degreasers, de-icers and other chemicals commonly used in operating areas of airports.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to noise levels up to 120 decibels and must be able to work in close proximity to 480 volt power sources.
• The incumbent must be available for night, holiday, weekend, rotating or irregular shift assignments. Must be able to work rotating shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. May require 12 hour shift rotation.
• This position is subject to occasional exposure to blood borne pathogens and bodily fluids.