Airport Operations Duty Officer

Job Summary:

Manages Airport safety programs including Safety Management Systems (SMS), OSHA compliance, and safety related training across the Authority. Proactive in identifying and resolving safety hazards through stakeholder association, safety reviews and analysis, data gathering and analysis, and proactive implementation of safety programming. Promotes the safety culture of employees, tenants, and passengers on the Airport. Secondary to safety program management, performs duties of an Operations Duty Shift Manager to include coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Des Moines International Airport on a 24 hour basis to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations pertaining to airport operations.

Essential Job Functions:

Assists with managing all aspects of the Des Moines International Airport certification, safety and security programs as well as day-to-day airside and landside operations:

• Develops and manages Airport's Safety Management System (SMS) program;


• Collects, monitors, analyzes, and disseminates safety related information and data;


• Promotes SMS, OSHA compliance, and safety culture throughout the Airport;


• Supervises Airport OSHA compliance to include implementation of OSHA compliant training, overseeing records, and administering assignments across the airport;


• Develops, monitors, and maintains relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOP);


• Ensures Authority regulatory and development documents and procedures are in compliance with SMS program requirements;


• Develops, maintains, and chairs Authority safety committee to include implementation of safety related inspections;


• Ensures compliance with applicable federal certification and safety requirements for the operation of a Class I certificated airport as detailed in FAR Parts 77, 139;


• Ensures compliance with applicable federal regulations and procedures identified within the Airport Security Program, under Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 1542;


• Enforces the Des Moines Airport Board's, Rules & Regulations;


• Supervises and directs the work of Operations Duty Supervisors, Operations Duty Officers, and contracted service providers during assigned work shift;


• Represents the Airport Authority in contacts with tenants, other agencies, the general public, and during special events;


• Ensure tenant compliance with provisions of their lease agreements;


• Conducts inspections of airfield pavements, navigation aids, safety areas, airspace above and near the Airport, landside roadways, public parking facilities, pedestrian areas, terminal building facilities, tenant leased facilities, perimeter security systems and building structures;


• Identify facilities in need of repair, issue work orders, initiate & direct corrective action to resolve problems that arise during his/her work shift;


• Prepares shift reports, document incidents, and record airport activities;


• Issues Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) when hazards exist and may order all or a part of the Airport closed;


• Responds to aircraft incidents and accidents, medical emergencies, and other emergency situations on the Airport;


• Coordinates construction and maintenance activities to airport facilities;


• Assists in the development of regulatory documents and departmental materials;


• Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), checklists, and operational continuity documents;


• Identifies, recommends, and recommends solutions to daily operational issues ensuring continuous process improvement within the Operations Department;


• Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems, OSHA Regulations, FAA Advisory Circulars, FAR Parts 77, and 139, TSR Parts 1500, 1520, 1540, 1542, and 1544;


• Knowledge of Class I commercial airport and general aviation airports principles, best practices and operations;


• Knowledge of airport facilities, equipment, and tenant operations;


• Ability to analyze, interpret, and disseminate data sources;


• Ability to coordinate airport certification program requirements with outside agencies and;


• Ability to drive and communicate in an airport environment under positive control of the Air Traffic Control Tower;


• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;


• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written procedures and/or oral instructions;


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;


• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;


• Ability to effectively manage and direct other employees' work activities;

• Ability to observe and correct inappropriate employee behavior;


• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making ability in all situations;


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;


• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;


• Ability to work shifts independently and in a team, days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays in a 7-day, 24-hour operating environment;


• Ability to be on-call and available for recall upon short notice.


• Ability to observe and act on physical and environmental surroundings and changing conditions.

Acceptable Experience, Training and Other Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration or closely related field;


• One year of experience in airport operations at a commercial service airport; or


• An equivalent combination in which each two years of applicable experience may be substituted for each year of required education.


• Experience with SMS, OSHA, or other safety related programs preferred.

License or Other Requirements:

• Successful post-employment physical and drug test;


• Successful background investigation to obtain unescorted airport identification/access privileges;


• Possession of a valid state of Iowa vehicle operator's license;


• OSHA 40 Hour preferred, obtain within one (1) year of hire;


• ACE SMS preferred, obtain within one (1) year of hire;


• Preferred but not required, Private Pilot's License with an Instrument Rating;


• Must be available nights, weekends and holidays for emergencies/contingencies.

Essential Physical Abilities:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;


• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to read technical documentation and manipulate small objects in confined areas;


• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to adjust to confined areas and work around construction sites and on the airfield.


• Sufficient ability for climbing, balancing, standing, walking, and talking, hearing/listening, and seeing/observing.


• Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.


• Frequent sedentary work periods involving sitting interspersed with frequent periods of activity, both indoors and outdoors.

• Successful post-employment physical and drug test;


• Successful background investigation to obtain unescorted airport identification/access privileges;


• Possession of a valid state of Iowa vehicle operator's license.