Airport Security Officer - Full Time

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.

Join a visible SECURITY team where your work helps keep McGhee Tyson Airport safe, secure, and running effectively each day.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Airport Security Officer supports safe, orderly airport operations by directing traffic, patrolling assigned areas, conducting inspections and screenings, monitoring airport property, and assisting the public. This role offers paid training, daily variety, public service, and the chance to build valuable safety and security experience in an airport environment.  This is an active, public-facing role with PRIMARILY outdoor work in changing weather, frequent standing and walking, weekend availability, and potential overtime during peak operations and special events.

WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT:

• Meaningful work: Help protect the airport community and support a safe travel experience.


• Training provided: Learn role-specific security, inspection, traffic, and emergency response procedures on the job.


• No prior experience required: Bring dependability, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. A public service orientation will help.


• Active, varied days: Work across traffic areas, airport grounds, inspections, public assistance, and special events.


• Public service environment: Be part of a team that supports passengers, visitors, employees, tenants, and local airport operations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic and help maintain safe traffic flow.


• Patrol assigned airport areas and monitor activity on airport property and grounds.


• Issue parking citations. 


• Provide directions, answer general questions, and respond professionally to concerns.


• Conduct routine security checks, inspections, screenings, escorts, and permit-related duties.


• Staff sensitive areas to monitor and ensure proper entry and exits. 


• Support Public Safety Officers during special events, dignitary visits, airshows, or other airport activities.


• Follow and enforce applicable MKAA, TSA, and Department of Homeland Security rules and procedures.

WHAT THE WORK IS LIKE:

• Active work: Expect standing, walking, observing, and moving through assigned areas.


• Outdoor environment: Work takes place outside in various weather conditions.


• Public interaction: You will communicate with passengers, visitors, tenants, employees, and drivers, including during questions or complaints.


• Safety focus: You must stay alert, follow procedures, and use sound judgment.


• Training provided On-the-job: Training is provided for assigned procedures.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

This role is a strong fit for a dependable person who wants meaningful, active work; enjoys helping people; can stay calm under pressure; and is comfortable enforcing procedures in a safety-focused environment.

Minimum Qualifications - 

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• No prior experience required. Customer service and SECURITY is a plus.


• Ability to complete required training and follow established procedures.


• Ability to obtain Basic Life Support, CPR, and AED certification after hire; this training is also provided.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

You will learn airport traffic, safety, and security procedures; flight schedule awareness; inspection and screening practices; and applicable MKAA, TSA, Department of Homeland Security, and local transportation requirements.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Before applying, consider whether you are comfortable confronting others in a respectful manner to ensure security measures are followed.  Also, you should expect outdoor work, frequent public contact, prolonged standing and walking, traffic direction, weekend work, and safety-focused procedures. If you are looking for active work with purpose, variety, training, and daily interaction with the airport community, this may be a great fit.

Salary and Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is $38,498.87 - $50,048.53 (final salary will depend on experience).  MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a)-retirement program. 

Deadline to Apply:  

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, October 18, 2026.  ***Position open until filled.

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR. Resumes/Applications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls please. 

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.  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