Public Safety Officer I

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 86-years in service to the East Tennessee area.  Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.  

The Position

The purpose of our Public Safety Officer position is to perform activities related to law enforcement, firefighting, security, and emergency medical services, for all Airport Authority owned properties, facilities, and users.  He or she maintains the qualifications and certifications for performance of tasks.  They perform operational maintenance and upkeep on the physical plant and equipment, and may perform other designated duties, as assigned, to ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Enforces state, federal, and local laws, and security policies on MKAA property. Ensures the MKAA Department of Public Safety follows the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) rules and regulations, Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (FAA), Transportation Security Administration regulations (TSA), and the Department of Homeland Security policies (DHS), procedures, and requirements. Resolves complaints and incidents. Investigates crimes, suspicious activity, and security incidents. Takes witness statements and consolidates findings and facts into an official report.


• Provides fire protection, suppression, training, salvage, and overhaul to the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, its tenants, passengers, and guests, for inbound, outbound, and staged Aircraft, service equipment, vehicles, buildings, and properties. Responds to and enters wrecked or burning aircraft, vehicles, and buildings, to rescue trapped victims using forcible entry tools.


• Responds to medical emergencies 24-hours a day. Provides initial and ongoing patient assessment, lifesaving treatments, and determines if an ambulance is needed to be dispatched for patient transport to a hospital. During critical aircraft incidents, officers triage patients, and transport to the medical treatment and staging area.


• Performs Airfield Operation duties assigned to the Public Safety Department after business hours, and on holidays, weekends, and during staffing shortages. Overtime is expected.


• Assists with building maintenance after business hours, and on holidays, weekends, and during staffing shortages. Repairs security doors, baggage conveyor belts, escalators, elevators, jet bridges, and electronic perimeter gates.


• Performs Assigned Tasks and Designated Duties in relation to an assigned service area.


• Performs related work, as required.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will have Tennessee Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission (POST) Certification and at least 3 years’ experience as a sworn Law Enforcement Officer.  She or he must be able to maintain physical/medical fitness-for-duty, as established by the National Fire Code.   He or she must be able to speak and write clearly and communicate concisely through radio communication and through Airport Dispatch. In addition, she or he will need to demonstrate strong customer service skills, critical thinking, and negotiation skills for crisis management. 

Minimum requirements include six-months to one-year of advanced academic study beyond High School, with 1 to 3 years' experience; a minimum of one year in a police discipline, preferred.  He or she must also possess a valid Tennessee State driver's license. The candidate must receive the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission (POST), the Tennessee Fire Commission Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and First Responders Medical Care certifications, within 12-months in the role. Current P.O.S.T Certification is preferred.

Salary and Compensation

The hiring range for this position is $57,673.31 to $74,975.30. ***Additional compensation may be added for Public Safety Officer experience. MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, 401(a)-retirement program.  

Deadline to Apply 

For best consideration, please apply by Sunday, June 29, 2025.  Position open until filled.

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail your 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 emails or 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.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority conducts random employee drug screening.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.