AIRPORT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST I-III

Job Description:

AIRPORT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST I-III

Description

DESCRIPTION

Applications are available online beginning Monday, March 2, 2026, through 11:59 pm, Monday, March 16, 2026.

SALARY INFORMATION:

Grade I - $30.579 - $41.579 Hourly

Grade II - $33.845 - $45.992 Hourly

Grade III - $37.419 - $50.862 Hourly

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Investigates and reports complaints and disruptions to airport operations, including unscheduled aircraft arrivals, aircraft accidents, rules and procedure violations, tenant activities, and other operations of the airport; Coordinates, assists, and serves as escort for airfield activities involving maintenance, construction, engineering, special projects, events, and programs with knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and procedures; Directs or escorts internal and external personnel to the terminal and aircraft parking areas using radio equipped automotive equipment; Responds to aircraft or other emergencies and assists in the evaluation of airport emergency practices, procedures, operations and policies; Serves as a liaison for the airport with airport tenants, FAA, TSA and U.S. Customs, City staff, contractors, and the community on airport operations, noise, and other issues; Ensures compliance with federal, state, county, and local laws and regulations pertaining to airport operations and noise abatement; Conducts audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements; Assists the public by advising and providing information or services as needed; Produces aviation-related literature and promotional materials, including technical publications and directories; May develop and communicate airport emergency practices, procedures, operations, and policies; May prepare reports and make presentations for the Airport Advisory Commission, homeowner group meetings, and community events and represents the airport at community events, tradeshows, and national and regional committee meetings; May assist in training and development activities; May assist with the preparation and monitoring of the bureau’s budget, including ensuring accuracy of the noise budget mandated under the noise compatibility ordinance; and performs other related duties as required.

In addition to the above, Airport Operations Specialist in specific Airport Divisions may also perform duties unique to that operations, including, but not limited to:

AIRSIDE OPERATIONS

Inspects the condition of runways and runway lighting, taxiways, ramps, tie downs, gates, service roads, signs, buildings, and construction projects; Corrects hazardous conditions and/or notifies the control tower to close unsafe runways and taxiways, including the removal of foreign objects from the airfield; Enforces operating, safety, and security rules, regulations, and procedures concerning landing, taxiing, parking, servicing, loading, and unloading of aircraft, operation of vehicular traffic on the airfield, tenant activities, control of the public, and

emergency operations.

LANDSIDE OPERATIONS

Operates and maintains Airport Common-Use equipment and infrastructure in accordance with applicable operating procedures and vendor contracts.

NOISE & CAPACITY MANAGEMENT

Investigates and initiates appropriate action regarding violations of the City’s airport noise compatibility ordinance and may provide documentation on behalf of the City; Collects, reviews, and analyzes noise data, environmental reports, and other information relating to proposed or existing noise sources, both public and private; May operate and maintain the City’s Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS); May ensure accurate noise matching procedures and implementation.

BADGING OFFICE OPERATIONS

May perform and oversee day-to-day functions of the Badging/ID Media Office; May act as a trusted agent per TSA requirements to facilitate badging and security operations; May review, adjudicate, and approve Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) results; May determine, approve, or deny access level requests to restricted airport areas.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Management, or a closely related field (proof required)*

AND

One (1) year of paid, full-time equivalent experience working in airport operations, including but not limited to: aircraft ground operations, airline ramp activities, airport security, aircraft acoustics monitoring, airfield environmental impacts monitoring, and/or airport control tower operations.

Opportunities for Substitution of Education or Experience

Additional paid, full-time equivalent experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Requires successful completion of the airfield operations written and practical driving examinations prior to the end of probation.

*Proof of required documents, such as degree or transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristic on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to airport operations, airport security/badging operations, and noise abatement.
• Knowledge of Transportation Security Administration Security Regulations 49 CFR 1540, 1542, and 1544;
• Knowledge of City ordinances, codes, procedures, and practices regarding the City’s airport noise-compatibility ordinance;
• Knowledge of vehicle and aircraft operations and identification requirements on an active airfield;
• Knowledge of Airport Common-Use practices;
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with Airport tenants and the public to ensure compliance with airport practices, policies, and procedures;
• Ability to complete inspections and review checklists;
• Ability to review contracts and ensure compliance;
• Ability to operate City vehicles;
• Ability to operate aeronautical and 800 MHz radios;
• Ability to comprehend written technical material relating to airport operations and noise abatement;
• Ability to operate a computer, airport operating systems, and standard business software, including Microsoft Office Suite;
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
• Ability to pass an FAA Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated background check and maintain security clearance as required by law.

Willingness to work overtime, weekend and/or holiday hours.

A valid driver’s license, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel, may be required for some assignments.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual/Biliterate skills (Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog) is desired for some positions.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Application and Supplemental Application.......................................................................Qualifying
Appraisal Interview (May include a writing exercise)......................................................100%

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the examination. Certification by score bands will be considered based on analysis of exam results. This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date. Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period. Screening of applicants will be conducted based on application and required supplemental application submitted. Only those candidates showing the strongest backgrounds based on comparative analysis will be invited to the examination process. Based on the number of applications accepted, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans that successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score. Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score. (A copy of the veterans DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)

This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Learn more about available preferences and eligibility criteria here: www.longbeach.gov/jobs/working-for-the-city/hiring-preferences

If you have not received notification within two weeks after close of filing, please contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-7008.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at (562) 570-7008. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at (562) 570-7008.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. G46AN-26 AOS:TJ HR 01/13/2026

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 3/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$30.58 - $50.86 Hourly