Airport Operations Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $79,500.00 - $106,167.00 Annually
Location : Port of Portland Headquarters - 7200 NE Airport Way, Portland 97218, OR
Job Type: Full-Time Administrative
Job Number: 02270
Division: Aviation
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
The Position
The Port of Portland is hiring for a Terminal Operations Specialist!
Help keep PDX safe, accessible, and running smoothly as a Terminal Operations Specialist. You'll lead key programs including ADA compliance, emergency preparedness, terminal resources, and contract management while using data, collaboration, and creative problem solving to strengthen airport operations and enhance the passenger experience. If you enjoy connecting the dots, navigating complex operations, and helping shape the future of the airport, this is a role where you can make an impact every day.
Who we are:
The Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon's largest and most dynamic airport, serving as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest. PDX is renowned for its exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and commitment to sustainability. Recognized consistently as one of the best airports in the United States, we pride ourselves on offering a world-class travel experience to all our passengers.
What you'll get:
We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that supports work-life balance while encouraging in-person collaboration. Team members are generally expected to be in the office up to three days per week, with specific days subject to change based on operational needs. PLUS, our office overlooks the beautiful Mt Hood, you get the opportunity to watch planes take off, and so much more!
Essential Job Duties

• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Program Administrator
  • Ensure all rules and regulations related to the ADA are followed in accordance with FAA, DOT, and DOJ guidelines.
  • Serve as ADA coordinator for PDX, acting as primary point of contact for complaints and comments.
  • Manage/perform ADA self-inspections to ensure compliance.
  • Manage ADA transition plan process including barrier identification, resolution planning and execution, verification, and record keeping.
  • Work with stakeholders across departments to plan and execute barrier removal.
• Family Assistance Plan Administrator
  • Responsible for planning preparation, training, and deployment of the Friends and Relatives Center (FRC) and Passenger Gathering Area (PGA) in the event of emergency.
  • Ensure FAA requirements are met, stakeholders are knowledgeable of processes, procedures, and locations through training and exercises.
  • Collaborate with Emergency Management department to continuously improve response plans with accordance with operational goals, resource capacity, and regulatory requirements.
• Contract Management
  • Manage Operation contracts as assigned through Port contract management process.
  • Contracts include plant maintenance, equipment movement, furniture procurement assembly & installation, spot signage, emergency supplies, and others assigned.
• Common Use Administration
  • Assists in planning, analysis, and transactions for PDX common use programs including gating, ticket counter assignments, billing reports, and operational reports.
  • Collaborates with Daily Operations Team, business and properties team, and airlines to implement common use schedules, and incorporate stakeholder feedback into common use program as appropriate.
  • In coordination with Manager of Terminal Operations & Infrastructure, analyze airline schedules and gate availability to make recommendations on leasing, construction, and planning.
• Free Speech Program Administrator
  • Intake, analyze, approve, and issue free speech permits in accordance with PDX rules, Port standard operating procedures, and Port Legal Department advice.
  • Collaborate with Port Legal, manager of Terminal Operations and Infrastructure, and Terminal Leadership team to continuously improve PDX free-speech program in alignment with operational goals, and relevant laws.
• Terminal Operations Analysis
  • Develop, implement, and execute performance indicators for airport operations which inform operational continuous improvement.
  • Work with analytics, finance, planning, maintenance, and other groups to develop tracking of relevant indicators which can be used to make operational improvements, inform capital planning, track asset performance, inform IROPs & emergency plans, and measure operational success.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Business, Aviation, Analytics, or a related field.
• Minimum four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in an operational environment.
• Working knowledge in these areas is preferred:
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • FAA/DOT rules related to emergency response following aircraft mishaps
  • Develop training plans and conduct training exercises for Family Reception Center (FRC) and Passenger Gathering Area (PGA) to meet federal regulatory requirements

Licenses and/or Certifications

• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.

Demonstrated Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
• Focus on safety improvements and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Airport operations principals and methodologies.
• Contract management principals, understanding contract language, and applying technical federal rules and regulations.
• Work directly with management to determine needs and develop/implement practical solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Work effectively independently as well as in collaboration with peers, contractors, vendors, government agencies, and tenants.
• Analyze data, identify trends, create reports for internal and external communications and planning.
• Develop work scope for personnel services contract.
• Read and understand conceptual construction plans.
• Coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders regarding proposed operational changes in any terminal building public space.

Supplemental and Selection Information
Selection Process (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of September 7.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
3. Our goal is to schedule virtual interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation step the week of September 14. Followed by in-person panel interviews the following week.

About us:
At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!
Do you have questions about this job?
Contact us: careers@portofportland.com
Safety: The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.
Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
At the Port of Portland, we strive to offer a holistic and comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. We care about your health by offering highly-subsidized healthcare plans that include alternative care. We look out for you and for family by paying for life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. We participate in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement program. We provide access to additional coverage and benefits including pre-tax spending accounts, voluntary term life insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and critical illness and accident insurance policies.
We go above and beyond by offering an award-winning wellness program for all employees to engage in. Employees can tend to their physical and mental health, earn rewards, and create community. Our employee assistance program supports the Port's commitment to emotional and mental well-being by providing mental health services, discounts on local gyms, and pet insurance for companions.
Our commitment to work-life balance ensures you have time to spend with loved ones and do the things you enjoy. We offer generous vacation time that accrues with length of service, sick leave that never expires and can be used for dependent care, health maintenance and mental health, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave - all in addition to 10 paid holidays. As an added bonus - because we know employees use their time off differently - once a year we give employees the opportunity to convert sick leave to personal leave, and to convert vacation leave to either cash, a retirement plan contribution, or a contribution to a Health Savings Account.
Please note: Some benefits vary by job type/group, so please be sure to review your comprehensive benefit guide and/or collective bargaining agreement upon hire to confirm what is available to you.