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Airport Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$68K - $91K/yr

Airport Operations plays a central role in keeping DEN safe, secure, compliant, prepared, and moving every day. The division supports regulatory compliance and passenger, aircraft, and product ...

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Airport Operations information

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How much do airport operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for airport operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of airport operations?

Airport operations professionals are responsible for managing daily activities at an airport, including coordinating aircraft movements, ensuring safety and security protocols are followed, and overseeing ground services. They work to maintain efficient airport functioning, often using tools like communication radios and safety procedures, and may require certifications such as TSA or airport-specific training.

What does it mean to work in operations at the airport?

Working in airport operations involves coordinating and managing daily activities to ensure the smooth functioning of airport services, including aircraft movement, passenger flow, security, and baggage handling. It requires strong organizational skills, communication, and often involves working in a fast-paced environment with shift schedules. Employees may use tools like airport management systems and need relevant certifications or training depending on their specific role.

What is the highest paying job in an airport?

In airport operations, senior management roles such as Airport Director or Chief Operating Officer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of airport regulations and safety protocols.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in Airport Operations?

A typical day in Airport Operations involves coordinating flight arrivals and departures, monitoring runway and terminal activities, responding to unexpected incidents like delays or weather disruptions, and ensuring compliance with safety and security standards. The role often requires close collaboration with airline staff, security teams, air traffic controllers, and ground crew to keep operations running smoothly. Shifts can vary to cover peak travel times, and multitasking is a constant part of the job. If you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy solving logistical challenges, you'll likely find the work both rewarding and impactful.

How to start a career in airport operations?

To start a career in airport operations, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should develop skills in customer service, communication, and safety procedures. Gaining relevant certifications, such as security or safety training, and obtaining experience through entry-level roles like baggage handler or customer service agent can also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airport Operations position, and why are they important?

To excel in Airport Operations, you need a background in aviation management, logistics, or a related field, often supported by certifications such as AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives) or TSA security credentials. Familiarity with airport management systems, scheduling software, and safety compliance regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set top performers apart. These skills are critical for ensuring airport safety, efficient passenger and aircraft flow, and effective coordination with airlines and regulatory agencies.

What is an Airport Operations job?

An Airport Operations job involves overseeing the daily functions that keep an airport running efficiently and safely. Responsibilities may include coordinating airfield activity, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, managing emergency responses, and facilitating communication between departments such as security, maintenance, and airlines. Airport Operations staff work in both airside and landside areas, ensuring smooth passenger flow and aircraft movement. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment to handle unexpected challenges.

What cities are hiring for Airport Operations jobs? Cities with the most Airport Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operations jobs? The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Airport Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airport Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Airport - Operations Officer

Airport - Operations Officer

City of Melbourne

Melbourne, FL

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description Under the general direction of the Airport Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance, performs technical work in the office and field to assist in the safe and efficient operation of the airfield. Responsibilities will include analysis and communication of facts and observations to assist management in decision-making, completing airfield inspections, providing training to staff, issuing NOTAMs, and participating in special events. This is a 40-hour-per-week position with overtime as required.

Work schedule may vary as needed and may include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call status. Work is reviewed through observations and results obtained. Examples of Duties Administrative Record Keeping Maintain training & compliance records for all airport staff and tenants.

Implement/maintain digital inspection and work order program. Maintain/update regulatory documents Airport Certification Manual Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Airport Emergency Plan Airport Master Record (Form 5010) Hurricane Plan Monitor/Maintain Noise abatement program; community noise complaints. Ensure proper coordination of temporary obstructions that may impact MLB airspace in accordance with 14 CFR Part 77 regulations.

Renew/Update Permits, Licenses & Certificates FWC Migratory Bird Depredation Permit FDEP Fuel Storage Facilities FDEP - NPDES Stormwater Program Reporting Mechanical Equipment Annual Certifications Communicate as needed with regulatory agencies FAA, FDOT & TSA Safety & Training Assist Safety & Compliance Officer with the development and delivery of training to staff in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139 regulatory requirements. Identify and mitigate potential safety risks/hazards. Keep up to date with changes to FAA and other industry standards and provide updates to staff.

FAA Cert Alerts FAA Advisory Circulars Assist in the development and maintenance of the Airport SMS Plan/program. Oversee weather alerting system and notifications Airside Conduct Airfield Inspections (Daily, Special, etc.) and issue compliance work orders as required. Oversee compliance of the airfield Sign & Marking Plan Liaison with airfield tenants & coordinate special requests Wildlife Officer - uphold the Airport Wildlife Hazard Mitigation Plan Issue NOTAMs as required Monitor construction activities and ensure regulatory and safety compliance

Perform quarterly and continuous surveillance inspections of fueling agents. Monitor for unknown or unapproved obstructions that may adversely affect aircraft operations. Respond to aircraft emergencies and provide Landside Provide operational support within the terminal areas as needed.

Assist/support ground support staff operations as needed. Provide excellent customer service to passengers. Assist in auditing keys issued for access to secure areas.

Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or be in the final semester of a degree program in Aviation Management, Airport Management or related field. Relevant military airfield operations experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

Must possess effective communication skills and the ability to engage and interact in a complex environment without direct supervision. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license. Obtain Part 107 Drone Operator within first two years of employment AAAE ACE Operations Certification (or ability to obtain within 1st year of employment) Must pass Airfield non-movement and movement area drivers training within five (5) months of hire.

Must get signed off as a qualified Airfield Inspector within five (5) months of hire. Must get signed off as a qualified Wildlife Officer within five (5) months of hire. Must pass the required FAA security background investigation.

Must attend an FAA Security Standards Class and successfully pass a test with a minimum score of 70. Must pass a pre-hire drug screen and random alcohol and drug testing. Must pass federal fingerprint based criminal history background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of two-way radio procedures for airfield movements. Skilled in prioritizing and coordinating simultaneous activities to ensure effective and efficient completion of the work assignment. Basic knowledge of pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations, specifically Parts 77, 139 and 150.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine a proper course of action during emergencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Airport and City, with Federal and State and government agencies, and with consultants, contractors, and communities as required. Highly proficient in, and able to adopt and/or adapt to, basic computer programs including at a minimum Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Ability to effectively operate a personal computer and printer in a network environment. Ability to work quickly and accurately to meet deadlines. Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; excellent writing/composition skills.

Ability to learn new software programs as necessary. Ability to speak, read and write in fluent English and to understand written and oral directions.Ability to learn, understand, and remember normal tasks. Ability to hear, speak, and understand conversation in English in a normal tone of voice

Ability to see and read letters, numbers, characters, or symbols and identify colors. Ability to use small hand tools which require the use of hands, wrist, and fingers. Ability to walk and work on unstable soil conditions.

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions day or night, including very hot and humid weather. Ability to stand, sit, stoop, crawl, and kneel for prolonged periods of time. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is medium and requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.