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Airside Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$9

$23

$48

How much do airside operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for airside operations in California is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do airside operations do?

Airside operations involve managing activities on the airport's airside, including aircraft movement, ground handling, safety procedures, and coordination with airline and ground service teams. Staff in this role ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel in areas such as runways, taxiways, and aprons, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and operational regulations.

What are some common challenges faced in airside operations, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Airside Operations professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, coordinating among multiple teams (like ground handling, air traffic control, and maintenance), and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. New team members can prepare by familiarizing themselves with airport safety procedures, developing strong communication skills, and staying up-to-date on operational technologies and regulations. Shadowing experienced colleagues and participating in ongoing training programs also help in building confidence and competence in this fast-paced environment.

What is airside operations?

Airside Operations refer to the management and coordination of activities that take place on the airside area of an airport, which includes all spaces beyond the security checkpoints, such as runways, taxiways, and aprons. Professionals in this field ensure the safe, secure, and efficient movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel. Their responsibilities often include overseeing aircraft parking, coordinating ground handling services, monitoring airfield conditions, and responding to emergencies. Airside Operations are essential for maintaining airport safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth flight schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in airside operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Airside Operations, you need knowledge of airport safety regulations, operational procedures, and typically an aviation-related qualification or relevant experience. Familiarity with radio communication systems, airside vehicle operation, and airport management software is often required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are essential to maintain safety, efficiency, and compliance in critical airside areas of airport operations.

What is the difference between Airside Operations vs Ground Handling Agent?

AspectAirside OperationsGround Handling Agent
CertificationsAirside safety and operational certificationsGround handling certifications, if applicable
Work EnvironmentAirport tarmac, runways, aircraft parking areasAirport apron, baggage claim, aircraft servicing zones
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airport authoritiesGround service companies, airlines
Job FocusManaging aircraft movement and safety on the airsideHandling baggage, cargo, passenger services

While both roles operate on the airport airside, Airside Operations primarily focus on managing aircraft movements and safety, whereas Ground Handling Agents handle baggage, cargo, and passenger services. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles within airport operations.

What are popular job titles related to Airside Operations jobs in California? For Airside Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Airside Operations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Airside Operations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Airside Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Airside Operations job openings:
Airside Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airside Operations job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,581 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Airside Experience Specialist

Signature Aviation

Goleta, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Signature Aviation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 65 rated aviation services

Job description


As an Airside Experience Specialist, you are the face of our private aviation terminal, delivering a seamless, personalized, and welcoming experience for every guest, crew member, and aircraft in our care. In this dynamic role, you'll combine exceptional hospitality with hands-on operational support to ensure our guests feel cared for, from wheels down to wheels up.
You'll operate ground service equipment and perform aircraft ground services while engaging guests with professionalism and a service-first mindset. This role requires schedule flexibility, including nights, weekends and holidays, and the ability to thrive in outdoor environments around active aircraft and in varying weather conditions.
If you enjoy creating memorable guest experiences in a fast-paced, luxury-driven environment - and you're excited by the energy of the runway - this is the role for you.
Responsibilities
(Other duties may be assigned)
  • Work as part of a team to conduct airside operations safely and efficiently in accordance with established policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensuring efficient and accurate communication through various methods to accomplish operational tasks.
  • Collaborate, cooperate, and work closely with all team members, guests, clients, vendors, and aircraft crewmembers to ensure service needs are met. Services include, but are not limited to, fueling, de-icing, lavatory, ground power and potable water services, parking, marshalling, wing walking, delivering catering and towing.
  • Proactively prepare for arriving/departing aircraft, identify and perform open job tasks, and immediately speak up and/or point out observed safety concerns to all stakeholders.
  • Operate and drive ground service equipment such as fuel trucks, de-icing trucks, ground power units, tugs, stair trucks, etc.
  • Load and unload luggage and other cargo into/out of aircraft and from/into the PAT, guest vehicle, or other mode of transportation.
  • Provide professional and friendly guest service while exhibiting a positive and helpful attitude to everyone at all times ensuring guests always receive an exceptional experience.
  • Offer safe, convenient, and courteous transportation when driving shuttle vehicle to transport guests, luggage and cargo.
  • Maintain safe, clean, and secure ramps and operations.
  • Fuel handling, including fuel quality control, fuel receipt, inventory and maintaining accurate related documentation.
  • Understand, comply with, and enforce all operational, safety, and guest service requirements for all aspects of the job.
  • Stop work when an unsafe condition or act is likely to cause harm to people, the environment, Company or guest assets, or the Company's reputation if the work continues. Report concerns to the appropriate manager and cooperate in addressing the unsafe act or condition.
  • Follow emergency response procedures during critical events.
  • Understand, comply with, and enforce all security (physical, cyber and data) protocols as dictated by both Signature Aviation and the airport.
  • Create accurate records pertaining to time worked and activities and services performed.

Qualifications
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Ability to pass company background checks (criminal and motor vehicle), drug tests, meet airport background check requirements to receive and maintain an airport security badge, and be insurable by the Company's applicable insurance policies.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the jurisdiction of employment.
  • Excellent vision and coordination to move and/or direct aircraft and visually inspect aircraft fuel. Ability to pass a color vision test for purposes of inspecting aviation fuel.
  • Must possess a valid state driver's license. In some locations a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required as dictated by local regulations and business needs.
  • Must be able to exercise good judgment and follow directions/directives from supervisor/management.
  • Preferred: Three (3) to six (6) months experience and/or training in aviation, customer service or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience and/or training.

Additional knowledge and essential skills:
  • Hospitality Skills: Excellent guest service skills with an energetic, outgoing, and guest-obsessed personality. Must be able to anticipate guest needs and prioritize guest requests and job responsibilities by exhibiting a keen ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals, and for safety-sensitive tasks, in English. Clearly communicate in English with others in person, via telephone, radio communicators, and in writing.
  • Math Skills: Ability to perform simple arithmetic (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, fractions, angles, degrees, time).
  • Physical Ability: Must be able to physically enter/exit and operate motor vehicles and ground support equipment such as fuel trucks, vans, tugs, and cars. Must be able to perform various functions safely and efficiently (e.g., fueling, de-icing) from elevated heights.
  • Critical Thinking / Reasoning Ability: Ability to carry out multi-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to get along and work well with others. Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and service to guests.
  • Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Computer Skills: Ability to use a computer and email, learn necessary company software, and pass computer-based training modules.
  • Task Management: Ability to successfully and timely complete Signature's training programs.

About Us
With more than 225 locations worldwide, Signature Aviation is the largest global network of private aviation terminals, delivering safe, convenient, and elevated experiences to those we serve. As a premier hospitality organization and a certified Great Place to Work™, we are committed to redefining private air travel. Our nearly 6,000-strong team of aviation experts and enthusiasts is dedicated to delivering excellence to our guests and communities, and it starts with taking care of our team. Signature provides a variety of benefits, programs, and resources to support our team members' overall well-being and professional development. We proudly volunteer and give back, focusing on elevating the neighborhoods where we operate, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, and supporting our veterans.
From your health to your financial wellness, there are several benefits for you and your family when joining Signature Aviation.
Our Benefits:
  • Medical/prescription drug, dental, and vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
  • Identity Theft and Legal Services
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Maternity Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training and Development
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Perks

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

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