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Pushback Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

This role is on-site, working from our concierge style Fixed Based Operator (FBO) location in Opa ... pushback, marshalling, and disconnecting. * Operate ground support equipment (GPU, water, lavatory ...

This role is on-site, working from our concierge style Fixed Based Operator (FBO) location in Opa ... pushback, marshalling, and disconnecting. * Operate ground support equipment (GPU, water, lavatory ...

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Pushback Operator information

What is the difference between Pushback Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectPushback OperatorForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a valid driver’s license and safety trainingRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentAirport ground operations, aircraft pushbackWarehouses, manufacturing plants, shipping docks
Industry UsageAirline and airport logisticsLogistics, manufacturing, retail warehouses
Common TasksGuiding aircraft during pushback, safety checksMoving pallets, loading/unloading goods

While both roles involve vehicle operation and safety protocols, Pushback Operators focus on aircraft ground handling at airports, whereas Forklift Operators handle material movement within warehouses and industrial settings. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and required skills in logistics and transportation industries.

What is the role of a pushback operator?

A pushback operator is responsible for guiding aircraft during ground operations, specifically maneuvering aircraft using specialized equipment to push back from the gate or parking position. They ensure safe and efficient movement on the tarmac, often working with ground crew and using radio communication and safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of airport safety procedures are typically required for this role.

What are Pushback Operators?

Pushback Operators are trained ground crew members at airports responsible for safely moving aircraft backwards away from the gate using specialized vehicles called pushback tractors or tugs. They play a critical role in ensuring that planes can depart safely without using their own engines, which helps prevent accidents and damage on the ramp. Pushback Operators must communicate closely with pilots and ground control to coordinate movements and follow strict safety procedures. Their work is essential to efficient airport operations and the safe handling of aircraft on the ground.

What are some common challenges faced by Pushback Operators during aircraft towing operations?

Pushback Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating closely with ground crew and flight deck personnel to ensure clear communication, especially in busy or low-visibility conditions. Navigating tight spaces on the ramp while adhering to strict safety protocols requires constant attention and precision. Additionally, operators must be prepared to handle unexpected mechanical issues with towing equipment and adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions, all while minimizing turnaround times to keep flight schedules on track.

How much does a pushback operator make?

A pushback operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and airline or airport employer. The role often requires knowledge of aircraft ground handling and safety procedures, with some positions offering overtime or shift differentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pushback Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Pushback Operator, you need a valid driver's license, knowledge of ground handling procedures, and familiarity with airport safety regulations. Experience with specialized ground support equipment, such as tugs and tow bars, and certifications like an Airport Movement Area Access permit are typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient aircraft movements. These skills and qualifications are vital for preventing accidents, minimizing delays, and maintaining operational safety on the airfield.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, high-level investment bankers, and certain specialized medical professionals like surgeons. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve significant responsibilities or ownership stakes.

How to become a pushback operator?

To become a pushback operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Strong communication skills, the ability to operate specialized airport ground equipment, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Pushback Operator jobs in Florida? For Pushback Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Pushback Operator jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Pushback Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Pushback Operator job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Manager, Airport Operations and Security

Monroe County, FL

Key West, FL • On-site

$91K - $146K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Join a workforce where innovation and teamwork provide support to the community and citizens of Monroe County.

Compensation:

$91,763.27 - $146,821.25

Job Description:

This position assists management with the Airport's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance programs, including the 14 CFR Part 139 Airport Certification Program and the 49 CFR Part 1542 Security Program, and oversees Ramp Control operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Manages Ramp Control operations by communicating with inbound and outbound aircraft pilots to ensure safe aircraft movement and parking, including taxi movements, pushback clearance, ground control communications, and pilot-tower coordination during ramp congestion and irregular operations.

  • Conducts daily airfield inspections of runways, taxiways, ramps, and other aeronautical areas in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139 and 49 CFR Part 1542 operational standards and reviews associated logs.

  • Makes immediate and vital decisions affecting the continuation of air and ground operations during emergency conditions in accordance with Part 139, CFR 1542, and/or other applicable advisory circulars and security directives.

  • Assists with oversight of contractors, agencies, and tenants to ensure compliance with the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Security Program, and other applicable FAA/TSA standards.

  • Maintains and updates all essential airport documents, including but not limited to the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan, Airport Security Program, AVSEC Aviation Security, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, and associated records.

  • Issues Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) as necessary to report non-standard airport conditions.

  • Performs TSA 49 CFR Aviation Worker Screening.

  • Conducts airport operational procedures, including escorting and Prior Permission Required (PPR) coordination.

  • Assists with all aspects of required airport staff and tenant training programs.

  • Performs administrative duties including answering phone calls, greeting and assisting visitors and tenants, copying, scanning, filing, emailing, mailing, and package delivery.

  • Must be able to work weekends, nights, holidays, and open shifts.

  • Responsible for personally knowing and following the County's Personnel Policies and Procedures, Administrative Instructions, Department Operating Procedures, and applicable Statutes and Regulations. Responsible for ensuring others also adhere to these standards.

  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

  • In the event of special, emergency, or disaster situations, employee may be required to work schedules other than those for which they are regularly scheduled in any capacity deemed appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or a related field preferred. Eight (8) years minimum prior related work experience in a FAR Part 139 Commercial Service Airport, including previous management experience of five (5) or more employees, is required. An equivalent combination of experience and education may substitute for preferred degree requirements.

Special Qualifications:

FAA Private Pilot's license preferred. Must maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Must be able to pass a ten-year fingerprint-based criminal background check and Security Threat Assessment (STA) for a secure area/SIDA airport badge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to oversee the work of a team engaged in providing specific services, completing specific projects, or assisting other units.

  • Ability to perform work that encompasses advanced technical, scientific, legal, or mathematical concepts; work directly contributes to the implementation of specific policies, programs, or initiatives of the organization.

  • Ability to oversee numerous functions and staff; principally responsible for determining policies and procedures that will ensure the success of operations.

  • Ability to work regularly with other managers to successfully meet the goals and objectives of the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.

  • Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.

  • Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.

  • Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

  • Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.

  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.

  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

  • Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.

  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.

  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

  • Visual Acuity: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.

  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity and responsiveness to changes that include goals, priorities, and needs of the organization and position.

Monroe County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Monroe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or military service in employment or the provision of services.

Empleador de Igualdad de Oportunidades: El Condado de Monroe no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, genero, religion, edad, discapacidad o servicio militar en el empleo o la prestacion de servicios.

Veterans Preference according to Florida State Statute 295.07: Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment by the state and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.
Preferencia de Veteranos de acuerdo con el Estatuto del Estado de Florida 295.07: Ciertos miembros del servicio y veteranos, y los conyuges y familiares de los miembros del servicio y veteranos, reciben preferencia y prioridad en el empleo por parte del estado y se les alienta a solicitar los puestos que se estan llenando.