Senior Airport Operations Specialist I/II/III

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The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José - the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. In 2024, SJC welcomed nearly 12 million passengers and was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. In 2024, SJC celebrated 75 years of connecting the Bay Area with the world. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.

Position Duties

The City of San José - San José Mineta International Airport is currently recruiting for Senior Airport Operations Specialist for the Airport Operations Division. This position performs work under the immediate supervision of an Airport Operations Supervisor and the Manager-on-Duty to support the variety of airport operations duties related to compliance, enforcement and customer service essential to the 24-hour operation of a medium-hub international airport. These activities support the four sections of Airport Operations (Airside, Terminal Management / Customer Service, Landside, and Security). This position will rotate responsibilities between the various sections referenced above to gain a comprehensive knowledge base and insight of the functionality of the Airport.

Typical duties and responsibilities include the following:

Airside Operations:

• Respond to emergencies, distressed or disabled aircraft, hazardous materials spills, wildlife or other airfield accidents or incidents

• May perform airfield inspections and other operations duties in support of airside.

• Coordinates cleanup efforts, prepares detailed informational and operational reports related to safety/security incidents, injuries and accidents.

• Use vehicle to patrol the airfield to inspect and observe aircraft, tenants, perimeter fences, gates to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and act to correct deficiencies.

Terminal Management / Customer Service:

• Coordinate common use resources (gates, remote parking, ticket counters, bag belts) to maintain safe, efficient day to day operations.

• Assist in documenting and resolving disruptions to operations such as bag jams, passenger queue control and irregular airline operations.

• Regular inspections of the terminal facility to ensure a clean, reputable terminal facility is available to the traveling public.

• Conducting customer service surveys to drive improvements for the overall passenger experience.

Landside Services:

• Uses data entry and personal interaction to process permits, reports, and work orders to ensure regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service.

• Observes, records, and enforces activities conducted on the Landside (terminal curbs, roadways, traffic control, public & employee parking facilities, and Ground Transportation areas).

• Responds to emergencies, vehicle accidents, or other Landside incidents to maintain a safe and efficient operation. Includes on-site inspection of the area, and performing or coordinating activities as required.

Security Compliance:

• Perform surveillance, inspection and investigations for enforcement of the Airport Security Program, investigates security breaches and violations.

• Use of a vehicle to patrol the airport to inspect tenants, perimeter fences, employees, and contractors to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and take action to correct deficiencies.

• Enforces proper procedures for Airport's Access Control System to prevent unauthorized and/or unescorted access to the Air Operations Area (AOA)

Airport Operations Center:

• Monitors the Airport’s CCTV, Access Control, Fire Monitoring System, Building Management and Baggage Handling Systems. Coordinates appropriate responses.

• Monitors and utilizes all Airport and public safety radio frequencies.

• Performs passenger paging and other customer service functions throughout the facilities.

• Coordinates internal Airport/Tenant communications via radio, telephone etc.

In addition, the Senior Airport Operations Specialist will be required to multi-task and utilize various computer programs within each section of Airport Operations including Access Control System, Resource and Gate Management systems, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). The Senior Airport Operations Specialists will also be expected to manage multiple phone lines and radio channels to coordinate airport activities within the AOC and perform a variety of general clerical duties such as: filing, preparation of records, forms, and other pertinent documents.

Other duties the Senior Airport Operations Specialist may be assigned include but are not limited to; compiles data, prepares reports, completes necessary and required forms and oversees recordkeeping to provide top-notch customer service to business stakeholders and the traveling public. Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. As well as poses the ability to enforce and correct deficiencies regarding compliance with rules and regulations under the following agencies: California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), City of San Jose, and the San José Mineta International Airport.

Salary Range for Senior Airport Operations Specialist I: $85,372.56 - $103,827.36

Salary Range for Senior Airport Operations Specialist II: $87,949.68 - $107,125.20

Salary Range for Senior Airport Operations Specialist III: $96,904.08 - $118,076.04

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. These salary ranges include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

Selection Process

To apply, please complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. The final filing date for this job announcement isat 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025. Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Tessa Elkins at telkins@sjc.org

DUTY

NO.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES : (These duties and estimated frequency are a representative sample; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department.) Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

FREQUENCY*

AIRSIDE

1.

Documents activity/events (RONs, Itinerants, hazmat, wildlife, etc.) on the Airfield.

As Required

2.

Observes, records and enforces activities conducted on the Airside areas (RONs, Itinerants, hazmat, wildlife, etc.)

Daily

3.

Observes, records and enforces activities of contractors, permittees, and tenants on the Airside to ensure compliance with applicable regulations or contractual/permit requirements.

Daily

4.

Responds to emergencies, hazmat, wildlife or other airfield incidents to maintain a safe and efficient operation. Includes on-site inspection of airfield and performing or coordinating activities as required.

As Required

5.

Responds to and resolves door and gate alarms.

As Required

LANDSIDE

6.

Uses data entry and personal interaction to process permits, reports, work orders and customer service inquires to ensure regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service.

Daily

7.

Observes, records and enforces activities conducted on the Landside (terminal curbs, public & employee parking facilities and GT areas).

Daily

8.

Responds to emergencies, hazmat, vehicle accidents or other Landside incidents to maintain a safe and efficient operation. Includes on-site inspection of the area and performing or coordinating activities as required.

As Required

SECURITY

9.

Uses vehicles to patrol the airport to inspect and observe perimeter fences, gates and employees to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Takes action to correct deficiencies.

Daily

10.

Provides instruction to all access/ID badge holders on security rules and compliance programs.

Daily

11.

Observes, records and enforces activities of all tenants, contractors, employees and passengers to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Daily

12.

Responds to and resolves door and gate alarms.

Daily

TERMINAL

13.

Documents activity/events (slip & falls, equipment failures, etc.) in the terminal buildings.

As Required

14.

Observes, records and enforces activities of contractors, permittees, and tenants in the terminals to ensure compliance with applicable regulations or contractual/permit requirements.

Daily

15.

Maintains the Airport Operational Database, assigns common use resources, ensures accuracy of the FIDs, and coordinates with IT systems contractor.

Daily

16.

Responds to emergencies, terminal evacuations or other terminal incidents to maintain a safe and efficient operation. Includes on-site inspection of terminal and performing or coordinating activities as required.

As Required

AIRPORT OPERATIONS CENTER

17.

Monitors the Airport’s CCTV, Access Control, Fire, Building Management, and Baggage Handling systems. Coordinates appropriate response to all issues.

Daily

18.

Monitors and utilizes all Airport and public safety radio frequencies.

Daily

19.

Performs Passenger paging and other customer service functions throughout the facilities.

Daily

20.

Coordinates all internal Airport/Tenant communications via radio, telephone, etc.

Daily

ALL AREAS

21.

Provides customer service to the public (i.e., directing passengers, listening to and reporting complaints, etc.)

Daily

22.

Performs other related work as required.

As Required

*Frequency defined as Daily/Several Times, Daily, Weekly, Intermittent, or As Required

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Senior Airport Operations Specialist I

Bachelor’s degree in aviation or closely related field AND one (1) year of experience in the aviation field or an internship in aviation. Aviation experience is typically gained by working for the following types of organizations: airport, airline, fixed based operator, airport related contractor, aviation related government agency or military aviation.

Acceptable Substitution

Additional experience in aviation may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Senior Airport Operations Specialist II

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation or closely related field AND certification from an airport industry professional organization AND one (1) year experience at the level of Senior Airport Operations Specialist I.

Acceptable Substitution

Additional experience in aviation may be substituted for the bachelor’s Degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Senior Airport Operations Specialist III

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation or closely related field AND certification from an airport industry professional organization AND two (2) years of experience at the level of Senior Airport Operations Specialist I or higher.

Acceptable Substitution

Additional experience in aviation may be substituted for the bachelor’s Degree requirementon a year-for-year basis.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)

• Incumbents are required to complete and pass a TSA mandated, Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment and all other City, State or Federal requirements.
  
• California Driver’s License.
  
• Obtain an Airport issued Ramp Drivers Permit and Movement Area Operating Permit within 6 months of employment.
  

Other Qualifications

(Incumbents may be required to have different combinations of the listed qualifications, or more specific job-related qualifications depending on the position.)

Basic Competencies (Needed at entry into the job in order to perform the essential duties.)

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

- Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Knowledge of and/or Experience related to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 and Transportation Security Regulations (TSR) 1542 is desirable.

- Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.

- Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

- Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

- Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

- Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

- Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.

- Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications

(Competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities that are more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.)

Knowledge of:

• Communication systems and procedures;
  
• Basic mechanical equipment principals;
  
• Emergency situation procedures;
  
• Leadership principles;
  
• Airport operations principals, policies, and procedures;
  
• Airport security practices and requirements;
  
• Airport Ground Transportation and Parking operations;
  
• Airfield safety principals.
  

Skills in:

• Operating various airport equipment;
  
• Driving airport vehicles on the ramp;
  
• Radio communications procedures.
  

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 10/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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