Full-Time Airfield Operations Specialist

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 85-years of service to the East Tennessee area.  Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.  

The Position:

Our Airfield Operations Specialists are vital in ensuring continuous airfield safety and security compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR), and other applicable statutes, regulations, and requirements at McGhee Tyson (TYS) and Downtown Island (DKX) airports. The Airfield Operations Specialists oversee a variety of general and technical daily operational duties and requirements in relation to the Airport Certification Manual (ACM). They conduct field condition safety inspections, prepare reports and documentation, and assist in determining corrective actions. This position also conducts training, testing, and oversight of all airport employees, tenants, and users operating on movement and non-movement areas of the Airfield. *This is a fully onsite position.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts field condition safety assessment inspections of the Airport Operations Area at TYS and DKX. Reports, documents, and assists with corrective actions and repairs.
• Trains, tests, and oversees Airport Authority employees and tenants operating in movement and non-movement areas of the airfield. Creates, prepares, and updates material and presentations for training. Provides briefings and training to various departments on changing airfield conditions.
• Reviews, enforces, and executes requirements outlined in the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), including record keeping, training, airport self-inspection, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, Airport Emergency Plan, and snow and ice control plans.
• Serves as the Operations Duty Officer (ODO) to act as a primary point of contact for the Operations Department. This role serves as a single source subject matter expert for the coordination, collaboration, and communication of Airport Operations issues for TYS and DKX.
• Maintains operational continuity and safety during construction activities. Assists in the review and execution of and provides input for the Construction Safety and Phasing Plans on airfield related projects. Continuously surveys construction activities and personnel on the Air Operations Area.
• Responsible for administration of FAA NOTAMs (Notice to Air Mission) for TYS and DKX.
• Updates documentation, provides illustrations, creates spreadsheets and databases, and provides other resources to various departments.
• Coordinates with airport users and tenants to proactively schedule the usage of the terminal gates, ramps, and remote parking.
• Uses and administers various computer-based systems to coordinate and communicate with airfield users, tenants, federal agencies, and MKAA departments.
• Duties include periods of on-call scheduling, remote duties, and call-in response requirements.
• Performs related work as required.
  

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate for this position must have clear oral and written communications, have a background in customer service, and negotiation skills for conflict resolution.  They should have a flexible mindset, with the ability to make decisions and react quickly to solve problems.  

He or she must have knowledge of FAR Part 139 and Part 77 regulations, Wildlife Hazard Management, FAA Advisory Circulars, construction, training materials, and strategic planning is also helpful. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in aviation management or business or related degree with 0 to 1 year experience; OR Associate's degree in business administration or airport operations with 1 to 3 years' experience in airport operations.  Must possess a valid TN Driver’s License.  American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Airfield Operation certification preferred or ability to achieve ACE certification within two years in role.

Salary and Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is $50,774.53 - $66,006.89.  MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a)-retirement program.  

Deadline to Apply:  

For best consideration, please apply by Sunday, May 5, 2025.  ***Position open until filled.

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR. Resumes/Applications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.

Selection Process:

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.  Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority conducts random employee drug screening.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $50,775 - $66,007