Starting pay based off of education, experience, and certifications
Preferred Education:
2 Year Degree
The Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all airfield, terminal, and landside environments at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. This position plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with 14 CFR Part 139, applicable FAA regulations, TSA requirements, and RIAC policies/procedures. The role requires the ability to make operational decisions in adynamic environment consistent with established regulations, procedures, and management direction related to airfield inspections, incident response, construction coordination, snow removal operations, and regulatory enforcement. The Airport Operations Specialist serves as the airport’s frontline representative during irregular operations, emergencies, and daily field activities, ensuring operational continuity and safety.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned; the essential duties and responsibilities include the following:
Airfield Operations & Compliance:
Conduct comprehensive airfield self-inspections in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139, including:
Runways, taxiways, ramps, lighting systems, signage, and markings
Wildlife hazards and mitigation effectiveness, including termination and removal of carcass or remains
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection and removal
Perimeter security and access points
Identify discrepancies, generate work orders, document deficiencies and monitor the status of corrective actions in accordance with FAA Advisory Circulars and RIAC procedures
Document unresolved or non-compliant conditions and elevate concerns through the appropriate management chain in accordance with RIAC procedures
Issue, update, and cancel NOTAMs accurately and in real-time in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction.
Monitor and report runway surface conditions, including friction testing and contaminant reporting
Ensure protection of navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and critical areas
Safety, Security & Regulatory Enforcement
Monitor compliance with airport rules, regulations, and FAA/TSA requirements and report or address operational issues in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
Administer and enforce the Airport Motor Vehicle Driver Training and Operator Program to RIAC personnel, tenants, and contractors
Respond to, document and report incidents, accidents, and irregular operations in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
Maintain compliance with FAR Part 77 obstruction standards
Serve as a first responder to airfield and terminal/landside emergencies, including aircraft incidents, medical events, and security concerns
Construction & Airfield Coordination
Monitor airfield construction projects for safety and compliance with approved Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPP), in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
Coordinate operational activities with contractors, infrastructure personnel, and FAA ATCT to support safe and efficient airport operations
Provide escorts and ensure safe access for contractors in movement and non-movement areas
Identify operational risks associated with construction activities and report or elevate concerns in accordance with RIAC procedures
Operational Response & Incident Management
Respond to emergencies and irregular operations, including:
Aircraft incidents and diversions
Snow and ice control operations
Fuel spills and environmental hazards
Coordinate with RIAC Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), RIAC Police, TSA, FAA ATCT, mutual aid, airlines, and tenants during events
Support implementation of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)
Airfield & Aircraft Support
Provide aircraft marshalling, follow-me services, and remote parking/reposition coordination
Provide operational information to pilots consistent with FAA regulations and RIAC procedures during non-towered operations
Assist with gate management and ramp congestion mitigation when required
Terminal & Landside Operations
Conduct inspections of terminal, curbside, and roadway areas to ensure safety, security, regulatory compliance, and efficient passenger flow
Identify and document operational issues, hazards, and maintenance deficiencies and coordinate follow-up through appropriate RIAC channels
Monitor and manage terminal and curbside activity during peak periods and irregular operations (IROPs), including congestion, traffic flow, and passenger movement
Respond to and document incidents within terminal and landside environments, coordinating with management, public safety, TSA, and stakeholders as needed
Equipment & Systems
Operate and maintain proficiency with specialized airport operations equipment, including friction measurement devices, radios, mobile data systems (iPad/tablet), shotguns/air rifles, and inspection tools
Utilize airfield lighting control systems, NOTAM management systems, and other operational software in accordance with RIAC procedures to support safe and efficient airport operations
Operate airport vehicles in movement and non-movement areas in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements
Perform routine checks of assigned equipment to ensure operational readiness and report deficiencies for repair or replacement
Administrative & Reporting Duties
Accurately and promptly document inspections, incidents, and operational activities in airport management systems
Generate work orders and monitor maintenance follow-up status in accordance with RIAC procedures
Maintain detailed logs to support FAA inspections and audits
Prepare reports and documentation for internal and regulatory review
Customer Service & Stakeholder Coordination
Serve as a liaison operational point of contact between RIAC and tenants, airlines, contractors, and stakeholders in accordance with RIAC procedures and management direction
Provide clear, professional communication during routine and high-stress situations
Support and attend operational meetings, briefings, and coordination efforts, as directed by management
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Required Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Strong working knowledge of: o 14 CFR Part 139 requirements o FAA Advisory Circulars related to airport operations o National Airspace System fundamentals
Ability to: o Work under stress o Make rapid, sound decisions in high-pressure environments o Manage multiple priorities simultaneously o Interpret NOTAMs, weather reports (METAR/TAF), and airfield conditions o Identify aircraft types and operational characteristics
Proficient in radio communications and aviation phraseology
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Education & Experience:
Associate degree in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, or related field OR
Minimum of 3 years of relevant airport operations experience at a Part 139 airport
Certifications & Requirements:
Valid driver’s license (must meet airport driving requirements) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment and must remain insurable
Ability to obtain and maintain: o Airfield driving privileges (movement and non-movement areas) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment o Airport SIDA badge (TSA clearance) which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment o U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) authorization and clearance which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment
Ability to complete required FAA and airport training programs which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment
Private Pilot’s License (PPL) preferred
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) certifications preferred
Must be available for: o Rotating shifts (24/7 operation) o Mandatory overtime and emergency call-ins o Prolonged shifts up to 16 continuous hours to ensure shift coverage or longer during State/Airport emergencies (i.e. aircraft incidents/accidents, snow/ice events, etc.)
Physical Requirements: Ability to:
Work outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, precipitation)
Lift up to 50 pounds
Operate vehicles and specialized equipment for extended periods without sleep
Remain alert and responsive during extended shifts and emergency operations (i.e. snow/ice events)
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
Work is performed in all areas of Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport including both office and field environments, with significant time spent on the airfield
Exposure to:
Aircraft noise, jet blast, and moving equipment
Severe weather conditions
High-stress and time-sensitive operational scenarios
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the six state-owned airports as well as for the supervision of all civil airports, landing areas, navigation facilities, air schools and flying clubs.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is a quasi-public agency.
The vision of RIAC is to be a “safe, convenient aviation gateway for New England.”
The mission of RIAC is “To be a self-sustaining public agency that provided quality facilities:
• For safe, secure, efficient and convenient air transportation for Rhode Island and the New England region,
• By developing, promoting and managing the airport system to stimulate the region’s economic growth; and
• By fostering a corporate culture that balances fiscal, civic and environmental stewardship.
In support of its vision and mission, RIAC has set six key goals in the following areas: Infrastructure, Economic Development, Finance, Customer Service, Communication, and Organization.