Airfield Operations Specialists
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Common Job Titles
- Airport Operations Agent
- Airport Operations Coordinator
- Airport Operations Officer
- Airport Operations Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate airfield conditions and aircraft operations compliance with safety standards in real-time operational environments, coordinating with air-traffic control and maintenance personnel.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess weather information and environmental hazards under time-critical conditions to ensure safe aircraft takeoff and landing operations.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate airfield lighting, navigational aids, and access control systems following established safety protocols in commercial and military airfield settings.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform routine and emergency airfield inspections using specialized vehicles and equipment to identify potential hazards.Proficient
- MindsetCoordinate multi-team communications between air-traffic control, maintenance crews, and flight operations during high-pressure situations requiring immediate decision-making.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply public safety protocols and emergency response procedures when addressing airfield security incidents, wildlife hazards, or equipment malfunctions.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate customer service principles with operational safety requirements when communicating with pilots, airline personnel, and external stakeholders.Proficient
- KnowledgeJudge the operational readiness of airfield equipment and infrastructure independently making go/no-go decisions that directly impact flight operations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze flight records, operational data, and incident reports to identify trends and maintain regulatory compliance with aviation authorities.Developing
- Hands-onExecute aircraft dispatching and scheduling activities using ground transportation management and operations scheduling software.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret telecommunications data and aircraft monitoring information to maintain situational awareness across multiple simultaneous airfield operations.Developing
- MindsetSupport personnel training and development on airfield safety procedures through instruction, coaching, and knowledge transfer to new team members.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Airfield Operations Specialists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,200. 25th percentile: U.S. $41,220. 50th percentile: U.S. $56,750. 75th percentile: U.S. $78,320. 90th percentile: U.S. $111,030. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,200 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $111,030 |
| Workers on average earn | $67,120 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security4.5/5
- Transportation4.3/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Photoshop
- Extensible markup language XML
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Aircraft noise monitoring system software
- Apache HTTP Server
- Decision Support Technologies Propworks
- FileMaker Pro
- Ground transportation management system
- Internet Protocol Television Systems
- Microsoft operating system
- Operations scheduling software
Tools & Equipment
- Airfield access control systems
- Airfield lighting equipment
- All terrain vehicles ATVs
- Animal traps
- Bucket lifts
- Crack sealing equipment
- Desktop computers
- Dump trucks