Job Description

AIRPORT OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

JOB CODE 24010

Effective Date:	12/97A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform a variety of tasks associated with traffic control, parking enforcement, airport safety, and other security, passenger assistance, and other public service activities in both Airside and Landside Operations at Sky Harbor Airport. There is a strong emphasis on ability to handle a variety of problems as they arise and to maintain the positive image of the Airport. Operations Assistants report to a supervisor who rates performance based on observation of duties assigned. Some positions will require working shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides assistance during aircraft and other emergencies;
• Conducts safety and security inspections in and around airline ramp, air cargo, perimeter fences, general aviation airfield, terminal gates, terminal parking lots, and other related airport airside and landside areas;
• Assists passengers in solving travel related problems by answering questions, giving directions, and providing referral services;
• Performs traffic, pedestrian, and crowd control functions;
• Patrols assigned areas for parking infractions and issues notices of violation;
• Enforces airfield driver safety rules and regulations and issues notices of violation;
• Impounds abandoned and/or lost property;
• Testifies as a witness in connection with citations or notices of violation issued;
• Removes foreign objects or debris from the airfield;
• Coordinates and inspects airport or tenant contractors for compliance;
• Investigates complaints and inquiries and makes proper disposition or directs them to proper authorities;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Statutes and ordinances relating to airport security and traffic control.
• Aviation rules and procedures, and security practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Observe and monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum.
• Make continuous or repetitive hand-arm movements to safely direct traffic.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Remain in a standing position for a long period of time.
• Move light objects (less than 20 pounds), short distances (20 feet or less).
• Issue citations to abandoned or illegally parked vehicles.
• Escort contractors and others onto the airfield.
• Climb stairs and steps.
• Work cooperatively with the public and other City employees.
• Communicate orally in the English language with individuals in a face-to-face, one-on-one or group setting or by telephone.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions given in the English language.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in on-the-job training setting.
• Work in a variety of environmental conditions with exposure to dust, extreme heat and cold temperatures.
• Walk for prolonged periods in order to inspect ramps, perform door checks, and escort individuals to and through airport facilities.
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Respond verbally to complaints, protests, etc., from unhappy or irate individuals using tact and diplomacy in order to maintain positive public image.
• Exercise judgment and make decisions as to appropriate actions under pressure in accordance with rules and regulations.
• Enforce correction of infractions through verbal warnings and written citations.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Employees who serve in this classification, and who are skilled in a second language, may be called upon occasionally to utilize that skill in the routine performance of their duties.
• Some positions require the use of a personal or City vehicle on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work assignment, location, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Two years of experience serving as a security guard at a major international airport. Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.