Airport Operations Officer (Full-Time)

ORGANIZATION AND AREA INFORMATION

Nestled in the central part of Southeastern Arizona's Gila Valley, the City of Safford is a thriving rural Arizona City. With a population of just over ten thousand, it is the largest municipality in Graham County. Incorporated as a town in 1901 and becoming a city in 1955, Safford has become the major hub for Southeastern Arizona. The City of Safford as an organization has multiple different departments and over 230 staff members including full time employees, seasonal employees, volunteer firefighters and councilmembers to staff all the different positions at the City. The City also provides all utilities for its residents and other residents in surrounding areas. In addition to the major utilities of gas, water, electric, sewer, and sanitation, the City has a landfill and airport that service the county.

SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, directs and coordinates operations, and maintenance of airport facilities in accordance with local, state and federal government laws, rules, regulations and policies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS

This position reports to the Airport Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Identifies and anticipates operational, safety and security concerns by inspecting all areas of the airport, to include airside, landside, and terminal facilities. Provides airline customer service functions including check-in, ticketing, baggage handling, and aircraft marshalling. Maintains satisfactory conditions of airside, landside, and terminal facilities by creating work orders and performing light maintenance duties. Performs airside operations activities including, but not limited to: identifying, preventing, responding to and/or removing all hazards to aviation including FOD, wildlife, AOA incursions, unauthorized vehicles and pedestrian entry, and disabled aircraft. Inspects and maintains a record of all aeronautical areas including pavement, markings, lighting, safety areas, wildlife, construction, emergency equipment and fueling practices. Coordinates construction and maintenance on or near the airport to ensure minimum interference with airport operations. Monitors deviations from federal, state and airport operating rules and regulations and issues work orders and NOTAMS as required. Maintains a working knowledge of all applicable FAR's and Advisory Circulars. Performs weather observations as required. Performs Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) duties. Conducts thorough terminal inspections and occasionally performs janitorial duties. Coordinates any contract services related to airport operations. Ensures compliance with Airport Policies and Procedures, and any other regulations set by the DOT, FAA, TSA or other Federal or State Authority having jurisdiction. Initiates corrective actions and counsels airport users, tenants, and employees as required. Conducts Airport Security functions including monitoring phones, radios, security cameras, gate systems, secure area doors. Assumes operational, safety, and security responsibilities in the absence of airport management. Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures. Performs regular maintenance of airport facilities including mowing, light replacement, minor pavement maintenance, pavement sweeping, and FOD removal. Prepares necessary reports relating to job duties. Operates computer equipment and software necessary for performing the function of duties. Responds to emergency and off-hour situations as needed. Operates fuel trucks in accordance with safety and operational guidelines. Fuels aircraft following procedures and safety standards. Performs daily inspections of fuel tanks and trucks to ensure proper function. Performs other duties as assigned by the Airport Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:

High School diploma or equivalent GED certificate, or equivalent experience. Prior work experience in airport and/or airline operations preferred. Private pilot certification preferred. Through in-house training or through training arranged by the City of Safford, must be able to become certified in the following areas: Arizona Class-B Commercial Driver's License within 365 days of employment. Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certification within 180 days of employment. American Association of Airport Executives "Airport Certified Employee - Operations"(ACE OPS) FAA -Approved Part 139 fuel handler's course within 6 weeks of hire. Acquires all licenses and/or certifications currently required, or as may be required, by regulatory agencies. Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to obtain, and sustain, a valid Arizona Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and maintain a motor vehicle record compatible with the City's insurance company's criteria, within 18 months of hire. Through appropriate training, must be able to operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to, street sweepers and mowing equipment. Ability to perform the duties of this classification. Individual must be willing and able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Ability to work in and support a teamwork environment Strong computer skills with ability to effectively utilize programs such as MS Excel and MS Word with ability to learn new programs introduced in the future. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Substance Abuse Testing:

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and is subject to new hire and random drug and alcohol testing as outlined in the Alcohol & Substance Abuse policy listed in the Human Resources Personnel Manual.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of federal, state and local rules and regulations pertaining to airport administration, management and operations. Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. Knowledge of proper safety practices pertaining to operating aircraft and aircraft maintenance Knowledge of the Airport Minimum Operating Standards and Rules and Regulations Knowledge of rules and regulations affecting airport safety. Ability to utilize technology to maintain records of inspections and maintenance performed on the airport. Ability to work within and meet established deadlines. Ability to establish and use safe working practices. Ability to provide excellent customer services to both internal and external customers. Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill in reading and interpreting written or verbal instructions. Skill in creating concise written communications. Skill in analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions. Skill in writing and administrating airport related grants. Skill in presenting effective verbal and written communication.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is routinely performed in an outdoor environment, subject to, seasonal heat, and cold and extreme weather conditions. Subject to noise from equipment operation. Exposed to desert weather, inclement weather, hazardous materials, fumes, solvents, and noise. Subject to dust, odors, dirt, oil/grease, gases, vapors, working around and with machinery having moving parts, working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber, working below the surface, and working at heights, on ladders or scaffolding. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, running and occasionally lifting heavy objects up to 100 pounds. EOE Job Details Category Job Openings Status Open Salary $24.00-$35.66 Posted May 12, 2026 Closing Open Until Filled