Airfield Safety Officer

Security Clearance: Active SECRET Clearance Required

Position Overview:

Check Defense is a fast-growing federal contractor seeking an Airfield Safety Officer (AFSO) to oversee and manage all airfield safety operations supporting a U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training, Maintenance, Logistics, and Mission Support Services contract. The Airfield Safety Officer ensures the safe and efficient operation of airfield activities involving UAS flight operations, aircraft movement, flight line operations, ground vehicle operations, personnel movement, airfield facilities, and maintenance support activities.

The AFSO serves as the principal advisor to Program Management and Government leadership on airfield safety matters and is responsible for identifying hazards, enforcing safety standards, conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and promoting a proactive safety culture throughout all airfield operations. This position is critical to maintaining mission readiness while protecting personnel, aircraft, equipment, and facilities from operational hazards.

Duties and responsibilities:

Airfield Safety Program Management

• Develop, implement, administer, and maintain the Airfield Safety Program in accordance with Army regulations, installation requirements, airfield operating procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for airfield safety matters involving Government representatives, airfield management personnel, and contractor leadership.
• Advise Program Management and operational supervisors on airfield safety requirements, risk management initiatives, and compliance matters.
• Develop airfield safety policies, procedures, safety objectives, and performance metrics.

• Monitor daily flight line and airfield operations to ensure compliance with established airfield procedures and safety requirements.
• Conduct inspections of runways, taxiways, launch and recovery areas, staging areas, parking ramps, hangars, maintenance facilities, and operational support areas.
• Monitor aircraft movement activities, support equipment operations, and ground vehicle traffic within airfield operational areas.
• Coordinate airfield safety activities with Government airfield management personnel and operational stakeholders.
• Evaluate operational risks associated with UAS training, flight operations, maintenance activities, and special events.

• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled safety inspections of airfield operations and facilities.
• Verify compliance with installation regulations, Army aviation standards, operating instructions, safety directives, and contractual requirements.
• Monitor compliance involving:
  • Flight line safety procedures
  • Airfield vehicle operations
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
  • Ground support equipment operations
  • Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention programs
  • Aircraft servicing activities
  • Airfield access control procedures
• Document findings, track deficiencies, and verify corrective actions.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Active Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, Aeronautics, Occupational Safety, Military Science, or a related field. Equivalent military or aviation experience may be substituted for education.
• Minimum 5 years of airfield operations, aviation safety, military aviation, airfield management, or flight line experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in safety oversight, airfield management, aviation operations, or risk management roles.
• Experience conducting safety inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and compliance evaluations.
• Knowledge of airfield operations, aircraft movement procedures, flight line safety requirements, and ground support operations.
• Experience preparing safety reports, briefings, and corrective action documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Army Aviation, TRADOC, USAACE, or UAS training operations.
• Graduate of Army Aviation Safety, Airfield Operations, Airfield Management, or similar military aviation courses.
• Familiarity with Army airfield operating procedures and aviation regulations.
• Experience supporting UAS launch and recovery operations.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or equivalent certification.
• Experience managing FOD prevention programs and airfield inspection programs.
• Prior military aviation, flight operations, air traffic, or airfield management experience.
• Knowledge of aviation emergency response procedures and operational risk management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions on active airfields and flight lines.
• Ability to walk extended distances across runways, taxiways, and operational areas.
• Ability to climb ladders, access elevated work platforms, and inspect aircraft support equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during inspections and operational monitoring.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and special operations periods when required.