What are the responsibilities and job description for the Airport Operations Supervisor position at Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority?
Positions within the Operations and Safety Department oversee operational activities of the airport and ensure safety, security, and regulatory compliance. This position provides leadership to operations staff, coordinates with various departments and agencies, and responds to incidents or irregularities impacting airport operations during assigned shifts.
Essential Functions
- Airport Operations Supervisor can safely perform, unsupervised, all tasks of the Airport Operations Officer.
- Supervise and coordinate all airport operations including airside, landside, and terminal areas during assigned shifts.
- Will act as counterpart to Operations and Safety Manager during assigned shifts.
- Monitor airport activities to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policies, and Airport Rules and Regulations.
- Respond to and manage emergencies, including aircraft incidents, medical emergencies, and weather-related events.
- Serve as the primary on-site authority and primary point of contact during irregular operations, weather events, construction, or emergencies.
- Coordinate airfield closures, construction, and special events with stakeholders including airlines, air traffic control, and ground services.
- Maintain daily inspections reports and work orders.
- Participate in snow removal, wildlife management, and emergency preparedness activities. Implement snow and ice control procedures and ensure compliance with Snow and Ice Control Plans for airside operations at ABE, XLL and N43. Perform friction testing activities and/or Snow Boss duties, assess winter contaminants on airfield pavements, recommend snow and ice control methods, monitor pilot reports of braking action and generate and file Field Condition Reports.
- Professionally communicate over a two-way radio, telephone, and email.
- Have and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Additional Responsibilities
- Inspect airfield and terminal facilities for safety hazards, operational issues, and maintenance needs.
- Provide shift oversight, assign tasks to operations staff, monitor performance, ensure adherence to policies.
- Conduct routine briefings and prepare operational reports and logs.
- Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of incidents, inspections, and operational decisions.
- Assist with training, onboarding of new staff, and personnel scheduling
- Maintain situational awareness of other incidents or events which may potentially impact airport operations, including traffic, weather, emergencies, or planned events.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, or related field preferred; or high school diploma and equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in airport operations or a similar role; supervisory experience a plus.
- AAAE ACE Certification preferred, pilot’s license preferred
- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (CFR Part 139), airport security, and operational procedures
- Proficient in using airport systems, radios, and standard office software.
- Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine, prioritize, and implement proper action.
- Must have the ability to interact well with the public and all airport stakeholders.
- Strong PC skills including Word, Excel, Outlook and other applicable computer programs.
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
- Able to respond to emergency situations as necessary.
- Able to respond to severe weather conditions.
- Able to obtain & maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must- Have Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must wear uniforms provided (uniforms must be clean and presentable) and personal protective equipment.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license that meets insurance requirements .
- Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle, often for extended periods of time
- Must be able to access all areas of the airport to conduct inspections and monitor operations.
- Must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays when required.
- Successfully pass continual training, security and employment requirements
- Must possess acceptable English language skills to include speaking, reading, writing and comprehension.
- Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, reach, climb, balance; stoop, kneel and crouch or crawl.
- Must be able to use hands and fingers to type, handle bags, boxes, objects or controls.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 99 pounds with assistance.
- Vision abilities include, with or without corrective lenses, close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
- Sufficient auditory ability, with or without audiological devices, to decipher telephone/radio communications, interact with the public and others, decipher radio communications, and hear alarms, including vehicle and other warning signals.
- Able to tolerate exposure to noise levels up to 150 decibels at times, hearing protection is provided and optional.
- Able and willing to work in inclement weather, including extreme cold and warm temperatures.