The Airport Duty Manager is the central decision-making authority for all operational aspects of the airport during their assigned shift. This role is the critical "hinge point" for day-to-day operations, ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of the airfield, terminal, and landside areas. The Duty Manager coordinates resources for response to emergencies and incidents and is responsible for leading the airport's response to maintain continuity of operations and mitigate any potential risks. This position requires a proactive, decisive, and highly experienced professional with a comprehensive understanding of airport systems, regulations, and emergency management protocols.
Key Functions:
Operational Oversight and Decision-Making:
Serve as the primary point of contact for all operational matters on a 24/7 basis, making real-time decisions that impact airport-wide operations.
Maintain overall situational awareness of the entire airport (monitors security, badging, access, customer service, maintenance, and all general operations), directing airport operations staff and resources to patrol, inspect, and respond to maintain operational integrity.
Oversee and manage the operational readiness of all airport infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, the terminal, baggage systems, and landside facilities.
Monitor and manage weather-related operational impacts, including snow and ice removal, de-icing procedures, and severe weather protocols.
Direct and coordinate the response to any operational challenges, such as gate or runway closures, ground delays, and facility issues.
Emergency and Incident Command:
Coordinate airport operations resources for all operational emergencies, including but not limited to aircraft incidents, security breaches, medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters.
Coordinate with internal (e.g., Public Safety, Maintenance) and external stakeholders (e.g., FAA, TSA, airlines, local first responders) for incident or emergency response.
Implement the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and ensure all response actions are in compliance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
Provide timely and accurate communications to senior management and relevant stakeholders during an incident, serving as the central hub for information dissemination.
Conduct post-incident reviews and debriefings to identify areas for improvement and ensure effective future responses.
Coordination and Communication:
Serve as the operational liaison between airport administration, airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other airport tenants and stakeholders during their assigned shift.
Maintain constant communication with air traffic control, ground handlers, tenants, and airline representatives to ensure seamless operations and resolve issues proactively.
Brief senior management on the status of operations, significant events, and potential challenges.
Ensure all operational activities are communicated effectively to affected parties, including internal staff and external partners.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance:
Enforce and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including FAA Part 139, TSA security directives, and environmental standards.
Coordinate regular inspections of the airfield and facilities by airport operations officers to identify and report any safety hazards or compliance deficiencies.
Oversee and ensure all operational activities and incidents are documented, preparing detailed reports as required. Maintain records and Daily Operations Report (DOR)/ Airport Daily Log (ADL).
Lead by example in promoting a strong communication and safety culture among all airport staff and partners.
Leadership and Administration:
Provides on the job training and leadership to ensure quality of work and operational efficiency; assists with hiring, orientation, training, timecards and general time keeping, and delegates assignments as needed; attends and participates in various professional development opportunities and encourages training and other development for staff.
Monitors employee goals and performance for a team of airport operations officers. Issues corrective action if needed to employees. Ensures documentation is kept according to city policy in personnel files. Coordinates with Airport Operations Leadership for any significant disciplinary needs.
Performs a wide range of clerical and administrative functions for the crews performing maintenance and related work for the department; documents and tracks inspection work, general projects, accident or injury reports, emergency incidents, and inventory management reports; assists with bidding and cost estimating, schedule development, and the documentation required following environmental spills and other emergencies.
Coordinate with management and Airport Operations Compliance Coordinator to discuss airport and terminal needs and to address issues or concerns with airport projects; communicates with facilities staff, addresses customer service complaints, and resolves operational deficiencies.
Works with Airport Operations Management to create, review, revise, and implement operating rules, regulations, standards, and procedures to ensure airport safety and customer satisfaction; remains abreast of existing and new legislation and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Experience:
Seven (7) years of experience in aviation or airport operations which must have included one or more of the following:
Airport Landside Operations
Airport Security Operations
Airside/Airfield Operations
Airport Operations Center
Airport Emergency Management
Airfield Safety
Served as a Duty Manager at a FAR 139 airport
Two (2) years of supervisory, project management or lead-work experience. (This experience may be included in the required experience listed above.
Equivalencies:
A bachelor's degree or higher in aviation/airport/emergency management fields plus four (4) years of the specified experience, including two (2) year of supervisory, project management, or lead-work experience, will meet the education and experience requirements. OR
An associate degree or higher in any other field plus five (5) years of the specified experience, including the two (2) years of supervisory, project management, or lead-work experience, will meet the education and experience requirements.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license with good driving record. This position requires a Movement Area certification within probationary period.
Other Requirements:
Must pass TSA background check.
Knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139, 1540 and 1542 a must.
Knowledge of TSA security regulations is essential
Availability to work varying shifts (days, evenings, nights) including weekends, holidays.
May be subject to twenty-four/seven (24/7) emergency call outs.
Per FAA Advisory Circular 150/5210-20, selected candidate must be able to demonstrate a functional knowledge of the English language.
Knowledge of FAA regulations pertaining to public use airport facilities and inspection procedures.
Basic computer skills including video management software, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint software skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively communicate with the general public.
Ability to effectively liaison with personnel from other airport entities.
Ability to operate and complete assignments in an independent manner or in a team environment
Knowledge of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 Quality Management System is a plus.
Ability to operate and communicate with portable radio systems is essential.
*Special Note: This position supports the Airport Duty Manager function at Dallas Love Field. While the official title is Manager – Airfield Security, the job description associated with that title is a general overview and does not fully reflect the day-to-day operational responsibilities of this role. This listing more accurately represents the daily operational duties the position will perform.
The City of Dallas owns and operates Dallas Love Field, one of the finest general-purpose airports in the world. The airfield is located seven miles northwest of the downtown central business district and is managed by the City's Department of Aviation.Dallas Love Field provides the best that can be offered in a convenient, efficient airport, serving both commercial airline and corporate user needs. Located in the heart of Dallas, Herb Kelleher Way (formerly Cedar Springs Road) at Mockingbird, the airfield is 20 minutes from the Downtown Convention Center, West End, Infomart, and the Dallas Market Center.Love Field is self-supported through reasonable user fees and charges, with no cost to the taxpayer. Activities at Love Field generate funds that contribute to the local tax base. The airport serves another important function in the community as an essential employer and service provider to the businesses and citizens of Dallas.Love Field is fully equipped with all of the necessary aeronautical lighting, airport marking and air navigation radio aids to ensure its accessibility to aircraft even under highly adverse weather conditions. Its long parallel runways are enhanced with stat...e of the art visual approach lighting aids and four instrument landing systems. Love Field also has a crosswind runway. Other features include surveillance radar services, a windshear warning system and an FAA air traffic control tower that provides services 24 hours a day.Seven full service fixed base operators (FBOs) at Love Field provide general aviation users with a wide variety of services including fuel, maintenance, hangar rentals, and charters. FBOs at Love Field are well equipped to handle executive needs providing first class amenities such as meeting rooms, car rentals, limousine service and restaurants. Love Field is served by Southwest Airlines, Virgin America Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.Love Field serves as the front door to Dallas for seven million passengers a year providing a vital link in the economy of the City of Dallas, the region and the nation.