Airport Operations Specialist I - Ground Transportation

Position Title:

Airport Operations Specialist I - Ground Transportation

Bargaining Unit:

AFSCME

Job Description:

This is an entry-level position in partnership with the Ground Transportation Specialist II ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient ground transportation operations within Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City Airport. The incumbent monitors Transportation Network Company (TNC) and commercial activity, assists enforcement of applicable laws and airport rules, maintains secure records and systems, and coordinates with internal and external partners to support a safe, orderly, and compliant passenger experience.

About the Position:

As an Airport Operations Specialist I – Ground Transportation, you’ll help keep ground transportation operations at Salt Lake City International Airport safe, organized, and moving efficiently. In this hands-on role, you’ll monitor commercial and Transportation Network Company (TNC) activity, conduct inspections, address compliance issues, and support traffic and passenger flow throughout the airport. You’ll collaborate with transportation providers, airport teams, City departments, and external partners while providing customer service and helping ensure ground transportation operations meet applicable City, Airport, and regulatory requirements. 

Position Hourly Range:

$30.28 - $37.47/hr based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Typical Duties:

• Conduct safety and compliance inspections of ground transportation vehicles and TNC operations under airport permits as outlined by City ordinance; document violations and corrective actions; issue temporary operating permits where authorized; maintain accurate inspection, activity, and re inspection records; and coordinate escalations with the Ground Transportation Supervisor and TNC management.

• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with applicable city ordinances, airport rules, and state/federal regulations; issue warnings/citations using approved tools (e.g., Passport, Automated Citation Tracking).

• Access and update secure databases; organize company/vehicle registrations (e.g., GateKeeper); input Automated Vehicle Inspection (AVI) tags and inspection seal data for revenue control; store documentation in online system; verify registration via Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI); and track expirations to maintain compliance.

• Consult with ground transportation operators, businesses, insurance agents, business licensing division, as well as the Salt Lake City legal departments to ensure compliance with insurance and business licensing codes. Explain City and Airport code to operators, internal divisions and external organizations.

• Patrol city limits and airport terminals by vehicle and on foot to ensure compliance by ground transportation operators, perform inspections, and support TSR 1542 security requirements. Monitor commercial curbs, staging areas, restricted parking, and TNC zones. Coordinate vehicle relocations or towing as needed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow and enforce regulations for unattended vehicles. May assist Airport Landside Operations or Airport Police with passenger and traffic flow during special events or other times as requested by Operations Management.

• A liaison between airport divisions, City departments, and external agencies (e.g., insurance, consumer protection, Utah Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.) to ensure program compliance.

• Review and act on Secret Shopper program findings for ground transportation and TNC drivers; verify driver conduct, vehicle condition, and fares; require corrective actions; and issue citations/warnings for noncompliance.

• Support American with Disabilities Act (ADA) needs, provide customer service, and respond to inquiries or complaints.

• Provides support to Incident Command staff and may be designated to specific roles in Incident Command situations.

• Train Airport Operations Terminal/Landside workgroup regarding Ground Transportation Operations and staff who maintain attendant booths at the commercial curb entrance (Booth 10) and TNC booth.

• Delegating tasks and responsibilities to third party contracted staff as needed during a response to incidents, emergencies, or irregular operations  

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of college level or trade school coursework and three (3) years’ experience working in environment in a customer service capacity interacting with people under potentially perilous or delicate circumstances of which two must be in an airport setting. Education may be substituted for up to one (1) year of experience, and experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Completion of relevant training through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)—such as the Certified Member (CM) or Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation—or a comparable certification, may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. 

• Demonstrated ability to read and write legibly and maintain accurate records.  Demonstrates working knowledge of computers, 10‑key data entry, email, and Microsoft Office. Familiar with smartphones and tablets, including downloading and using apps.

• Can quickly and objectively analyze high stress or emergency situations to determine appropriate actions.  Remains calm and professional while applying problem solving skills in rapidly changing conditions. Respond to inquiries with strong operational knowledge and customer focused approach.

• Ability to communicate effectively with business owners or their operators, and citizens of diverse backgrounds. Maintains continuous awareness in a busy environment with significant safety concerns including large numbers of passengers and noise. Responds tactfully and courteously to passengers, special needs individuals, vendors, airport tenants, other workgroups and agency personnel.

• Complete a physical abilities Post Offer Employment Test (POET) is required.

• Possession of a valid state driver’s license or Utah driving privilege card.

• Must obtain and maintain BCI Certification within 6 months of hire.

• Must obtain and maintain Utah Safety Inspectors License within 6 months of hire

Desired Qualifications:

• Fluency in a second language

• Prior experience working with BCI, GateKeeper, Laserfiche, ACT, or Passport.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances pertaining to Commercial Vehicles and Ground Transportation operations.

• Knowledge of state regulations regarding Transportation Network Company policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of automotive insurance standards and practices.

• Completion of an industry-recognized accreditation or certification program.

Career Ladder:

• All position changes are contingent upon the availability of funding and alignment with organizational needs. To be considered for promotion to the Airport Operations Specialist II – Ground Transportation, employees must meet the following criteria:

• Consistently perform at a satisfactory or higher level in their current role.

• Meet all established minimum qualifications for the higher classification.

• Receive a recommendation from their supervisor or manager.

• Obtain approval from the department designee and Human Resources.

Working Conditions:

• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior (potentially angry operators or company owners).  Extended exposure to disagreeable elements such as construction zone hazards, extreme heat, cold, rain, ice, snow, dust, excessive noise, exhaust fumes and vehicular traffic.

• Required to stand and walk for extended periods.  Moderate to heavy physical activity as needed to push, pull and lift.  Occasional strenuous physical effort may be required due to various tasks or in emergency situations. Required ability to maneuver safely and direct others safely though construction zones.

• May require shift work including weekends, evening shifts and irregular hours in addition to regularly scheduled shifts and holidays on an as needed basis. Ability to work overtime hours as needed to cover special events.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Airport

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40