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Transportation and Logistics

Airfield Operations Specialists

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Airfield Operations Specialists
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Median pay

$56,750
Median annual pay for Airfield Operations Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

16,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Airfield Operations Specialists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+700
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Transportation
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Telecommunications

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  3. 3Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Documenting/Recording Information

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Consequence of Error
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

Representative tasks

  • Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
  • Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
  • Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
  • Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
  • Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.
  • Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.
  • Coordinate communications between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.
  • Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandOracle Database · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyIntuit QuickBooks · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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