Airport Operations Specialist

Airport Operations Specialist (Terminal Operations)

Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA)

Reno, NV

Are you passionate about public safety, problem-solving, and helping people in fast-paced environments? Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is looking for dedicated professionals to join our Airport Operations Specialists team. This critical role provides security, customer service, and terminal operations support to ensure the safety, security, and satisfaction of all airport passengers, tenants, and visitors.

You'll serve as the eyes and ears of the airport, performing patrols, managing access control, responding to incidents, supporting travelers, and ensuring federal, state, and local regulations are upheld.

There is one (1) position open; however, the list established may also be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This recruitment may close at any time after 11:59pm May 25^th, 2026 so don't wait to apply! Both internal and external applicants will be considered.  Applicants must be available to work all shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) 7 days a week including holidays, and you must indicate this on your application under availability. Shift assignments are determined by seniority using a shift bid system.

These are the types of things you'll be doing on a daily basis:

• Provide high-visibility security presence in all areas of the terminal and airfield
• Conduct screening and inspection of vehicles, people, goods, and facilities
• Respond to alarms, security breaches, and emergencies calmly and effectively
• Enforce airport rules, issue citations, and manage lost & found services
• Support the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially curbside and during peak hours
• Act as a point of contact for tenants, contractors, and the public
• Write clear reports, log incidents, and provide situational updates to management
• Assist with terminal equipment issues, crowd control, and emergency response operations
• Deliver excellent customer service and act as an ambassador of the RTAA

The physical demands of the work include:

• Sufficient clarity of vision to clearly distinguish objects both near and at a distance of 20 feet, peripheral vision, depth perception, night vision, and color vision, to identify vehicles, license plates, markings, access badges, and people.
• The ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Sufficient dexterity to enable regular use of hands and fingers to operate, handle and feel various types of objects, tools and/or controls.
• The ability to stand and/or walk for an extended period of time, with little to no sitting.

• The ability to respond quickly on foot to door alarms or other incidents.
• The ability to kneel, crouch down, stoop, crawl, twist, climb.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

The working conditions may include:

• Performing work under various environmental conditions (within both climate controlled and non-climate controlled environments) involving exposure to cold, heat, and inclement weather.
• Performing work around moderate to high noise levels, vibrations, dust, fumes, gases, and running/moving vehicles.
• § Incumbents are expected to wear appropriate personal protective safety equipment including reflective apparel and other safety gear.

Key Skills and Attributes include:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• § Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and adaptability under pressure
• § Attention to detail and situational awareness
• § Ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, TSA, airlines, and the public
• § Professionalism, accountability, and a positive team attitude
• § Strong knowledge of or willingness to learn:
  • TSA regulations
• Airport emergency response procedures
• Access control systems
• RTAA Rules & Regulations

Entry Salary: $22.03– $25.93 per hour based on experience, with opportunity for annual step-based increases up to a range maximum of $31.78 per hour. In addition, employees working any hours between 6pm and 6am receive a shift differential of $2.40 per hour. Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications. This is an hourly and overtime eligible position.

Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance.  Employee benefits include 100% employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee (effective first day of the month after your hire date); paid vacation (effective immediately) and sick leave; and 14 paid holidays per year - just to name a few!

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent certificate. An equivalent combination of directly related security experience and/or training may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis. 

Required Experience: Two (2) years of experience involving regular and consistent direct public contact / communication giving or providing information and instructions both orally and in written form.  Previous experience as a security guard with heavy emphasis on customer service is preferred.

Required Licenses: A valid Driver's License is required at the time of application.  

HOW TO APPLY:

A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by 11:59 pm on May 25th, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when enough applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.

The RTAA Employment Application is the primary screening tool to determine an applicant's qualifications. A resume may be submitted in addition to, but not in lieu of, completing the RTAA Employment Application. While you may submit a resume, it is supplemental and will not be used to determine whether or not you have met the minimum qualifications. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your RTAA Employment Application.

Below is a summary of our requirements:

• Provided detailed information to address how you meet and/or exceed minimum qualifications for the position.
• Provided a minimum of five (5) years of employment history.
• Explained any gaps in employment of six (6) months or more within the "Work History" section. To explain gaps, add a new employer, write what was occurring under the "Name of Employer" (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates.
• If you had more than one (1) position with the same employer, separately list each position and the time you were in that position.

Selection Procedure:

Once applications have been reviewed, only those whose experience and qualifications most closely align with the needs of the position will be invited to interview.

Pre-Employment Requirements: The RTAA requires each candidate to successfully complete employment history verification prior to being considered for employment. All employment offers are subject to successful completion/passing of a drug-screening test, a fingerprint criminal history records check, and a security badging test.

The RTAA is an organization that thrives by living our core values and by honoring the dignity of all individuals. With teamwork, respect, versatility and a focus on excellence, we serve our employees and our community with pride and passion. We are a drug-free workplace, and an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a healthy work environment.