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Occupation AtlasAirfield Operations Specialists

O*NET · 53-2022.00

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.

Also called Airfield Operations Specialist · Airfield Services Officer · Airline Agent · Airline Dispatcher · Airport Agent · Airport Operations Agent · Airport Operations Coordinator · Airport Operations Crew Member
20 more

Airport Operations Officer · Airport Operations Specialist · Airport Ramp Agent · Airport Security Officer · Airport Services Supervisor · Airport Supervisor · Aviation Operations Specialist · Flight Follower · Flight Information Expediter · Flight Operations Agent · Flight Operations Coordinator · Flight Operations Engineer · Flight Operations Planner · Flight Operations Specialist · Ground Operations Crew Member · Operations Agent · Operations Coordinator · Operations Officer · Operations Specialist · Ramp Agent

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CRE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Transit and Railroad Police

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CREConventional · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional4.93
  • R Realistic4.63
  • E Enterprising4.47
  • I Investigative3.54
  • S Social2.49
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent34%
  • Some College Courses15%
  • Bachelor's Degree51%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (25%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Monitoringbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Coordination3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Writingbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Instructing3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Systems Analysis3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Service Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Monitoring3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operation and Control2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Analysis2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Quality Control Analysis2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.80.9
  • Troubleshooting1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Sciencebasic1.60.8
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

14 core · 13 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.4.9
  2. Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.4.8
  3. Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.4.7
  4. Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.4.7
  5. Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.4.7
  6. Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.4.6
  7. Coordinate communications between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.4.3
  8. Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.4.3
  9. Plan and coordinate airfield construction.4.2
  10. Monitor the arrival, parking, refueling, loading, and departure of all aircraft.4.2
  11. Coordinate with agencies, such as air traffic control, civil engineers, or command posts, to ensure support of airfield management activities.4.1
  12. Train operations staff.4.1
Show the other 15
  1. Relay departure, arrival, delay, aircraft and airfield status, and other pertinent information to upline controlling agencies.3.8
  2. Provide aircrews with information and services needed for airfield management and flight planning.3.7
  3. Coordinate with agencies to meet aircrew requirements for billeting, messing, refueling, ground transportation, and transient aircraft maintenance.4.3
  4. Use airfield landing and navigational aids and digital data terminal communications equipment to perform duties.4.2
  5. Receive, transmit, and control message traffic.4.0
  6. Maintain air-to-ground and point-to-point radio contact with aircraft commanders.3.9
  7. Procure, produce, and provide information on the safe operation of aircraft, such as flight planning publications, operations publications, charts and maps, or weather information.3.9
  8. Receive and post weather information and flight plan data, such as air routes or arrival and departure times.3.7
  9. Anticipate aircraft equipment needs for air evacuation and cargo flights.3.7
  10. Post visual display boards and status boards.3.7
  11. Collaborate with others to plan flight schedules and air crew assignments.3.6
  12. Conduct departure and arrival briefings.3.6
  13. Maintain flight and event logs, air crew flying records, and flight operations records of incoming and outgoing flights.3.5
  14. Coordinate changes to flight itineraries with appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC) agencies.3.2
  15. Check military flight plans with civilian agencies.2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Transportation4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Telecommunications3.73.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Administration and Management3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Law and Government3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Computers and Electronics3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Communications and Media3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Mathematics3.12.7
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Geography2.62.8
  • Mechanical2.62.8
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Production and Processing2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Biology2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Building and Construction2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Economics and Accounting2.21.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Psychology2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Chemistry2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Physics2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Design2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Foreign Language1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • History and Archeology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.14.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Inductive Reasoning3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Clarity3.83.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Far Vision3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.63.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.63.8
  • Written Expression3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Recognition3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Auditory Attention3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Time Sharing3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Fluency of Ideas2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Control Precision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.8
  • Depth Perception2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Response Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial Orientation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Trunk Strength2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Glare Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Memorization2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Multilimb Coordination2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Night Vision2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Number Facility2.32.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Reaction Time2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Peripheral Vision2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Rate Control1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Stamina1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.74.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.74.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.64.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting Information4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Working with Computers3.83.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Staffing Organizational Units3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.72.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Consequence of Error4.8
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.8
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.8
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.6

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (12; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • SAP software
Other tools (9)
  • Aircraft noise monitoring system software
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Decision Support Technologies Propworks
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Ground transportation management system
  • Internet Protocol Television Systems
  • Operations scheduling software
  • Parking access revenue control system
  • TRMI Airport AVI

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Air Traffic Controllers
  2. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
  3. First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
  4. Commercial Pilots
  5. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
  6. Aviation Inspectors
  7. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
  8. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
  9. Flight Attendants
  10. First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.