The Position
Airport Operations Specialist- Landside.
Ready to play a key role at one of the nation’s top airports? Join the Port of Portland’s Airport Operations team and help keep Portland International Airport running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Under general direction of the Airport Duty Manager, this role will monitor, report and respond to operational situations in the terminal and on the landside. This position will evaluate, apply standard operating procedures, and assist in the coordination of the utilization of Port resources as needed in support of Portland International Airport (PDX) operations 24/7.
From the Hiring Manager
“Are you passionate about helping people, ensuring things operate as they should, and the aviation industry? Are you a team player, who takes pride and ownership in their work? If this is you, we want to speak with you about the opportunity to join a high performing team that is tasked with making sure PDX maintains its spot among the best airports in the country by continuously monitoring terminal and landside operations to ensure that things run smoothly for our passengers and other stakeholders. If you enjoy working on your feet in an ever-changing environment where no two days are the same, we want to hear from you !”
Duties performed independently in an office environment and outdoors in varying weather conditions with frequent vehicle use for on-site surveillance and inspection; may work holidays.
Essential Job Duties
- Conduct daily terminal and concourse inspections to assess operations and facility conditions.
- Complete terminal checklist. Identify and report all maintenance issues for resolution.
- Monitor airline ticket lobby areas and security checkpoints for efficient movement of passengers and procedural compliance and provide adjustments as needed.
- Ensure concessions operators are in compliance with the leasing space agreements.
- Maintain Subject Matter Expertise and documentation in assigned operational areas.
- Conduct public area inspections of the terminal roadways to ensure smooth vehicle and pedestrian flow.
- Monitor activities at public parking facilities and advise appropriate Port department of identified Issues.
- Inspect taxi hold lot to ensure provider compliance with Port Ordinances and Airport Rules and Regulations.
- Provide exemplary customer service and relationship management when interacting with customers, travelers, tenants, and all stakeholders.
- Work with airline and airport tenant/concession representatives to facilitate the movement of passengers through the airport during normal and irregular operations, construction activities that impact routine operations, and closures of facilities.
- If required, take corrective action, coordinating with stakeholders to mitigate impacts to the traveling public when construction negatively affects operations in the public space.
- Under the direction of the Airport Duty Manager, provide 24/7 oversight of the terminal and landside systems for matters of safety, security, efficiency, and customer service.
- Evaluate, report, and recommend to the Airport Duty Manager any corrective action, as needed, on any planned and unplanned terminal and landside closures and/or restrictions.
- Assist in the coordination of activities and efforts to minimize impacts resulting from emergencies, weather problems, construction and maintenance, or other irregular situations.
- Conduct airport operations training as needed within the training plan and as directed by the Airport Duty Manager.
Minimum Qualifications
- (Required) 2+ years' experience applying directive or regulatory requirements within a dynamic operational environment.
- (Preferred) Direct experience with TSR 1542
- Or the equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience.
- (Preferred) Bachelor's degree in related field.
- (Preferred) 2+ years of high-volume customer service experience.
License Or Certifications Required
- Ability to pass and maintain a Criminal History Records check and Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge.
- Maintain a valid state drivers' license.
- Drug screen clearance.
Demonstrated Knowledge And Skills
- Safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle in the airfield environment.
- Evaluate, report, and recommend to the Airport Duty Manager any operational plans and operational impacts resolutions.
- Effectively solve problems, while applying complex regulations and procedures under high-pressure circumstances.
- FAR Parts 139, 77, and TSA 1542.
- Airport rules and regulations, safety, and security.
- Landside operations including parking ground transportation and busing operations.
- Principles and practices of air terminal operations.
Supplemental and Selection Information
Selection Process (Tentative Schedule)
- A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of November 9, 2026.
- A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
- Our goal is to schedule virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation on November 20th, 2026. Panel Interviews will be held on December 1st, 2026.
About Us
At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them – to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone’s life better. And we’ll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region’s success. With YOUR help – together with our partners, customers, and community – we’ll help drive meaningful change!
Do you have questions about this job?
Contact us: careers@portofportland.com
Safety:
The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.
Veterans Preference:
Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran’s preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Background Checks and Drug Testing:
The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.
ADA Accommodation:
Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
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Airport Operations Specialist- Landside employeur : Port of Portland
Le Port de Portland est un employeur exceptionnel, offrant un environnement de travail collaboratif et flexible qui favorise l'équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée. En tant que Spécialiste des Achats II, vous aurez l'opportunité de jouer un rôle clé dans des décisions d'achat significatives tout en bénéficiant de possibilités de croissance professionnelle au sein d'une organisation publique engagée à créer un impact positif dans la communauté. Avec une culture axée sur la sécurité et l'égalité des chances, le Port de Portland s'engage à soutenir ses employés dans leur développement personnel et professionnel.
