The Rapid City Regional Airport is committed to delivering more than just transportation—we strive to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air travel services that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our region. As an essential gateway to the Black Hills and beyond, our mission is to operate as an economically self-sustaining facility that serves the evolving needs of our community, supports local growth, and ensures a seamless experience for passengers, partners, and stakeholders alike.

The City of Rapid City offers fantastic benefits including employer-paid health insurance premiums, 6% employer-matching retirement, life insurance benefits, short-term disability, and generous vacation and sick leave time off.
This position is part of the AFSCME Union.  Applications received within the work unit will be considered first.

Position Details

The Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for assuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and ordinances; aviation and airport safety.   This position encompasses the daily and event-driven supervision and oversight of airfield operations and airport security as well as conducting associated training for all airport employees and tenants. This position requires the employee to exercise sound judgment and proper discretion and to ensure the airport’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervises airfield operations; monitors, assesses and responds to airfield conditions.
Inspects and evaluates airfield; records conditions, and discrepancies, directs corrective actions.
Oversees general airport security; performs surveillance, inspections, and investigations. Conducts security spot checks of all airport grounds.
Ensures compliance with FAA regulations; formulates reports and standardized checklists. Documents quality control and compliance assurance.
Ensures compliance with TSA security procedures; conducts inspections and investigates security breaches.
Manages the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan; implements policies and procedures, and mitigates wildlife.
Directs airfield snow operations; ensures staff, equipment, and treatments are being utilized in a safe and timely manner for removal of snow and ice.
Directs appropriate actions for airport construction projects and emergencies; responds to and assesses airport emergencies, accidents, or incidents.
Develops and conducts airport training; FAA, TSA, and other assigned training.
Serves as airport liaison when needed; communicates with FAA, TSA, Airline Station Managers, Tenants, Contractors, and other entities as necessary.
Works variable hours, including weekends and holidays, and on-call as needed.
Performs other tasks as determined by airport management.

ABOUT YOU

We understand that your time is valuable and encourage you to apply if you meet the following minimum qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or aviation-related field and one (1) year related experience; or
Associate’s degree or equivalent in Aviation Management or aviation-related field and three (3) years of related experience; or
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and five (5) years experience in airport/aviation operations.
A combination of education and experience deemed appropriate to fulfill the role and responsibilities of this position will be considered.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must possess a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days from the date of hire.
Must possess certification as an AAAE Airport Certified employee (ACE) of Operations or ability to obtain within one (1) year from the date of hire.
AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) of Security or AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) desired.
Must possess FEMA/ICS-200 level or obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.

City of Rapid City Benefit Summary
Explore the benefits that are offered to the City of Rapid City’s full-time, and part-time benefited employees.

Health Care Program

Health – The City of Rapid City is a self-funded healthcare program. As such, we are able to offer heavily discounted premium rates for our employees and their dependents(s). Choose between a High Deductible Healthcare Program (HDHP) or our Traditional Health Care Plan both of which are covered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).

Dental – Dental coverage is through Delta Dental of South Dakota with a base and enhanced plan option. Competitive plan prices are available to City Employees.

Vision – Vision coverage is through Avesis with a base and enhanced plan option. Competitive plan prices are available to City Employees.

Flexible Spending Accounts – Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-saving tool that lets you pay for medical or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.  Employees who wish to participate can use these funds to pay for Medical, Dental, Vision, and other healthcare-related expenses.

Health Savings Account – Health Savings Accounts (HSA) is a tax savings tool available to individuals who hold High Deductible Healthcare Plans (HDHP). This plan allows you to designate and put aside pre-tax dollars to use for qualified medical expenses. Employees who enroll will enjoy a city contribution of up to $500 into their HSA account.

Coverage for Health, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings accounts starts on the first of the month following the employee’s start date.

Retirement Plan

The City of Rapid City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) is a cost-sharing, multiple employers, public employee retirement system. Members of SDRS include full-time employees of State City and County Governments and other public entities. Through this pension plan, employees contribute 6% (8% for public safety) with the City matching that contribution percentage. The vesting schedule through SDRS is 3 years. Retirement benefits are payable for the member’s lifetime.

The City also offers additional retirement options through the South Dakota Retirement System Supplemental Retirement Program. Employees are automatically enrolled and contribute to a 457 (b) at $25 monthly. This supplemental program is a great opportunity to save additional funds on top of the main SDRS account and allows contributors to save more on a pre-tax or post-tax basis.

Paid Time Off

Vacation – At the start of employment through the first four years City employees accrue vacation at the rate of 3.08 hours per pay period equaling 80.08 hours yearly. Vacation accruals increase with longevity.

Sick Leave – City Employees earn Sick Leave which is accrued at the rate of 2.16 hours per pay period, with unlimited rollover.

Short-Term Disability – City employees earn short-term disability leave at a rate of 2.16 hours per pay period with unlimited rollover. This benefit is paid at 100% of the employee’s wage at the time of usage. Restrictions apply.

Holidays – The City of Rapid City observes 11 Holidays per calendar year. City employees are eligible for paid holidays starting at the beginning of employment. Personal holidays are given to City Employees based on their union contract.

Life Insurance

The City partners with MetLife to provide a $35,000 basic life, accident, and D&D insurance policy for employees. Optional coverage for spouse and dependent(s) can be elected.

Wellsteps

Rapid City has a wellness program through Wellsteps, where they help you make small changes that will make a big difference in your life from physical fitness, to financial, and mental fitness. They cover all aspects of your life, so you can live life to its fullest! Prizes are offered on varying levels of participation.

AFLAC

The City partners with AFLAC to provide additional insurance coverage. From a traditional Cancer policy, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital, to additional Short-Term Disability and Life insurance coverages, they have what you need. The coverages are transferable and premiums can be payroll deducted.