Job Description

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building and airport terminals, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Salary: The hiring salary for an Airport Traffic Officer is $25.91 an hour. The full pay range for an Airport Traffic Officer is $25.91 - $29.99 - $34.72. *In alignment with the memorandum of agreement, employees in this role will receive one general wage increase annually. This adjustment is separate from performance-based raises and is determined by the negotiated schedule.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays and accrue paid time off. Annual employer funded Lifestyle Spending Account which you can use to invest in your personal development and growth activities, parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026, applications will be reviewed after this date.

About the Job

The Landside Operations Department is seeking an energetic, service-driven professional who takes pride in creating smooth, welcoming experiences for every traveler at the San Diego International Airport. In this fast-paced, highly visible role, you’ll be at the heart of the airport’s daily rhythm, guiding passengers while supporting the safe and efficient movement of for-hire and public transportation services. More than just keeping things moving, you’ll be a friendly, knowledgeable presence for passengers, tenants, and partners alike—stepping in with solutions, directions, and a calm, can-do approach. If you thrive on helping people, enjoy dynamic environments, and are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Provide assistance, directions, and customer service to the traveling public and stakeholders; patrol, control and enforce curbside traffic, airport roadways, parking lots, passenger loading/unloading zones, and for-hire and other commercial vehicles codes and regulations; issue violation citations.
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, unattended baggage, and suspicious situations; participate in vehicle safety inspections of ground transportation vehicles.
• Assist with security breach situations and terminal emergency situation evacuation; resolve ground transportation drivers, customers, and customer service representative conflicts.
• Operate radios, cell phones, hand-held citation electronic devices, microcomputer databases to enter and retrieve data and information; perform other duties as assigned.
• Operate Authority vehicles daily to transport staff to various locations throughout the Authority campus and to respond to campus facilities for enforcement measures.

The Skills You Need

1. Communication & Interpersonal Skills:  Communicate clearly and effectively with the public, coworkers, and stakeholders using verbal and written communication. Demonstrate strong listening and comprehension skills, adapting communication style in both routine and challenging situations. Provide information and instructions in a professional, personable, and easy-to-understand manner.
2. Problem Solving:  Apply sound judgment to analyze situations, address concerns, and resolve issues effectively.
3. Collaboration & Relationship Building: Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
4. Leveraging Technology: Demonstrate experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Access. Accurately exchange and document information through written and digital platforms. Comfortable using software tools and systems to manage tasks efficiently. Capable of adapting to new technologies and optimizing their use within the organization.
5. Availability & Flexibility:  Maintain flexible availability to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

* This position follows an established rotating schedule. Applicants must be available to work assigned shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. 

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**

• Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D.;
• One year of work experience requiring the exercise of tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public;
• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience;
• Valid California Class “C” driver’s license and maintain insurability under the Authority’s Vehicle Insurance Policy

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role.

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.

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