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Transportation

Airfield Operations Specialist

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.

Annual openings

29

Median wage

$77,500

Typical education

High school (GED), though a Bachelor's degree or some post-secondary training is more usual.

Growth 2026–2032

+27%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), though a Bachelor's degree or some post-secondary training is more usual.

Credential requirement

No certification is required, but you will obtain the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Certificate soon after you are hired.

Work experience

A combination of 3 years of work experience or post-secondary education is a common requirement. Previous experience in entry-level transportation roles is valued.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Aviation

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
  2. Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
  3. Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.
  4. Train operations staff.
  5. Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
  6. Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
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