Job: Port of Bellingham Entry Level Airport Position

Posted by Reina Cooke on

The Port of Bellingham is excited to announce an opening for a motivated entry level professional to join the Bellingham International (BLI) Airport team as an Intro Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF). Do not let the job title mislead you as the duties that are required to be performed include a broad range of tasks that will ensure to keep you engaged and challenged. This unique and exciting position allows staff to remain outside of the work silos that exist at many other commercial service airports and exposes employees to the broad range of operational duties to maintain a safe and secure Part 139 airport.

The right candidate will be trained and required to perform ARFF duties, Part 139 airfield inspections, wildlife mitigation, stormwater management, security patrols and response, customer service, incident report writing, snow removal using large snow removal equipment, and other duties as needed to keep the airport operational. BLI has recruited aviation students in the past that have gone on to become leaders in the airport industry. Join the BLI team and start your rewarding and exciting career in the airport industry.

*A degree in Airport Management, Professional Aeronautics or similar field is highly desirable. 

Bellingham International Airport is a primary small-hub airport that services over 800K passengers a year with a modern 105,000-ft, 2 full service commercial terminal building, over 200 general aviation tenants, and a vibrant supportive community. Start your career off right and join the BLI team. 

Intro Airport Rescue Firefighter

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform ARFF functions in aircraft crash, fire and rescue emergencies.  Must be able to maintain ARFF and related certifications throughout employment.

 BASIC FUNCTION: 

Day to day airport activities including aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF), operational safety and security, customer service, grounds clean-up, report writing, general care taking services, and minor maintenance on Port facilities and equipment.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  1.  Perform general care taking duties throughout airport property, especially in the ARFF Station.
  2. Conduct airfield and airport facility inspections to ensure compliance with FAR Part 139 regulations; Airport Certification Manual; 14 CFR Part 77; 49 CFR 1542; Airport Security Plan; Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan; Spill Response Plan; Wildlife Hazard Management Plan; Noise Abatement Procedures; other applicable local plans, any additional local, state and other federal regulations. Record discrepancies found during inspections and take action as necessary.
  3. Identify operational, safety and security concerns. Respond to weather events and airport emergencies such as an accidents, bomb threats or hazardous spills. 
  4. Accurately report unsafe conditions (including issuance of NOTAMs and Work Orders) and policy/procedure violations.
  5. Participate in emergency exercise drills and tabletops as they relate to the Airport Emergency Plan.
  6. Work closely with regulatory officials and know appropriate procedures to follow in emergency situations.
  7. Perform security checks of Port facilities and follow prescribed procedures in accordance with CFR 49 CFR 1542 and any other applicable regulations.
  8. Provide excellent customer service and assist the general public, tenants, and Port staff by using professional and courteous verbal and written communication.
  9. Complete accurate and detailed reports or logs and take action to correct deficiencies.
  10. Perform clean-up, minor maintenance and troubleshooting of Port facilities and equipment including but not limited to buildings and grounds.
  11. Inspect and perform routine upkeep on all rolling stock (i.e. check oil and water levels, tire pressure, etc)
  12. Check aircraft for improper tie-downs and take appropriate action.
  13. Participate in the functional aspects of the access control system including system monitoring and procedures enforcement.
  14. Enforce Port and Airport Rules and Regulations and Minimum Standards.
  15. Conduct snow removal from airside and some landside areas of the airport.
  16. Maintain airfield grounds including mowing, brush and tree trimming and obstruction removal.
  17. Perform other related duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

Must be eligible for or already possess ARFF certification and must maintain the physical ability to perform ARFF duties while employed as an Airport Rescue Fire Fighter; this includes the ability to lift and move 75 pounds. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus 1-3 yrs. customer service & operations experience. Airport experience desirable. Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or related field is highly desirable. Must be able to work all shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends on a rotating schedule. Must be able to pass Movement Area Driver’s Training. Must be able to work outside and in all weather conditions. Must be able to pass a TSA Criminal History Records Check, Security Threat Assessment, and an OSHA required Fit Test for the purpose of using a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Miscellaneous Information

APPLICATION PROCESS Application materials are available at www.portofbellingham.com, or by contacting the Port of Bellingham at 1801 Roeder Avenue, Bellingham, WA. All application materials are due at 8:00 AM, Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Interested individuals must complete the standard application form. Applicants are also encouraged to submit a letter of interest and/or resume which highlights the nature and extent of relevant education/training, employment history, specific examples of job related experience. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated against the requirements of the position and the field of candidates. The top-qualifying candidates will be called for further evaluation and/or interview. The Port of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. GENERAL INFORMATION The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. The Port of Bellingham is an "At-Will" employer. Filing of Application: Carefully read the announcement bulletin on the first page (attached); note the minimum qualifications required and application instructions (e.g., resume, cover letter, supplemental application). It is to your advantage to show all relevant education and experience. An application form is required, personal resumes may be attached to the employment application but will not be considered in lieu of the application. Closing Date: Applications may be filed in person, by mail or on-line. If mailed, they must be received by the closing date shown on the announcement. Postmarks will not be accepted. All applications must be returned to the Port of Bellingham, 1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 by 8:00 a.m. on or before the closing date. Applicants with Disabilities: As provided for under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Port will provide reasonable accommodation during an examination or testing process to candidates who request assistance. To request assistance, contact the Human Resources Department at 360-676-2500. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Paid Leave: PTO and holiday provisions are provided through the collective bargaining agreement. Currently, regular Port employees receive 10 paid holidays per year. PTO accrual rates are increased at regular intervals based on length of Port service. This position is represented by IAFF - International Association of Fire Fighters Union. Retirement: Regular full time employees in this position are mandatory members of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' (LEOFF) retirement plan and are not covered under Social Security. The Port also offers a 457 deferred compensation plan for interested employees. Group Insurance: Regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents are covered by medical/dental/life & long-term disability insurance plans. Regular part time regular employees receive a partial benefit package. Premium expenses are shared by the Port and the employee. Employees are covered by the State Industrial Insurance Act. EMPLOYMENT Hours of Work: BLI operates 24/7. The normal workweek is 40 hours, consisting of three 12 hour shifts and one four hour shift. Work days vary and likely require weekends and holidays. Shifts rotate every nine weeks. Employees have opportunities to volunteer for overtime or overtime may be assigned. The Port of Bellingham is committed to a smoke free environment. Job candidates must be able to operate effectively in this work environment. Applicants who are offered employment will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence status or employment authorization, and proof of identification (photo I.D.). This requirement is the result of the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act.

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