AVIATION SAFETY DIRECTOR-C.D.A. 2025-3

Aviation Safety Director

Job Announcement for Aviation Safety Director at Chicago Department of Aviation, Safety Division. Number of Positions : 2 (Additional Vacancies Possible Pending Budget Approval). Starting Salary : $83,052.00 Annually (BX17). This position is upgraded to BX18 (Starting Salary $89,112.00) Effective 1 / 1 / 2026. Applications for this position will be accepted until 11 : 59pm CST on 11 / 27 / 2025.

Essential Duties

Assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of safety specialists engaged in the inspection of airport construction projects to ensure adherence to established safety requirements.

Serves as liaison between local and federal governmental agencies (e.g., IDOL, OSHA, FAA) and integrates safety practices into daily work activities of city employees, private contractors, and airport tenants (e.g., airline staff, concessionaires, ground transportation companies).

Serves as a liaison, coordinates and performs site inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and CDA Constructions Safety Manual (CAS) as it relates to construction projects.

Supervises and participates in the assessment of safety hazards at airport facilities and documents findings to mitigate identified risks for employees, contractors, and airport tenants.

Develop and recommend new and modified safety policies and establish work practices to address daily operations within the airports for CDA employees.

Conducts advanced investigations occurring at the airport to assist insurance carriers in pending litigation cases and to communicate findings to legal counsel.

Conducts and facilitates training for subordinate staff and communicates new or modified safety guidelines and requirements to the department.

Advises and participates in safety committees responsible for the implementation of safety work procedures for department activities, terminal operations, and construction projects.

Research and makes recommendations for the purchase of airport safety resources including materials, equipment, and professional services.

Oversees and participates in the updating and licensing requirements of related equipment used throughout the airport (e.g., scanning and X-ray machines).

Prepare reports summarizing goals and objectives of comprehensive safety plans.

Participates in the department's Safety Management System (SMS) team and coordinates safety procedures related to emergency management and preparedness drills and exercises.

Keeps abreast of existing and new legislation to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements. Additional duties may be required for this position.

Location

O'Hare and Midway International Airports, Chicago

Days

Monday through Friday

Hours

9 : 00 a.m. 5 : 00 p.m.

This position is exempt from the career service.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Aviation Management, Public Administration or a directly related field, PLUS three (3) years of work experience in developing and managing safety programs, of which one year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, provided that the minimum degree requirement is met.

Note : The candidate selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA). Note : A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required. Note : May be on call 24 / 7 depending on operational needs.

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. Interviewed candidates possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired.