Terminal Operations Specialist

Terminal Operations Specialist

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) is a nonprofit corporation responsible for operating McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX). With 88 years of service to the East Tennessee region, McGhee Tyson Airport plays a vital role in the national air transportation network. Centrally located within a day's drive or a short flight from major cities, our airports are key gateways for travelers and businesses alike. If you're passionate about contributing to the continued success and growth of McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island Airports, we invite you to explore this opportunity further.

The Terminal Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient flow of passengers through the airport terminal while maintaining a quality customer experience level. This position includes working in service to others, problem solving, staying busy, using computer skills, and making good judgment calls in a time-sensitive environment. It is a role where you will be able to apply your different talents every day. If you enjoy these aspects of a job, we invite you to consider this role.

The schedule for this position will be 4 / 10-hr days, to include 1-wknd day.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily inspections of the Terminal, including ticketing, baggage claim, concourse, airport Common Use systems and supplies; documents discrepancies and follow up on issues.
• Reviews advanced flight schedules and aligns resource allocations for air carriers, coordinating with airlines and ground handlers to optimize airport resources, and resolving potential gate scheduling conflicts in accordance with lease agreements and deadlines.
• Effectively communicates with various airport tenants to maintain operational continuity during irregular operations including aircraft emergencies, ramp congestion, diversions, terminal construction and severe weather.
• Troubleshoots errors and issues related to Common Use equipment, baggage handling systems, and other critical Terminal systems and equipment.
• Investigates and documents incidents related to general liabilities in the Terminal.
• Uses and administers various computer-based systems to coordinate and communicate with airfield users, tenants, federal agencies, and MKAA departments.
• Develops aircraft parking plans as it relates to remote and overnight parking, aircraft deicing operations, and support for irregular operations.
• Creates, modifies, and provides statistical reports on the utilization rates, downtime of the airport resources, and forecasting for peak travel periods.
• Monitors passenger movement and implements crowd control measures, as necessary.
• Makes time-sensitive, critical decisions with limited information in order to resolve operational conflict.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with airline support staff and fellow employees.
• Handles multiple assignments with frequent interruptions and changes of priority.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be interested in airports and able to learn quickly, or already possesses a strong understanding of airport operations. They will support airport operations, including systems and crowd control; utilize computerized airport resource and maintenance management tools / systems; apply airline / airport knowledge; and collaborate with internal teams and airline support staff to ensure smooth operations.

Minimum Qualifications

The hiring range for this position is $52,297.77 - $67,987.10 (final salary will depend on experience). MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical / dental / vision benefits, disability / life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a)-retirement program.

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, October 19, 2025. Position open until filled.

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority conducts random employee drug screening. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.