Lead Airport Traffic Officer - Promotional

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.

At SAN, we take pride in fostering employee growth and development. This position is exclusively available to current SDCRAA employees, reflecting our commitment to internal advancement, all other applications will not be considered.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location:  The new Airport Authority Administration building and 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 the Lead Airport Traffic Officer is starting at $36.04 per hour. The full pay range for Lead Airport Traffic Officer is $36.04 to $48.54 per hour.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), 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 and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Landside Operations department is looking for a dedicated Lead Airport Traffic Officer eager to make an impact within our dynamic Airport Traffic Officer team. Reporting to the Airport Traffic Officer Supervisors, they will tackle complex scheduling with attention to detail and will bring their innovative problem-solving skills to address unforeseen challenges while maintaining compliance with airport traffic and parking regulations. The selected candidate will build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, maintain safe, efficient, and organized traffic flow, while providing an exceptional customer experience for the SAN traveler.

Essential Functions:

• Traffic & Parking Oversight: Completes and supervises movement of pedestrian and vehicle traffic around airport roadways and facilities. Ensures the enforcement of airport parking, for-hire and commer­cial vehicle operation policies and regulations. Interprets and communicates policies, procedures, and regulations. Investigates and resolves traffic and parking enforcement operation complaints.
• Safety Inspections & Incident Response: Completes and supervises for-hire and commercial vehicles safety inspections. Prepares and approves activities and incident reports. Coordinates work activities with law enforcement agencies and with internal and external stakeholders. Responds to emergency situations.
• Operational: Participates in the development and implementation of work schedule, operational budget, work standards, processes, procedures, research, analysis, plans, and specifications. Selects, approves, and purchases equipment. Monitors expenditures and controls costs. Regularly operates and drives Authority vehicles to transport Airport Traffic Officers and to conduct terminal parking structure inspections.
• Leadership & Training: Supervises, establishes, and evaluates performance and development targets. Coaches and provides feedback. Implements and promotes safety initiatives. Ensures the application of safety practices and standards to work activities. Provides on-the-job training and development assistance to assigned employees and others. Completes other duties as assigned.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

• Administrative: Participates in meetings. Develops and maintains records, logs, reports, and timecards. Audits citations and communicates resolutions. Performs related duties as assigned.
• Communication: Understand, follow, and communicate work instructions effectively verbally and in written format. Coordinate work assignments with stakeholders, internally and externally.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work such as airport tenants, customers, and the public.
• Problem Solving: Ability to critically review, solve complex problems and anticipate scenarios to address issues and solutions and respond accordingly.
• Collaboration: Develop and/or support the introduction of methods and approaches to solutions. Demonstrate learning objectives and support others to do the same. Be team-focused, involve and support team members and share recognition for work outcome.
• Adaptability: A flexible champion of change who views transitions as opportunities for learning and growth while helping others navigate uncertainty. Strong time management skills to consistently meet commitments.
• Leverage Technology: Operate a computer, develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls. Proficient in using computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Leadership: Lead by example in professionalism, safety, and customer service. Guide, motivate, and coordinate the work of Airport Traffic Officers, provide clear direction during routine operations and unplanned events, and hold yourself and others accountable to Authority standards.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D.
• Three years of traffic control experience.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

*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.