1)Ensure safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft

2)Managing wildlife activity near airport grounds

3)Assist with aircraft with emergencies

4)Coordinate with air traffic controller,ground crew,civil engineers

5)Train staff

6)Perform mobile airfield operation

7)Plan and coordinate airfield constructions

8)Manage operations including loading,refuelling and parking of all aircraft 

9)Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft

The role of an AOS is to ensure the runways, taxiways and aprons operate safe and efficiently. By monitoring and conducting inspections, the AOS is responsible for identifying and repairing asphalt and concrete on the airfield. Additionally, the AOS uses specialized equipment and manual techniques to control debris that may interfere with aircrafts and maintains storm water draining systems, perimeter fences, road safety equipment and seaplane facilities.

Another big part of this role is administering de-icing chemicals and operating snow removal equipment during the winter months! The best part? AOS’ have a chance to use up to 82 pieces of snow removal equipment! Take a look at an example of the machine above(gif)! With over $75 million invested in equipment, YVR’s snow response fleet can clear the equivalent of Granville Street, full width and length, from the Fraser River to Burrard Inlet, in less than 15 minutes!

1)Active Listening

2)Monitoring

3)Speaking

4)Critical Thinking

5)Coordination

7)Complex Problem-Solving

8)Writing,Active learning

9)Judgment and Decision-Making

10)Systems Evaluation and Analysis

11)Time Management,Management of Personnel Resources

12)Social Perceptiveness

13)Learning Strategies

14)Service Orientation

15)Operations Monitoring

16)Negotiation

17)Persuasion

18)Operation and Control

19)Operations Analysis

The required education for being an airfield operation specialist depends upon different places but mostly the occupation needs bachelor's degree in Aviation, Safety Engineering, Business Administration, or a High school diploma.Many community colleges across Canada offer airport operations specialist courses, at varying fee rates and program time lengths. A high school diploma is a must for all applicants.Some universities offer airport operations training courses. Advancement into airport operations management positions may require the applicant to gain further qualifications.

Domestic Tuition: $13,134*
International Tuition: $27,669*
*cost estimate

According to Neuvoo.ca, the average salary for Airport Operations-related jobs is $53,976 per year or $28 per hour. Entry level positions start at $38,000 while most experienced workers make up to $76,000.

Students considering this career would be wise to check with their local colleges as to the range of salaries in the communities they wish to work in.

I feel like I'm suited well for this occupations because I like being around aircraft and working at new places every day .It's a very exciting job for sure and having the skill to communicate with people making sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible and previous experiences in life or work can give you the skills and knowledge needed to be a good airfield operations specialist. Important qualities include critical thinking and strong reasoning skills to quickly identify problems and find solutions. This is a fast-paced environment.