Officer, Apron Operations

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,900 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you

As a GTAA employee, you’ll have access to amazing benefits, including retirement planning, comprehensive group health benefits, employee assistance programs (EAP), paid leave, education and training, as well as recognition and rewards programs.

What you can expect from this position:

Reporting functionally to the Manager, Apron Management Unit and to the Manager Operations, Airport Flow during the shift, this position is responsible for managing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft under power and tow on GTAA controlled aprons through the use of Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, Extended Computer Display System (EXCDS), Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), Frequentis, Multi Lateration (MLAT), cameras and other electronic aids.

As an Officer, Apron Operations, you will:

• Facilitate the safe and expeditious movement of airport traffic on the aprons of Terminals One and Three, Infield Concourse (IFC), Fed Ex Apron, Infield Cargo and SSV/3 Bay Hangar Aprons
• Organize and manage movements through direct instructions to Flight Crews, aircraft under tow, helicopters and various vehicles (emergency services, maintenance, aviation safety, snow removal, etc.), as well as provide advisory information to Flight Crews and tows ensuring aircraft remain clear of one another
• Manage aircraft movement through the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system through the “Call-Ready” process and ensuring strict adherence to Target Start Up Approval Times (TSAT) when providing pushback instructions in order to maintain the safe and efficient movement of aircraft
• Compile written and electronic data, documentation of aircraft movements, stand, and other pertinent matters affecting airport operations by noting taxiing aircraft to/from apron entry/exit points, Gate Holds, No Crew, idle runs, mechanicals, cross bleeds, deicing requirements, critical flights and emergencies
• Exchange airport traffic information with the NAV Canada Control Tower in order to facilitate the safe and efficient operation of high volumes of passenger aircraft
• Relay stand information regarding operational status to the NAV Canada Control Tower using Extended Computer Display System (EXCDS) or direct “hot line” radio communication
• Exchange critical information to and from internal departments; Airport Operations Control (AOC), Resource Management Unit (RMU), Emergency Services, Aviation Safety Officers (ASO), Manager Operations, Airport Flow (MO-AF) and other GTAA Management Team, as well as various external agencies through radio or telephone communications in order to facilitate the safe and efficient operation of high volumes of large passenger aircraft
• Upon full qualification, conduct on the job training; provide instruction, guidance, assessment and feedback of the trainees’ progression
• Maintain responsibility for trainee’s actions and completing training reports and debriefings
• Provide direct instructions to expedite aircraft that have declared emergencies and the associated emergency service vehicles and other pertinent agencies in contact with the apron frequency
• Act as a Designated Shift Coordinator approximately twice per 5 shifts (day-evening rotation) and during midnight shifts
• Represent the Apron Management Unit by:
  • Maintaining situational awareness
  • Resolving issues/conflicts with internal/external agencies to maintain a safe and efficient operation
  • Updating and complete Daily Shift Reports in addition to ensuring that Occurrence Reports are completed as required
  • Participating in daily and ad hoc conference calls with GTAA management and internal/external agencies
  • Acting as the primary point of contact in situations where evacuation of the AMU may be required, assume the safe control of Apron Operations from secondary facilities as well as to ensure the safe transition of Apron Operations back to the AMU Cab
  • Performing other administration duties as required

This unionized position has an hourly wage of $50.01, based on a 37.5-hour work week. The successful candidate must be available to commence the duties of the position once a selection decision has been made. A written and computer test will be administered as part of the competitive process.

Candidates with relevant external experience must provide references with their applications in order to confirm this experience.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• A post-secondary school diploma or degree
  • Applicants with a minimum of one (1) year training completed at an accredited Air Traffic Control Training Institute with a combination of post- secondary education may be considered
  • Applicants with a certification or experience in Apron Advisory, Air Traffic Control, Flight Service Specialist, Flight Dispatch or Commercial Flying may also be considered when combined with post-secondary education
• Five (5) years of experience in airport or airline operations
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A)
• Two (2) years of experience working in a position with a component related to a Safety Management System, Safety Program or as part of a safety committee
• Experience with standard aviation radio phraseology/vocabulary inclusive of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) phonetic terminology would be a distinct asset
• The ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance

Knowledge and skills you bring, that set you up for success:

• Ability to work a 24/7 rotational shift schedule including days, afternoons, midnights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to transition between near sight and far sight while managing multiple screens during periods of low visibility, which may include inclement weather (snow, fog, rain) and limited sunlight (dusk, dawn and overnight)
• Ability to quickly transition between sitting and standing positions for visual confirmation of aircraft locations
• Ability to demonstrate clear verbal communication skills to enable specific and concise communication with aircraft
• Ability to apply training and SOPs to situations to ensure the safe and efficient movement of the aircraft
• Ability to understand and execute YYZ A-CDM procedures as they pertain to the Apron Management Unit
• Knowledge of the rules, procedures, techniques and equipment (MLAT, EXCDS, RADAR) for providing Apron and Terminal Management under all conditions
• Detailed knowledge of or the ability to learn and apply stand adjacency rules, the topography and layout of the aprons, taxiways and runways; runway taxiway combinations used by Air Traffic Control
• Ability to learn and apply the operating characteristics, dimensions, capacities and turning radius of current and future aircraft which commonly use the Aerodrome’s aprons and stands
• Knowledge of the relationships and interactions of GTAA operational departments, Nav Canada, CDF, Air Carriers and Ground Handlers
• Ability to apply aviation related communication skills; fluency in radiotelegraphy language and the ability to read and understand Flight Data Entry (FDE) and their associated abbreviations
• Ability to interact and deliver effective communication with proficiency in English and provide customer service to different partners both internally and externally with tact, diplomacy and professionalism
• Ability to demonstrate a customer service mindset geared to efficiency and improving deliverables and services provided by the unit
• Ability to interpret and apply Aerodrome Standards publications such as TP312, GTAA publications such as ERP, Complex Stand Protocol, Low Visibility Procedures, Aircraft Maintenance Run-Up Procedures, Airport Safety Program, Winter Operations Plan, Aircraft Staging and Parking Plan, GTAA ISO 14001 Environmental Policy and of other pertinent TPIA related documents such as Aeronautics Act & CARS, ICAO guidelines and standards, NOTAMS, Air Regulations, and Airport Traffic Regulations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn camera and computer applications such as EXCDS, A-CDM Tracking Grid, Microsoft Office, WebSB, Genetec Camera System, Airfield Lighting System
• Ability to apply focused and dedicated concentration due to the density of airport traffic and the use of MLAT ground radar system, NARDS radar, EXCDS, CCTV cameras etc.
• Effective written and documentation skills; to complete the Daily Shift Report, Occurrence Reports and Training Reports
• Ability to demonstrate quick and sound decision-making skills, process large amounts of information, analyze operational situations and make immediate decisions in a high stress environment
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply meteorological airport related data
• Ability to liaise with ATC, Air Carriers, GTAA Management and other agencies
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain calm and in control during emergencies, irregular operations and peak movement periods
• Ability to multi-task, be a self-starter and be able to work effectively with others, without direct and constant supervision and possess excellent interpersonal skills

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.