Officer, Aviation Safety Program

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, an employee assistance programs (EAP), paid leave, education and training, as well as recognition and rewards programs.

What you can expect from this position:

Reporting to the Manager, Aviation Safety Compliance & Enforcement, this position is responsible for the ongoing development, documentation, maintenance and monitoring for the various Aviation Safety programs to ensure that the activities of Aviation Safety Officers (ASOs) are undertaken in accordance with both regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This role will represent  the GTAA on behalf of the Aviation Safety team by fostering working relationships with internal and external groups and agencies to support aviation safety, security, and emergency programs.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure the development, documentation and implementation of operational processes, standard operating procedures, standard operating guidelines, training and re-current training manuals and evaluations.
• Provide procedures to support aviation safety response to (but not limited to):  Airport Emergency Plans (AEP), Airport Vehicle Operators Program (AVOP), Aircraft Recovery Plan, Incursion Prevention and Investigation Plan, Primary Security Line (PSL), Ground Operations Manual (GOM), Airside Activity Program, and the Pearson Standard.
• Ensure that operational processes, standard operating procedures, standard operating guidelines, training and re-current training manuals are developed in conjunction with Incident Management Systems, assessment of hazards and analysis of resource requirements.
• Assist ASOs in the investigation of aviation occurrences and the development of corrective action plans, while focusing on SMS/SeMS risk assessment and root cause analysis with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Participate in Threat/Hazard Impact Risk Assessments (T/HIRA) and complete Level 1 concern reviews for the various management systems under the Toronto Pearson Safety Program (TPSP) or the Safety Management Systems (SMS), Security Management Systems (SeMS).
• Identify objectives and plan ASO participation in exercises in conjunction with Operational Continuity and Emergency Management Program. Review identified opportunities for continual improvement, development and implement corrective action plans.
• Participate in working groups to assess, procure, implement and integrate new systems, programs and technologies identifying and resolving potential challenges to the ASO team while ensuring operational continuity during the training and implementation phases of rollout.
• Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to ASOs while supporting the implementation of new and revised processes, procedures, systems and technologies, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide input to the Manager regarding staff performance and solutions to mitigate and rectify any challenges.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Operating Guidelines, Job Aids, etc.
• Continual development and improvement of Aviation Safety Officer training programs to reflect changes within other programs or industry changes.
• Conduct regular assessments and quality assurance audits to ensure team compliance with established policies, procedures and programs.
• Ensure that proper time and attendance records are kept up to date, verified, and recommended for approval, ensuring compliance with the collective agreement.
• Maintain full qualification as an ASO in accordance with section training and qualification protocols to remain a subject matter expert and up-to-date on regulatory requirements of the ASO position.
• Perform or support the duties of an ASO as required during, but not limited to Major or Multiple Emergencies, Severe Weather, VIP Movements, GTAA/Toronto Pearson events, ASO training, on-shift meetings and staffing emergencies during established or agreed upon ad hoc working hours.
• Provide equipment support for all ASOs, initiating and following up on repairs for, but not limited to: fleet vehicles, radios, cell phones, computers and tablets, other aviation safety equipment, uniforms, office and locker space use.
• Provide input on request for proposals (RFPs) or, in the case of unit-owned contracts, assist in administering the contract.
• Monitor regulatory environment for potential changes and industry best practices, assess impact and develop recommendations for management consideration.
• Provide briefings to contractors, new/current external emergency responders, new/current Toronto Pearson employees (internal/external), and other external agencies upon request.  
• Participate in events that showcase Aviation Safety, as well as participate in the command structure for the safe operation of a large-scale events.
• Support the promotion of the role through ride-alongs or presentations and hosting visits of other operational airport units.
• Other duties as assigned.

This unionized position is classified at the Band 8 level, with an hourly wage of $51.51, based on a 37.5 hour work week. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete a test.

Qualifications:

• Minimum eight (8) years' combined airport operations experience, with additional airside experience being considered an asset.
• Valid "G" Ontario Driver's license.
• Previous or current qualification as an Officer, Aviation Safety (ASO) will be considered an asset.
• Able to meet and maintain all ASPO requirements and qualifications, including valid PDL, D AVOP.
• Valid AVOP with no active infractions or accumulated points, duration of time with an AVOP will be considered an asset.
• Ability to acquire a "D" AVOP license and an Aeronautical Radiotelephone Certificate within 90 days.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Aviation, Policing; Business or safety related studies will be considered an asset.
• Able to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good understanding and knowledge of: Toronto Pearson International Airport layout, Toronto Pearson Safety Program,  Internal Reporting Programs, GTAA Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Aviation Safety Management Program (SMS), Security Management Systems (SeMS), Security Incident Management Program (SIMP), Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) Program, GTAA Airside Activity Program (AAP), GTAA Ground Operations Manual (GOM), and the GTAA Aircraft Recovery Plan (ARP).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and other internal software systems used for daily operations, such as Verint, NAVCANLink (MLAT), Hexagon Computer Aided Dispatch Suite, Learning Management System (LMS), Maximo Enterprise Asset Management (RMAX), Genetec, RAPS 2.0, etc., would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of: licensing rules, regulations, and laws applicable to the airport and the Aviation Safety Program, security systems and equipment used in support of access control and monitoring functions.
• Strong understanding of Toronto Pearson operations including: Airport Operations, roles and responsibilities for Air Carriers, police/security, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), tenants, contractors and passengers as they relate to airport safety and security and the application of construction-related regulations.
• Previous experience delivering training or facilitating learning sessions, including the development and delivery of instructional materials, is considered a strong asset.
• Ability to prioritize during multi-incident situations, determine when to prioritize demand work over planned work and remain calm and in control during emergency situations.
• Ability to conduct inspections, audits and investigations and assess findings to report deficiencies.
• Ability to interpret legislation, compile, assess, and analyze information to determine the required action.
• Ability to perform in situations that are occasionally ambiguous and to make decisions expeditiously.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret and apply Safety and Security Regulations and Measures (CARs, ATRs, TP312, CASRs, ASMs), and GTAA safety and security standards and procedures.
• Strong ability to interact with peers, managers, other departments and outside organizations, with the ability to foster a positive team environment and provide advice and direction through conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to write detailed reports and create and make presentations.
• Ability to provide and accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to provide effective problem-solving skills for various types of situations and communicate them to management in a timely fashion.
• Ability to work airside and groundside on prepared and unprepared surfaces under various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift heavy items (up to 15 kilograms/33 pounds), such as duty bags, equipment, and supplies related to the ASO function and the ability to sit in a vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Must be alert, attentive, and observant to drive while performing inspections, monitoring staff, and listening to multiple radios.

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